Local History

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of Somerset's most precious assets shows what makes it such a popular destination.

Beautiful collection of old postcards showing the Lake District's enduring appeal over the last century and more.

This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of the region's most precious assets shows what makes Mid Wales such a popular destination.

The story of Muck as told through the eyes of Lawrence MacEwen, working farmer and much-loved laird.

A history of Stourbridge

"On the Trail of Mary Queen of Scots" traces the major events in the turbulent life of the beautiful, enigmatic queen whose romantic reign and tragic destiny exerts an undimmed fascination.

Hanwell and Southall both have surprisingly interesting historical associations. The adjoining Middlesex parishes are linked by the Uxbridge Road, formerly the Oxford Road, which was connected to London. Hanwell and Southall were both reliant on agriculture right up to the end of the Victorian period. It was during the Edwardian era, and particularly after the First World War, that Southall began to change to an industrial district - greatly facilitated by the good transport links such as the canal and railway networks. Hanwell never industrialised to the same extent as Southall, and remains far more suburban in character to this day. Hanwell is linked in the popular imagination with Charlie Chaplin, who went to school at the Central London District School. Contrasting images of the school as it was and how it now appears are shown in this book. Southall has the distinction of having the oldest manor house in Greater London - dating from the sixteenth century and restored. The Middlesex County Asylum, dating to 1831, was also in the Southall parish. The building still remains and is currently undergoing restoration. The importance of the railways and the local connection with Isambard Kingdom Brunel is dealt with, as well as the importance of the Grand Junction Canal in speeding the growth of industry in the Southall area. Hanwell amalgamated with Ealing in 1926 and Southall in 1965, but they still retain their own identities in the present day, as they did a hundred years ago.

Brighton has long been an important seaside town, and today draws in visitors from all over Britain and beyond for its varied nightlife, rich history and attractive waterfront. In 1800, Brighton had forty-one inns and taverns, and by 1860 there were well over 450, echoing the town's growth in popularity through the Regency and early Victorian eras. A recent resurgence of interest in real ale has also seen a welcome boom in micro-breweries, placing Brighton firmly on the beer-lover's map. David Muggleton takes us on a tour of these watering holes, including the long-established venerable Greyhound, elegant Regency Cricketers, high-Victorian Colonnade, elaborate mock-Tudor King & Queen and the English Renaissance revivalist Good Companions, the pub reputed to have opened on the very day that the Second World War began. Brimming with quirky tales and fascinating facts, this carefully crafted guide initiates readers into the fascinating history of Brighton's pubs.

Taking his cue from this series' title of 'Through Time', life-long Harrow resident and historian Don Walter here attempts something slightly different from the standard book of quick 'then and now' snapshots of his home-town. Calling upon his considerable treasure trove of old, occasionally rare, pictures as well as the invaluable knowledge gained in writing around a dozen local history books, he seeks - wherever possible - to show the actual development of the town from a largely agricultural community with its heart on Harrow Hill to today's sprawling London Borough. Though he leaves little doubt about his own feelings on many of the changes depicted, readers can still enjoy the undoubted pleasure of making up their own minds on whether the gains of the twenty-first century truly outweigh the losses of a more characterful, individualistic past. En route, they can also look forward to learning much that is new, surprising and entertaining about a largely unique place - one which the author is still proud to call his home.

Widnes is an industrial town within the borough of Halton, in the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England, with an urban area population of 57,663 in 2004. It is located on the northern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form Runcorn Gap. Directly to the south of Widnes across the Mersey is the town of Runcorn. Upstream and 8 miles to the east of Widnes is the town of Warrington, and downstream 16 miles to the west is the city of Liverpool. Historically part of Lancashire, prior to the Industrial Revolution Widnes consisted of a small number of separate settlements on land which was mainly marsh or moorland. In 1847 the first chemical factory was established and the town rapidly became a major centre of the chemical industry. Widnes continues to be a major manufacturer of chemicals and there has been a degree of diversification of the town's industries. Widnes lies on the southern route of the Liverpool to Manchester railway line. The Sankey Canal (now disused) terminates in an area of Widnes known as Spike Island.

