One of Gloucester's most important, but perhaps lesser-known, figures will be discussed at a talk in November.

The life of William Ernest Henley, who most famously wrote 'Invictus' which was read every day by Nelson Mandela whilst in captivity, will be the subject of an event to mark the 175th anniversary of his birth.

The event will take place at St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street in the city centre at 7pm on Friday, November 15, and will raise funds to support the building and its activities.

St Mary de Crypt includes the Old Crypt Schoolroom, where Henley would have been educated.

The event will include a performance of an excerpt from Treasure Island performed by drama students from The Crypt School, as Henley - who lost a leg to tuberculosis - was believed to be the inspiration for the character Long John Silver.

There will also be a talk on Henley's life from another Crypt School pupil.

Tickets are just £5 and are available from here or by calling 01452 305235.

A spokesman for the Friends of St Mary de Crypt said: "Henley had a huge impact around the world, with Invictus not only being read by Nelson Mandela whilst in captivity but being quoted at different times by Winston Churchill and Barack Obama.

"It was also the inspiration for the 2009 film of the same name about South Africa winning the Rugby World Cup and, of course, Prince Harry's Invictus Games. I'm sure it will be an enjoyable evening."