Mr. Cornwell,

I’m writing, primarily, to thank you for being the catalyst for a grand adventure!  I’m an avid fan of the ‘Sharpe’s’ series, and when I read your notes at the end of ‘Sharpe’s Fortress’, I immediately decided that I must see Gawilghur Fortress.  It took quite a number of years to make that happen, but I have just returned from visiting the fortress with my brother.  I was appalled to see that the local government has repaired (about two years ago, according to the local chap who acted as our guide) the wall breaches that made the fortress so unique.  It appears that the rubble “ramp” below the breaches was left more or less untouched, so it was still possible to scramble up toward the wall, and imagine the herculean task that faced Colonel Kenny and his troops.

I’ve read ‘Sharpe’s Fortress’ enough times that I almost felt like I had been there before, but to walk through the series of gates leading into the Inner Fortress generated emotions that I cannot adequately capture.  The narrow passage that faced Kenny after the 90 degree left turn was the most…poignant, I suppose?  I cannot fathom the courage required to enter that space in the circumstances in which they did, and I actually felt a little chill as I stood at the gate where Colonel Kenny fell.

There is a grave in the Inner Fortress, near the remains of a church or temple, that our guide suggested is the final resting place of Colonel Kenny.  We saw the very large cannon, and marveled at the extent to which the approaches to the fortress were commanded from that location.

All in, we spent a couple of hours at the fortress, and the visit was absolutely everything I had hoped it would be.  Despite being in our ’50s, this was the first trip that my brother and I have taken together, and that aspect of the trip was great as well.  Thanks very much for the ‘Sharpe’s’ books, and thank you again for inspiring a trip that will remain one of the highlights of my life!

Best regards,

Jason