About
Peter Bevington
In 1971, Peter Bevington began his career as a residential social worker and teacher at the historic Quinta School in Oswestry, Shropshire. What started as a professional post soon grew into a lifelong connection that would later inspire his debut book, An Unbelievable Inheritance. Decades later, in retirement, Peter felt a deep responsibility to tell the extraordinary story of the Quinta estate — a story that spans centuries, intersects with kings, queens, and prime ministers, and continues to impact lives across the globe.
Reflecting on his decision to write the book, Peter shared: “By virtue of my history, I realised I might know more about this place than anyone else. And that gave me a responsibility — even a calling — to tell its story.”
For Peter, the Quinta wasn’t just a workplace. It was a living, breathing community full of stories — both inspiring and challenging. His book captures that history in vivid detail, ensuring it will not be forgotten.
An Unbelievable Inheritance traces the Quinta’s journey from the early 1800s to the present day. Once a 3,000-acre aristocratic estate, it was later acquired by a wealthy Manchester industrialist during the cotton trade boom. Eventually, the estate was entrusted to charitable and faith-based organisations — most notably Barnardos and, later, Operation Mobilisation (OM).
The scope of the book is staggering. “In the first few chapters alone, I mention five kings or queens and two prime ministers,” Peter explained. “One of them even has a bust in the Oval Office.”
Today, the Quinta serves as the UK headquarters of Operation Mobilisation, one of the world’s largest Christian mission organisations, with teams active in over 140 countries. The estate also operates as a 280-bed conference centre — a hub for learning, community, and global outreach.
Peter is quick to stress that An Unbelievable Inheritance is not just his story. Around 10% of the book’s content was contributed by others, and more than 30 people offered stories, documents, and memories.
“It’s not just my story,” he said. “It belongs to all the people who’ve lived or worked at the Quinta.”
That spirit of collaboration is reflected even in the book’s opening. “The first word you read is Welcome,” Peter noted. “I wanted readers to feel they were being invited into a shared journey — not just reading history, but experiencing it through real lives.”
Peter chose not to romanticise or gloss over the difficult chapters of the Quinta’s history. The book tackles sensitive periods, such as its time under Barnardos, when boys under court orders were placed there.
“There are some hard truths in those chapters,” Peter said. “There were mistakes. There was pain. But there were also stories of transformation and hope.”
This balance of realism and redemption makes the book compelling to a wide readership. It is both a work of history and a reflection on themes like resilience, community, and legacy.
Bringing An Unbelievable Inheritance to life was no small task. Peter credits the Write My Book course at PublishU for giving him the structure and encouragement he needed.
“The course was close to perfect for me,” he said. “It gave me goals, accountability, and the support of others on the same journey. Without that, I would have floundered.”
The process of writing required gathering historical documents, conducting interviews, and managing multiple contributors. The structured approach of the course proved invaluable in helping Peter stay on track.
Now that An Unbelievable Inheritance is published and available worldwide, Peter admits to feeling both excited and nervous.
“I’ve tried to do justice to so many other people’s stories — and I wonder, will they feel honoured?” he shared.
But the response so far has been encouraging. Readers in Australia and the United States have already ordered copies, proving that the story of a small corner of Shropshire resonates across borders.
For Peter, the Quinta’s story is more than local history. It is a lesson in perseverance, purpose, and the power of community.
“I hope readers walk away encouraged — and maybe even challenged,” he said. “The story of the Quinta shows what happens when people live with vision and commitment.”
Whether or not the book becomes a bestseller, Peter Bevington has achieved something significant: he has preserved a rich history that might otherwise have been forgotten. With humility and care, he has honoured the lives and legacies of those who shaped the Quinta.
For aspiring authors, Peter offers this advice: “You don’t have to be a literary genius. But you do need to care deeply, work hard, and be willing to listen — to others and to the story itself.”
An Unbelievable Inheritance is more than a history of an estate. It is a story about transformation, faith, and community. From aristocratic beginnings to a global Christian mission headquarters, the Quinta’s journey mirrors the resilience and hope found in its people.
Through his book, Peter Bevington has ensured that the legacy of the Quinta will inspire generations to come.
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