JI
Aryan Culture
Jinamanjari
Vol. 29 · No. 01
Biography: Frank R. Mansell (1918–1979) • Known as “The Cotswold Poet”, Mansell earned this title through his celebrated collection Cotswold Ballads, first published in 1969 with a foreword by his close friend, Laurie Lee—the author of Cider with Rosie. • Birth and Family Background: Although born in London, he hailed from a longstanding farming family in the Cotswolds, with roots traced back to the 14th century. • Professional Life: He worked for many years in the engineering section of the Post Office Telephones (P.O. Telephones) and retired in 1975. • Personal Interests and Versatility: o An avid local cricketer, he played for the Sheepscombe Cricket Club. o He practiced astrology professionally at one point in his life. • Local Recognition & Legacy: o His literary prominence in the region is memorialized by a plaque at the local cricket pitch, funded by Laurie Lee. o Mansell’s work continued to resonate; for example, his poems were set to music and recorded in a 1975 LP/CD titled Cotswold Ballads by Saydisc, featuring poetry performed by Frank Mansell, Peter Tatham, and Celia Carroll, with photography by Peter Turner. • Death & Archival Collection: o Frank Mansell passed away in 1979. o His personal papers, poetry (both published and unpublished), photographs, and press cuttings are held at the Gloucestershire Archives (reference D8296, covering 1947–1979). Lifespan 1918–1979 Nickname The Cotswold Poet Main Work Cotswold Ballads (1969) Foreword by Laurie Lee Profession Engineer (P.O. Telephones), Astrology Hobbies Cricket (Sheepscombe CC), Poetry, Astrology Archival Location Gloucestershire Archives (D8296)