Introduction
We are delighted to announce the formation of Barnthorn Publishing Limited, a joint venture between Neil Thornton & Ashley Barnett.
​
The vision behind Barnthorn Publishing is to remove potential barriers for would-be authors, making authoring more accessible and reducing, if not removing, the risks involved.
​
We bring a wealth of experience and life-long passion for military history, so we expect many of our titles will be on that subject, however we are keen to publish any genre.
​
Whether you're an experienced author or a novice, we want to hear from you.
​
Neil Thornton (Co-founder)
An avid military historian and keen researcher, Neil has written a wide range of books spanning many eras. His first book was the critically acclaimed Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective which was a best-seller praised for its source analysis and original research. Since then, together with co-author Michael Denigan, he has published another book on the Anglo-Zulu War. This book, Witnesses at iSandlwana, is the largest collection of primary accounts from the battle ever to be compiled. Known for his in-depth research, Neil travelled to Kenya to live with the family of Digby Tatham Warter who is best-known for carrying an umbrella through the battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. The result was Arnhem Umbrella: Digby Tatham Warter DSO, which was also a best-seller.
​
His First World War titles include Led by Lions: MPs and Sons Who Fell in The First World War which was launched in a lavish event in Parliament, For Conspicuous Gallantry: Military Cross Holders of the First World War, and Todger - the biography of Runcorn's only recipient of the Victoria Cross. Neil was the chairman of a committee that commissioned a bronze statue of 'Todger' and he regularly holds talks to local schools and armed forces groups, doing all he can for military charities, including the Victoria Cross Trust, through donations and fundraising.
​
He is currently working on several exciting projects, including two Anglo-Zulu War books.
​
Outside of writing and publishing books, Neil has been in the chemical industry for over 20 years, and also runs a successful property development company. He is married, has two daughters, two grandchildren (and two cats!) He lives in Runcorn, Cheshire with his family.
Ashley Barnett (Co-founder)
Since playing with toy soldiers and watching war films as a child, his love of military history has continued to grow.
​
As an avid reader, Ashley had been contemplating writing his own book in the near future when Neil Thornton approached him to establish Barnthorn Publishing.
​
His love of travel has taken him to many battlefields and historic locations, notably the Falkland Islands, Kohima, Alamein, and South Africa, among others. At the time of writing, he has most recently visited the Death Railway in Thailand.
​
Ashley is Trustee, Treasurer and Projects Officer for The Secret WW2 Learning Network, an educational charity with the aim of creating greater public awareness of the contributions and experiences of the men and women who took part during the Second World War in Allied special operations, intelligence gathering and resistance.
​
Years of studying and development as an accountant have led Ashley to become a financial controller, with the next objective being to become a finance director. To do so, Ashley continues to develop his skills, currently studying a management course with the Chartered Management Institute.
The above has given Ashley the confidence to begin public speaking on military history, including at the Union Jack Club in London.
​
He currently lives in Middlesex with his partner, Rachelle, and their cockapoo, Layla.