Copsford

Walter Murray's Copsford recounts his transformative year living in a derelict cottage in Sussex, embracing nature and simplicity amidst challenges.

In the 1920s, Walter Murray sought a life away from the bustling city and rented a derelict cottage in Sussex. This remote dwelling, devoid of running water and electricity, was a far cry from comfort. With broken windows and a dark, dirty atmosphere, it posed significant challenges. Yet, for the next year, Murray transformed this neglected space into his home, earning a living by collecting, drying, and selling local herbs. His experiences in this isolated setting are chronicled in Copsford, a book that resonates with the themes present in Thoreau's Walden.

Murray's year at Copsford was marked by both hardship and discovery. Armed with little more than determination, he tackled the rat infestation and furnished the cottage with basic necessities. The companionship of a dog, gifted by a local postman, opened up new avenues of exploration in the surrounding wilderness. As he immersed himself in nature, he developed a keen awareness of the flora and fauna around him. Alongside his herbal endeavors, he occasionally engaged in journalism, which supplemented his modest income. It was during this transformative year that he met his future wife, referred to as The Music Mistress, with whom he would later establish a school.

Copsford is not merely a tale of rural simplicity; it captures the complexities of life in a challenging environment. Murray's profound connection to his surroundings is palpable throughout the narrative, revealing both the beauty and the struggles of his solitary existence. The book, originally published in the late 1940s, has received renewed attention with a new edition featuring an introduction by Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path. This edition invites readers to appreciate Murray's remarkable journey and the enduring lessons it imparts.