Talk: Firestarter: From Shelford hero to the gallows on Castle Hill
Firestarter: The Fiery Life and Controversial Death of John Stallon, the Shelford Arsonist is part true-crime mystery, part historical investigation. Set in the early 19th century, it is the tale of a farm worker who gains notoriety for setting multiple fires on farms in a village near to Cambridge. It is also the story of how that village determines to rid itself of a man whose actions are not only disruptive but are a distraction from the drive for ‘progress’.
Was Stallon a revolutionary or a compulsive sociopath? A wronged man or a terrorist? History can’t tell us with certainty which of these labels fits John Stallon best, but each reader can make their own judgment, based on the evidence Firestarter claws back from history’s obscure sources.
Join Fraser Grace, author of Firestarter, as he reads from his book and talks about the joys and challenges of bringing ‘undocumented lives’ from the nineteenth century into print.
About the speaker:
Fraser Grace is a freelance writer, and Senior Teaching Associate at the University of Cambridge, co-directing the Creative Writing Masters’ programme in Writing for Performance.
Best known as a playwright, his play Breakfast with Mugabe was first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company directed by Antony Sher in 2005, before being broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and The World Service. Further productions followed in the UK and the USA, and most recently at The Market Theatre, Johannesburg in July/August 2025.
His new book Firestarter is available from Galileo Publications, and can be purchased at the Museum shop.
Supporting the Museum of Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge is an independent Charity and is not part of either the Cambridge Council or the University of Cambridge. We kindly suggest a donation of £8, which includes the talk and entry to the Museum of Cambridge (usually £7 for Standard, £6 for Concession). Your donation supports the daily running and conservation care of the Museum, an independent charity.
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Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sumyin.wong@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography and Videography
Please note that this talk will be recorded for future viewing online. Please also note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish for you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.