THE author of a new book shining a light on Swindon's forgotten pubs will donate the profits to support victims of domestic abuse.

John Stooke spent four years researching Last Orders while acknowledging the women who often suffered at the hands of their drunken partners.

He said: “Women were often subjected to a lot of domestic abuse by men who went to the pub after work, even in my own family, but nobody really talked about it back then.

“Everyone can remember their old favourite pub and we enjoy reminiscing about them. Everyone I spoke to about this book thought it was a great idea."

Mr Stooke wrote the book to support Swindon Women’s Aid and worked alongside Swindon Libraries’ Local Studies team to bring his research to life.

Natasha Moyles from Swindon Women’s Aid said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary of this fascinating project.

“It is a continuing challenge to raise adequate funds for the essential work we do locally. Initiatives such as John’s enable us to continue to help more victims of domestic abuse within Swindon.”

Mr Stooke traced the history of 120 pubs and beer houses from the year 1700 which have now disappeared. The launch will take place at the Regent Circus library at 11am.

Swindon’s Local Studies librarian Darryl Moody said: “This is a fantastic project which has generated a great deal of interest.

“So many people have shared their stories with John and the result is a remarkable book destined to become an invaluable resources for any Swindonian looking to understand our town’s history.”