THE almost-forgotten story of a Victorian England religious cult in Spaxton, near Bridgwater, is being told in a new book set for release later this year.

A Very British Cult: Rogue Priests and the Abode of Love, by journalist Stuart Flinders, will be available on store shelves from November 7.

The book recounts the tale of the Agapemone, known as the ‘Abode of Love’, a cult that believed its followers could ascend directly to heaven.

It tells the story of Henry James Prince, a rogue Anglican priest and founder of the Agapemone.

He claimed to be the immortal conduit of the Holy Spirit, engaging in free love and ceremonial sex with his mostly female followers.

His death did not mark the end of the cult, as he was quickly replaced by John Hugh Smyth-Pigott, the Clapton Messiah.

The book's description reads: "What was once sleepy, rural Somerset became notorious for the followers who locked themselves away and waited for the end of the world.

“Agapemone became a synonym for idleness and the reclusive Messiah was an obsession in the papers, who sought to undermine the organisation.

"Yet the cult grew."

The book also sheds light on the people drawn to the cult, including forced marriages, swindled fortunes, women condemned to asylums, and those who escaped from the Abode.

Stuart Flinders, the author, has been a journalist for nearly four decades, with his work involving BBC News, fronting Radio 4’s You and Yours for many years, and presenting live concerts on Radio 3.

He also writes, and is the author of Cult of a Dark Hero: Nicholson of Delhi (2018).

A Guardian's Book to Look Out For in 2024, A Very British Cult: Rogue Priests and the Abode of Love is priced at £20 in hardback.