1,000 people hear Michael Palin discuss his new book at Ely Cathedral

A huge audience of about 1,000 people turned out to hear Michael Palin discuss his book at Ely Cathedral.

The actor, comedian, writer and television presenter discussed Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire on Monday (September 25) ahead of its release on Thursday (September 28).

Part biography, part history, travelogue and personal memoir, the book tells the story of Michael’s great-uncle Harry, who tragically died in the First World War at the Somme in 1916.

Michael spent hundreds of hours investigating the life of Harry, working through every bit of correspondence he could and studying all the official documents.

He tracked down the remainder Harry's diaries and letters, studied First World War battle scenes to see if he could find him in them and walked the route Harry took on the final day of his life.

The work is described as a compelling account of an ordinary man who led an extraordinary life.

Charlotte Stewart, events manager at the Toppings bookshop, which organised Monday’s event, said: “We had about 1,000 people and it was his first event for the book.”