Andy Gabriel-Powell

Andy Gabriel-Powell was born in Wimbledon, London. in 1959. He was Mayor of Bideford in 2009/2010 and during that time worked with James May on an episode of his 'Toy Stories' series. He was also primarily responsible for saving an ancient woodland from developers, and for an unsuccessful campaign to save the former manor house of Sir Richard Grenville, one of Queen Elizabeth's Privateers and cousin of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake.

Following several years research, his book: 'Richard Grenville and the lost colony of Roanoke' was published in 2016. It has been recognised as the current authoritative work on the story and led to several appearances as a historical expert on the History Channel.

After the sudden death of his beloved second wife, he emigrated to America and took up a position in the wine trade, while continuing to write in his spare time; publishing 'Looking for Sea Turtles' a very personal, yet humorous account of his relationship with his late wife. This was followed by a guidebook to buying and serving wine (exclusively for the American market.)

Following a credible threat on his life, he returned to the UK in 2024 where he published his compelling memoir of life in America, entitled 'Only in America' a highly regarded work professionally reviewed as 'Bryson-esque'.

His ambition is to walk the Camino de Santiago, following the original Celtic trail to Cap Finisterre accompanied by the ashes of his late wife; thus, completing a promise made during their tragically short marriage.