One of UK literature’s biggest - biggest in the sense that he stands at a imposing six foot five inches tall and has a huge bushy beard - authors visited Castle Rushen last week as part of the Manx Litfest, to give a talk about his series of historical fiction books.

Phillip Ardagh gave an engaging and funny, informal presentation based around his ’Secret Diary’ series of books, written in conjunction with the National Trust, which use story telling to teach children about certain historical periods.

He held the talk, about the life of John Drawbridge, in the presence room at the castle, and used the settings to illustrate many of the scenarios to an audience of around 30 children.

He said he couldn’t think of a better setting for this talk than Castle Rushen.

’To do an event about castles and medieval times, not only in an amazing castle like this one, and it is incredible to see one so well preserved, but especially in a throne room like this is just brilliant,’ said Phillip.

’You can smell the wood smoke from the kitchens next door, the room is full of candles and the atmosphere is great.

’It is just amazing. I think it really adds a whole extra sensorial dimension to doing an event like this.’

Phillip also gave talks and presentations to schools and took part in other discussions as part of the week-long literary festival.