The collection of images in this book portray the presence of Rolls-Royce in Crewe from the heady days just prior to the Second World War. It was decided then that a factory to manufacture desperately needed Merlin aero engines to power Spitfires and Hurricanes in the defence of these islands would be erected in the town. Images of both production and destruction chart the progress of the struggle with fascism until peace was won, allowing normal life to begin again. It was then that RR made the decision to turn the Pym's Lane factory away from armaments and concentrate all car production in the town, so the rest of the images show the many differing marques of the cars that bore the iconic RR logo along with the winged 'B' of the various Bentley models that were manufactured in south Cheshire. Many of the photographs that illustrate the production methods and machines in this volume have not been available to the general public, making it an interesting and informative read. The book closes with a long chapter concerned with the people and activities associated with the proud history of Bentley and Rolls-Royce in Crewe until the sad day when the marques divided leaving Bentley as the sole yet worthy owner of the Pym's Lane factory.

As one of the twelve founding Football League clubs in 1888/89, Everton Football Club has a long, proud history. Having played more top-flight League games than any other English team, the Toffees have won the League championship nine times - the fourth best record of any team. The first occasion was in the third season of League football, 1890/91 when the Blues became the first club from Liverpool to collect the League championship trophy from their then base, Anfield. In achieving their success, Everton knocked the winners of the first two championships, the Invincibles of Preston North End, off their throne. But how did they do it? Who were the players in this momentous season, what sort of football did they play and who did they beat?

"Tingene fortæller ..." er en ny og sjov vinkel på det at fortælle din og din families historie. Ved at fortælle de historier, der knytter sig til de ting, du er mest glad for, fortæller du samtidig en del om dig selv og måske også din familie, slægt og lokalområde. Det kan hjælpe dine nære til at lære dig, jeres familietraditionerne og slægtshistorien endnu bedre at kende. Det er af stor værdi i sig selv, men de nedskrevne historier om dine ting kan også gøre en stor forskel den dag, det er andre, som skal tage sig af dine ting. Formålet med "Tingene fortæller ..." er at opfordre, inspirere og hjælpe dig til at komme i gang med at skrive de gode historier om dine ting ned. Bogen giver dig gode råd og en lang række eksempler på "ting, der fortæller". Bogen henvender sig både til dig, som selv vil skrive og til dig, som vil hjælpe en anden. Måske er du pårørende, frivillig eller plejer.

Vil du vide alt om reformationen? Denne billedrige og unikke guidebog tager dig med rundt til de historiske, teologiske og arkæologiske spor efter reformationen. De er skjult under moderne bygninger og vejbelægning, men de findes, og det handler blot om at se godt efter, når du bevæger dig rundt i Indre København. 1500-tallet er blandt de mest dramatiske perioder i Københavns historie. Især årene fra 1520 til 1540, hvor Martin Luthers reformationstanker slog ind over hovedstaden, og hvor konger kæmpede om magten – mod hinanden og mod den katolske kirke. Det var virkelighedens 'Game of Thrones! Morten Lander Andersen er historiker og en erfaren byvandrer i Københavns mange kvarterer. I bogen her viser han rundt til bl.a. ruinerne under Vor Frue Kirke, Kong Hans Kælder og Konsistoriehuset. Selv der, hvor de fysiske spor er borte, lever fortællingen og historien stadig. Bogen præsenterer fakta og fortællinger, som du kan nyde hjemme fra lænestolen. Men den fungerer også som en praktisk guidebog til at tage med på gåtur og oplevelsesjagt i hovedstaden. Læs om halshugningen af Torben Oxe i 1517, belejringen i 1524, Grevens Fejde, hungersnød og terrorstyre, de første lutheranere, Christian 3.’s proklamation af reformationens gennemførelse på Gammeltorv i 1536 og meget mere. Morten Lander Andersen er cand.mag. i historie og religion. Han arbejder med formidling af historiske emner i København med byvandringer, foredrag og artikler, bl.a. gennem eget firma.

Tidligere vicekriminalinspektør Niels Kjøller har igen dykket dybt i politiets og egne arkiver. det er der kommet en spændende dokumentarisk bog ud af om 32 kriminalsager fra hans fødeø, Bornholm.Niels Kjøllers gennemgang af drab, falskmøntnerier, narkosmugling og meget andet starter i 1813 og slutter med en dramatisk drabssag i Rønne for få år siden.Bogen afdækker samtidig en side af det bornholmske samfund, som de færreste kender, samtidig med at den afspejler et autentisk billede af kriminalitet i Danmark, som ikke kan læses i historiebøgerne.

