Books published by Amberley Publishing

Documenting the wide variety of traffic on the busy section of the Eastleigh and Southampton railways.

With previously unpublished images documenting the variety of wagons on railways in the Peak District.

An accessible history of Lichfield from prehistory to the present day highlighting the city's significant events and people.

A fascinating collection of previously unpublished photographs exploring the history of Glasgow iconic EMUs.

A wonderful photographic record, with many previously unpublished images, of the nation's rail scene.

Explore Wiltshire's military heritage, from Roman times to the present day, in this illustrated guide.

Explore these rare and previously unpublished photographs showcasing the city's bus scene since deregulation.

An engaging celebration of Kent's culinary heritage, its county delicacies, producers and food-themed events.

A spine-chilling collection of stories of hauntings, apparitions and paranormal activity from Northumberland.

A story of chivalry and vanity, loyalty and betrayal. The most brilliant servant of the royal Stuarts was betrayed by them.

With a wealth of illustrations, John Evans tells the story of Rochdale Canal's history and its revival.

Looking at the famous operator, Stagecoach South West, with previously unpublished images documenting the company's buses.

This photographic survey of the bus scene in Reading in the decade 2010-2019 will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of road transport in this area.

Beginning with an overview of the age of Dickens, Professor Jeremy Black guides the reader through the biography and writings of the great man to show how his work not only expressed his experience of Victorian England, but also defined it, for his contemporaries and for generations to come. In some ways for us, Victorian England simply is Dickens' England. Professor Black considers London as the centre of all but also examines Dickens' effect on concepts of gender and social structure. Then there is government - from the Circumlocution Office to Britain as the supreme imperial power. There is also a valuable account of Dickens' relationship with America. Dickens describes a culture - popular, middle and lite - and at the same time creates one. It takes a historian of Professor Black's standing to differentiate between the two and show how they inter-react.

In 1976 a Jersey-based air taxi operator purchased two elderly Dakota aircraft for cargo charters as Air Atlantique. Thus began the saga of an airline that would eventually operate one of the largest fleets of Dakotas in the world, acquire four-engined vintage propliners, diversify into passenger charters and pleasure flying and oil-spill response work, and take over the lease on its Coventry Airport base. From here a fleet of historic aircraft sallied forth to participate in air shows around the UK. The impending retirement of the airline's founder Mike Collett brought about changes, but the freight charters and pleasure flying continued until new regulations brought passenger flying in the Dakotas to an end. Undaunted, Air Atlantique went on to open an aviation museum and visitor centre at Coventry. This is the story of a unique and much-loved British airline.

Following the deregulation of bus services in 1986, West Yorkshire became flooded by small independent operators, some of whom survived while others were swallowed up by larger companies. Only a small handful remain today. The wide variety of liveries and vehicle types will bring memories flooding back, and the wealth of previously unpublished photographs give this book a wide appeal.

The towns and villages west of Birmingham, around Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Wallsall, became known as the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution due to the intense industrialisation of the area, particularly coal mining and ironworking. The towns soon became one continuously built-up area, which developed its own distinctive character. Secret Black Country explores the lesser-known episodes and characters in the history of the area through the years, from Dudley Castle and royal connections with Lady Jane Grey and Queen Elizabeth I, visits by Charles I and Charles II in the English Civil War and visits by the future Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson to Himley Hall, which became a Red Cross hospital for patients with severe facial injuries during the Second World War, to the evidence of Charlie Chaplin's birthplace on Black Patch Park in Smethwick. Entries include the massive cavern beneath Dudley Zoo used for storage during the Second World War, the stories behind the gruesome nineteenth-century robbery and murder that caused Fir Tree Hill to be renamed and the tragic death of Dorothy Beaumont, wife of the Deputy Commander of Dudley Castle, while under siege in the Civil War, who is said to still haunt the ruins. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will reveal the hidden heritage of this historic area.

Great Railway Journeys: London to Oxford and London to Cambridge is the fourth in Roger Mason's Great Railway Journeys series. It is a fascinating record of things that can be seen from trains running from London to the two great university cities. The London to Oxford line includes Brunel's wonderful bridge over the Thames at Maidenhead and the Didcot Railway Centre, which is a living museum of the Great Western Railway. Included here is the story of how the author of a world famous book left the manuscript in a caf at Reading Station. He had not kept a copy so he went home and wrote it again. The London to Cambridge line includes Mountfitchet Castle, a fabulous copy of the one that stood on the site shortly after the reign of William the Conqueror. There is also the Eleanor Cross at Waltham Cross, erected by Edward I in the 1290s as a tribute to his late wife, Eleanor of Castile.

