Mervyn Lawrence Peake (1911-1968). Peake was best known as a novelist. He was the author of 'Titus Groan', 'Gormanghast' and 'Titus Alone'. He was also a recognised artist, showing a talent for illustrating and etching. After 1945 he became an accredited war artist. Peake lived on this site in 'Woodcroft' between 1922-32 and 1952-62