How much do you know about Ireland? There’s so much to learn about the Emerald Isle that even its residents don’t know. In this trivia book, you’ll learn more about Ireland’s history, pop culture, folklore, and so much more!In The Great Book of Ireland, you’ll learn: How did Ireland get its name?Why is it known as the Emerald Isle?Who was St. Patrick really?What do leprechauns and shamrocks have to do with St. Patrick’s Day?Which Irish company had a 9,000-year lease?What is Ireland’s top attraction?Which movies have been filmed in Ireland?Which famous novel may have been based on an Irish myth?Which legends did the Irish believe in?And so much more!This book is packed with trivia facts about Ireland. Some of the facts you’ll learn in this book are shocking, some are tragic, and others will leave you with goosebumps. But they’re all interesting!Whether you’re just learning about Ireland or you already think you’re an expert on the state, you’ll learn something you didn’t know in every chapter. Your history teacher will be interesting at all of your newfound knowledge.So what are you waiting for? Get started to learn more about Ireland!

How much do you know about Mexico? There’s so much to learn about America’s southern neighbor that it could fill several books and you still wouldn’t even know it all. In this trivia book, you’ll learn about Mexico’s history (ancient and modern), pop culture, geography, folklore, and so much more!In The Great Book of Mexico, you’ll learn:How did Mexico get its name?What are the origins of the Mexican flag?How did the Aztecs and Maya contribute to Mexican history?Where are Mexico’s most haunted locales?How did tequila start in Mexico and where?What are some of Mexico’s top tourist spots?What are the most popular sports in Mexico?What is Mexico’s highest peak?Where is Mexico’s lowest point?And so much more!This book is packed with trivia facts about Mexico. Some of the facts will make you scratch your head, while others will probably creep you out. There is no doubt, though, that all of the facts in this book will fascinate you.Whether you just have a passing interest in Mexico, or planning on visiting the country, or you already think you’re an expert on the state, you’ll learn something you didn’t know in every chapter. You will be able to amaze all of your friends and family with your newfound knowledge about Mexico.So what are you waiting for? Open the pages and get started learning more about Mexico!

Explore Edinburgh's hidden music heritage, plus a few of its more tuneful tall tales, with this eye-opening guide of the city's music milestones, famous gigs, infamous incidents and colourful characters.

Hans Himmerich (1681-1735) er en af dansk politihistories mest kontroversielle skikkelser. Han nåede at være i både polsk og russisk krigstjeneste, før han vendte hjem til Danmark, hvor han først blev politimester og kort derefter borgmester. Allan Mylius Thomsen fortæller historien om den handlekraftige, men grusomme politimester, der nød stor støtte fra kong Frederik IV på trods af sine usædvanligt hårdhændede metoder.Allan Mylius Thomsen (f. 1948) er dansk forfatter og byhistoriker og har udgivet en lang række bøger om Københavns historie. Oprindeligt er Allan Mylius Thomsen uddannet manuskriptforfatter fra Filmskolen, og han har siden hen lavet radio- og tv-udsendelser samt været guide på Dyrehavsbakken og på byvandringer i det historiske København.

Twickenham is chiefly known today as the home of rugby, but its heyday could be said to be in the eighteenth century when first Alexander Pope and then Horace Walpole made it their home and extolled its Arcadian setting.Captain Gray, a naval officer, acquired plots of land close to the river in Twickenham in 1718 on which he built two rows of houses, Sion Row and Montpelier Row, which survive to this day and are much admired.This book tells the story of Sion Row, which was built for Gray by a remarkable local craftsman, Edward Reeves, who had ambition to become an architect. It explains the features of the houses and how they were built. It then follows them through to the present day showing how they were used and what modifications have been made to them and, not least, how they survived.In parallel we learn of the owners and the residents, many of whom have fascinating stories to tell. They are immensely diverse, some international, some purely local, some disreputable, others pillars of respectability.Their lives are put in the context of changes in Twickenham as it evolved from out of town retreat to prosperous commuter suburb. In telling the story of these houses and people, a remarkable social history is revealed.

