Herbert Ernest Bates, better known as H. E. Bates, was an English writer, known for his gritty realistic short stories and novels set in the early to mid 20th century of England mainly. He was from the countryside and adored flowers and gardening, so much of his writing is informed by this. The semi-autobiographical "Love for Lydia" has detailed descriptions of nature in winter, and of the big grounds of Aspen Hall where he meets Lydia. His best-known works include Love for Lydia, Fair Stood the Wind for France,The Darling Buds of May, as well as My Uncle Silas. Many of his short stories were turned into tv series by British television in the 1970s.

Rushden is a town and civil parish in North Northamptonshire, England, around 18 miles (29 km) east of Northampton. The parish is on the border with Bedfordshire, 12 miles (19 km) north of Bedford.