author
An Anglican clergyman and historical novelist, he drew on a deep interest in the past to write an adventure set around the Napoleonic-era prison camp at Norman Cross. His work blends vivid storytelling with the careful, place-rooted feel of a writer who knew English parish life well.
Arthur Brown (1826–1903) was a British clergyman and author. A record from the At the Circulating Library project says he was born in London on February 23, 1826, studied at Cambridge, and was later ordained. He served in several church posts, including as vicar of Dilham with Honing and later rector of Catfield in Norfolk.
He is best known in this library for The French Prisoners of Norman Cross: A Tale. The title page of the 1895 edition identifies him as “Rev. Arthur Brown, Rector of Catfield, Norfolk,” and the novel shows his interest in history through its focus on French prisoners of war in England during the Napoleonic period.
Other catalog records link him with the earlier historical tale Wetherden Hall, suggesting that historical fiction was a recurring part of his writing life. While surviving biographical details are limited, the available sources portray a Victorian parish priest who also turned to fiction to bring overlooked corners of English history to life.