New Orleans jazz thrilled the world in the twenties and traveled around the world in the thirties. In the forties and fifties, the world came to New Orleans to hear authentic New Orleans jazz played by real jazz musicians. The sixties brought Preservation Hall, a musical institution that even a hurricane couldn't kill. For the last 40 years, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has been celebrating New Orleans' and Louisiana's unique culture and music.This volume contains rare photographs from the Louisiana State Museum's Jazz Collection, lovingly assembled and accompanied by captions written by award-winning author and Jazz Roots radio show host Tom Morgan. Those who love jazz will be amazed by these pictures of some of the best musicians ever to pick up an instrument. For those just beginning to learn about jazz, this 200-page volume is an excellent takeoff point to learn more about what made New Orleans jazz unique, and a source to discover musicians who can further enhance readers' listening pleasure.

Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition, popularly called the Chicago World’s Fair, or the White City, was the largest and most spectacular world’s fair ever built. The Columbian Exposition opened on May 1, 1893, and more than 21,000,000 people visited the fair during the six months it was open to the public. The White City was a seminal event in America’s history that changed the way the world viewed Chicago. Fortunately, the fair was documented in stunning photographs by commercial and amateur photographers. This volume tells the story of the fair from its construction in Jackson Park to its destruction by fire after the fair had closed. Photographs of the exhibition halls, state buildings, foreign buildings, indoor and outdoor exhibits, the attractions of the Midway, and the various ways to move about the fairgrounds give a sense of how visitors experienced this extraordinary time and place.

HISTORIC PHOTOS OF BIRMINGHAM captures the remarkable journey of this cultural city of the South, with still photography from the finest archives of city, state and private collections. Through the late 1800''s, the roaring Twenties, two World Wars and into the modern era, Birmingham has continued to grow and prosper by maintaining the strong, independent culture of its citizens. With hundreds of archival photos reproduced in stunning duotone on heavy art paper, this book is the perfect addition to any historian''s collection.

Along the bayous of south Louisiana, with its majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, open prairies teeming with wildlife, and lush primeval forest, the Chitimacha lived long before the first white settlers arrived in the Attakapas District around 1746. The newcomers would travel by oxcart and boat along waterways lined in flowering magnolias, pecan trees, and grapevines to establish new homesteads. In April 1811, a territorial act that divided Attakapas County created St. Mary Parish. Sugarcane plantations with idyllic names such as Idlewild and Shady Side were established, and timber, trapping, fishing, and agriculture prospered. Later, oil and gas with its many support industries became part of the rich heritage of south Louisiana. The first settlers endured many hardships: floods, storms, outbreaks of yellow fever, and the challenges of the Civil War. St. Mary Parish has seen its share of changes over the centuries, but the tenacity, resourcefulness, and pride of the people remain as constant and endless as the slowly flowing waters of the bayous to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Aroostook War of 1839, an oft-forgotten incident in the storied history of Canada-US relations, is a misnomer. It was an undeclared war with no real combat. Its underpinnings were a two-fold reaction to the 1793 Treaty of Paris -- which ended the American Revolutionary War but left the border between Maine (then part of Massachusetts) and British North America unsettled -- and the War of 1812, when parts of northern Maine were occupied by Britain. Concluding that a negotiated border might negatively afect their claim for the disputed territory, the Maine government set out to occupy the Aroostook River valley in early 1839. In preparation for armed conflict, British regulars, New Brunswick militia, and Maine militia were deployed in the dead of winter, laying the kindling for a third major Anglo-American conflagration. Although a truce negotiated in late March 1839 prevented the outbreak of hostilities, confrontations between the Maine volunteers and New Brunswick's warden, magistrates, and seizing officers continued. Ultimately, cooler heads prevailed and an agreement was reached, which resulted in the Ashburton-Webster Treaty of 1842. A multifaceted story of friction, greed, land grabs, and rivalry, this tale of a border dispute and near-war is an intriguing chapter in the history of Canada and the United States.

Return to Sender pairs pioneering colour photographer John Hinde's instantly recognisable iconic postcards from Ireland in the 1950s, '60s and '70s, with corresponding contemporary photographs. The side-by-side contrast of these wonderfully captured by photographer Paul Kelly, illustrates the ways Ireland's landscapes have changed over the decades