Books in the S.E.C.R.E.T series

Secret Twickenham, Whitton, Teddington and the Hamptons explores the lesser-known history of the South West London towns of Twickenham, Whitton, Teddington and the Hamptons through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Explore the secret history of Sunderland through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Durham City is a remarkable place, a priceless historical gem and, deservedly, a World Heritage Site. Over 1,000 years Durham's great beauty and history has inspired many architectural descriptions and guides. This book follows in their footsteps but then takes a different path. Wandering through the cathedral's darkened cloisters, the city's narrow medieval streets and the river's winding pathways, Secret City of Durham is one man's view of this famed peninsula - an occasionally quirky tour through history that looks beyond the iconic architecture and behind the fascinating jumble of city buildings. The author peels back their facades to reveal the bewildering changes and on the way points out the lesser-known facts and characters associated with them. What points the way to Durham Cathedral and St Cuthbert's tomb and where can it be found? Who lived in Windy Gap? Why St Mary-the-'Less'? Secret City of Durham answers these fascinating questions and many more in a modern pilgrimage through the city.

Sheffield is the fourth largest city in England and was where the Industrial Revolution began in earnest. It is renowned for its high-quality steel and fine cutlery, for its two large universities and for having the biggest shopping centre in Europe, yet there is so much more to know about this proud South Yorkshire city. In Secret Sheffield, the authors pull back the carpet of history to reveal what lurks beneath. They delve into Sheffield's murky and mysterious past, its dark secrets and forgotten tales, introducing us to some interesting characters along the way.

Whitby is a beautiful fishing town on the North Yorkshire coast, best known for its fish and chip restaurants and its connections with the world's most famous vampire - Dracula. But, did you know that Whitby has more secrets locked away among the narrow streets and beneath the tall cliffs?Why are Easter celebrations a result of a meeting in Whitby? What Whitby innovation kept people safe at sea until the invention of radar? Who or what is buried in the mysterious grave with the skulls and crossbones? And what secrets lurk beneath the waves off its coast?In Secret Whitby you'll find the answers to these questions, and many more revelations that will surprise you and keep you guessing with every turn of the page.

Dr Philip MacDougall, local historian, takes you on a journey through the City of Chichester revealing much of its lesser-known history. Here you will find the story behind the city's nineteenth-century banking crisis, the activities of a London mob of criminals who targeted the Goodwood races, a fascinating collection of letters written during the First World War and even how local politicians once bribed potential voters with lashings of beer. Blending the serious and the not so serious and drawing heavily on primary sources, including newspapers and original documents, Secret Chichester gives a fascinating look at this city's past with images from long ago and today.

Secret Penrith goes behind the facades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known aspects of the town's fascinating past. Penrith has many secrets, and as you walk along the streets, you are walking through history. There are clear reminders of the town's past everywhere, waiting for you to stop, look and listen to their intriguing stories. Join author Andrew Graham Stables on a journey through this beautiful town and its history. You may think you know Penrith, but take another look around and you will find more than you could possibly imagine.

A new town established in the 1800s, Colwyn Bay thrived with the coming of the railway, growing over the last century into one of the largest communities in North Wales. In Secret Colwyn Bay, local author Graham Roberts takes the reader off the beaten track and into the less well-known episodes of the town's history. From tales of famous and infamous characters, strange events and hidden architectural gems, this new book will prove to be a must-have for everyone's bookshelf, appealing not only to local residents with a keen interest in the history of Colwyn Bay but also to the many visitors and holidaymakers who wish to learn more about this fascinating and historical corner of north Wales.

Secret Hastings explores the lesser-known history of the East Sussex town of Hastings through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Geneva holds well-hidden treasures that are only revealed to residents and travelers who know how to wander off the beaten track. An indispensable guide for those who think they know Geneva well or who want to discover the hidden side of the city.

Far from the crowds and the usual cliches, Naples holds many well-hidden treasures that are revealed only to local residents and travellers who know where to step off the beaten track.

Secret Ramsgate explores the lesser-known history of the Kent seaside town of Ramsgate through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Explore Dundee's secret hidden history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore Leith's secret hidden history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

A fascinating exploration of the history of the town of St Helens and the secrets which lie within its remarkable heritage.

Explore Richmond and Swaledale's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Guernsey is small - only 25 square miles - but it holds a depth of history and intrigue far greater than its size. Early prehistoric beginnings allied to a Norman French heritage and a long period of loyalty to the English Crown have produced a unique culture - a melting pot of religious, political and economic activity. The islanders' stories can be found everywhere - from the sea-swept coast and rural country lanes, to the bustle of St Peter Port, in buildings, churches and charming quaint, granite houses. Take a journey through this familiar landscape to find what lies beneath - stories of the unusual, the intriguing or the plain odd. From serial duellists to romantic poets; confusing road names to land reclamation; mysterious stones to pagan offerings, Secret Guernsey is filled with unexpected tales of island life and history, and invites you to explore the island for yourself and uncover more unfound treasures through stunning colour photographs.

Situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, at the lowest bridging point, Newcastle is generally regarded as the capital of the north-eastern region of the United Kingdom. Initially a Roman settlement, Pons Aellius, the city grew to become an important site during the expansion of the wool trade in the fourteenth century and later played an integral role in the nation's booming coal industry. Today the city hosts the Great North Run and boasts numerous icons, among which are its famous Newcastle Brown Ale and successful Premier League team, Newcastle United FC. Evidence of Newcastle's past can be seen in its streets. The city's Roman origins are represented by remaining sections of Hadrian's Wall, and its industrial heritage is evident in its quayside and warehouses. In addition to these more visually obvious fragments of the past exist little-known passages, buildings, tunnels and other secret places that reveal more of Newcastle than meets the eye. Join author Ken Hutchinson in exploring the more clandestine aspects of the city's long and varied history.

Secret Forest of Dean explores the lesser-known history of Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

The centre of Manchester is an area rich in social and cultural history. Its buildings, streets, churches and alleyways chart the journey from the rise of Victorian wealth through to today's vibrant metropolis, which is the most visited English city outside the capital. This secret trail can easily be completed in the course of a day, and aims to uncover and raise awareness of essential facts and stories surrounding the city centre. Included in this fascinating tour are the Giant's Basin in Castlefield; the site and remains of the Haienda night club; Manchester heroes like Alan Turing, Mark Addy and Richard Cobden; the political and musical heritage of the Free Trade Hall; hidden delights like the Richmond Tea Rooms; the Manchester Craft Centre; the steepest street in Manchester; and much more to enjoy and explore.

Secret Bexhill-on-Sea explores the little-known and often colourful history of the East Sussex town of Bexhill-on-Sea through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore Peebles' secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore the secret history of Ripon through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore the secret history of Frome and the surrounding area through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.