Charles Birmingham's New Helmsley Bench in Normandy
Posted on May 29, 2025
When you think of Normandy, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the haunting memories of World War II, a time when this beautiful region was a battleground. From the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, to the fierce fighting that followed, Normandy played a pivotal role in the liberation of Europe. But today, we’re not just diving into history; we’re also exploring a unique blend of past and present through the eyes of novelist Charles Birmingham.
The Historical Backdrop
During the Second World War, Normandy was under German occupation, and the town of Dieppe became infamous for the failed Dieppe Raid. Fast forward to June 6, 1944, when the Allies—comprising Britain, the United States, and Canada—launched Operation Overlord. This monumental operation saw about 12,000 planes dropping paratroopers before dawn, paving the way for nearly 160,000 Allied soldiers to storm the beaches in around 7,000 ships and landing craft.
As the sun set on June 6, British soldiers from the 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment took control of the heights at Arromanches-les-Bains after intense fighting. The next day, they pushed forward, liberating Tracy-sur-Mer and reaching Manvieux by mid-morning. The German defenders, realising the futility of their position, retreated, leaving many prisoners behind. By 11 o’clock, the British had successfully captured Manvieux, marking a significant victory in the campaign.
Meet Charles Birmingham
Now, let’s shift gears and meet Charles Birmingham. This talented novelist splits his time between the sunny coasts of Southern California and the historic shores of Normandy, just a stone's throw from the D-Day beaches. A lover of historical fiction, Charles draws inspiration from authors like M.M. Kaye and Bernard Cornwell. His debut novel, “Bocage,” delves into the themes of personal sacrifice and the brutal realities of war, set against the backdrop of the Normandy breakout.
Recently, we had the pleasure of collaborating with Charles to create a special piece for his home in Manvieux—a Helmsley bench. This charming two-seater bench comes with a built-in coffee table, perfect for enjoying a quiet moment in the garden. Although we had previously discontinued the Helmsley as part of our core range, its popularity has surged in recent years, and it has reclaimed its spot as a favourite.
Charles envisioned this bench as a centrepiece in his Cider orchard, enhancing the beauty of his English garden. The Helmsley bench is not just a piece of furniture; it’s a delightful blend of comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. Its sturdy yet attractive design makes it an ideal focal point for any garden, inviting relaxation and refreshment.
In Production!
Here’s a sneak peek at the journey of Charles’s bench through various stages of production in our workshop before it takes it's own personal journey across the English Channel.
Click on the pictures to enlarge
The Helmsley Companion Seat
What makes it special? Well, the Helmsley bench has a great design with flat arms. You can even customise the top rail to match your style! Want to make it extra personal? You can add an inscription!
This beauty is super versatile, fitting right in whether you've got a cosy wooden deck, a sprawling garden, or even a public space like a woodland or riverside area.
It's a truly superb piece, built with the quality that Woodcraft UK is known for. So, if you're looking for a comfy and stylish spot to relax, the Helmsley bench is a fantastic choice!
Completing the journey across the channel
Charles was kind enough to send us a few pictures once the bench had completed it's journey across the English channel. And here it is, beautifully installed in Charles’s Cider Circle, ready to welcome friends and family for moments of joy and reflection.
Click on the pictures to enlarge
We think it looks great in the cider orchard and we hope that he enjoys it for years to come. So much so we hope he sends us a bottle of cider when his next batch is ready. 😉
Charles also sent us a wonderful compliment:
Mike:
Thanks for the note.
Here
are a few pics of the bench. It is located in a formal English garden
we are refurbishing in an area we call the Cider Circle where we have 13
cider apple trees that are actually used to produce cider. I have also
included a perspective of the overall garden from the bench itself.
The bench looks great. Thank you.
Charlie
In a world where history and craftsmanship intertwine, Charles Birmingham’s novel and his newly installed Helmsley bench remind us of the beauty that can emerge from the past. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of fine design, there’s something truly special about this blend of legacy and artistry. What do you think? Would you like to know more about Charles's novel Bocage? Then click the link below for this book:
and Charles's follow up book:
Die Bäckerei By Charles Birmingham
Finally if you would like to know more about our Helmsley Companion seat then take a look at our new Pinterest page dedicated to all the companion seats, love seats and Jack and Jill benches in all of their forms:
Loveseats | Companion Seats | Jack & Jill Benches at Pinterest
or take a look at our dedicated Helmsley Bench page right here on our website.