When the expansion of the RAF began in 1934, Air Commodore Tedder observed that the established order of school training not only failed to produce operational competence, but left so much to be done by the operational squadrons that they could only attain passable military efficiency after an uphill struggle. He proposed to raise the standards of school instruction so that pilots would leave the facility as operationally competent pilots, although it would mean lengthening the period of instruction as well as revising the syllabus. It was against this somewhat sorry background of training and logistical problems, as well as having the clouds of war firmly visible on the horizon, that the decision was taken to form a new RAF Training Command on 1 May 1936; an organisation derived from the ashes of the former RAF Inland Area. This book will tell the story - in words and pictures - of RAF Training Command from 1 May 1936 until it was separated into Flying Training Command and Technical Training Command on 27 May 1940. Both commands were then transferred into the newly re-established RAF Training Command on 1 June 1968, until it was then absorbed into RAF Support Command on 13 June 1977.

Sussex is a fascinating county, saturated with history, legends and mysteries. Everywhere there are remains of these stories: a curious relic preserved in a church, an unusual grave outside, some ruinous building down the road, or a bizarre artefact in the local museum. Author Christopher Horlock has been travelling around Sussex for many years, photographing these remains and researching the stories behind them. Myths, legends and folklore further enrich the tales and reveal the mindset of Sussex people of the past. Ruins, Remains and Relics: Sussex delves into the unusual, the offbeat and the decidedly quirky, ranging from a ruined castle to a simple, single spoon. This fascinating exploration of the history, legends and stories of Sussex will interest all those who know the county well in addition to those who wish to know more about its history.

Launched in 2001, the second generation Mini, produced by BMW, was an instant success. Based on a design brief that stated that it could only be a Mini, the new car remained faithful to its heritage while offering numerous benefits, including increased size, engine power and performance. It also set new standards in refinement. In this readable book motoring expert James Taylor takes a multi-perspective look at the BMW Mini to give the reader a complete view of the many aspects of design, development, engineering and marketing that went into producing a highly successful range of new models under the Mini brand. The book explores how BMW has always been careful to retain the heritage of the original Mini and its variants as it continued to introduce subtle but significant changes to the three-door hatch while expanding its range of models to include the SUV Countryman and the Paceman. The book also covers the introduction of new engines and fuel options, including hydrogen and electric. Designed by an American for a German motor company but largely still built in Oxford, England, this is a complete picture of one of the world's most successful cars.

St Helens has a proud history of innovation, industrialisation, invention and entertainment. It started life as four townships, Eccleston, Parr, Sutton and Windle, but with the birth of the Industrial Revolution it became a centre for industries such as glassmaking, coal mining and copper smelting. By the time it became a municipal borough in 1868, it was the cradle of the world's transport system. The first navigable waterway in the country, the Sankey Canal, opened in 1757, while the world's first passenger railway, the Liverpool to Manchester line, opened in 1830. However, it was not all work and no play as many entertainment greats such as Charlie Chaplin, George Formby, Vesta Tilly and the Beatles all appeared here. St Helens also has its fair share of Oscar winners, claiming three to date. In A-Z of St Helens local author Sue Gerrard reveals the history behind St Helens, its streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with the town. Alongside the famous historical connections, she includes some unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Readers will discover tales of alleged witchcraft, St Helens' connection with the Nuremberg trials and the town's glassmaking heritage among many other fascinating facts. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Merseyside town.

No fewer than sixteen pre-grouping companies were represented within Cumbria's borders, seven of these in Carlisle alone. To the east of the mountains are the great Anglo-Scottish lines of the London and North Western and the Midland. Venturing across the Pennines were the transversal routes of the North Eastern Railway, from Newcastle to Carlisle, and Darlington to Tebay and Penrith. The Cumbrian coast presents a completely different picture. Here the multiple competing companies were concerned principally with the transport of coal and mineral ores to serve the huge industrial complexes to the west and south. The two principal coastal lines were the Maryport and Carlisle in the north and the Furness in the west and south. In the Whitehaven/Workington hinterland there was a number of other railways, all concerned with mineral extraction and transport. Lines penetrating the interior of the Lake District were the Coniston, Lakeside and Windermere branches and the Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Railway that crossed the Lake District from west to east. In the north were the Caledonian with its main line to Carlisle and the short-lived Solway Junction Railway, and the North British with the Waverley, Port Carlisle, and Silloth lines. The Glasgow and South Western also ran trains into Glasgow. The history, development, and in some cases closure of each of these lines is described in turn, illustrated with a selection of photographs from different periods in their history.

The Fens of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire (and a small part of Suffolk) are breathtakingly beautiful but misunderstood by some. This book will explore some of the secrets of the Fens that visitors and locals would be fascinated to learn. This unique landscape is rich in rare species, unusual traditions, 'Fentastic' festivals and hidden heritage. This book will help you unlock some of these secrets, including forgotten royalty, how people worked on the Fen lands, how the waterways were used and how flooding is managed today. Some of its many hidden treasures can be found in architecture, archaeology and stunning landscapes. Many of the facts in this book will prove that while the Fens may be flat, they are definitely not boring. Author Karen Merrison has unearthed singular events, little-known personalities and places in the history of the Fens to reveal the stories beneath the surface of the area. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Fens will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this area of eastern England.

To most people InterCity means the network of trains linking the UK with London, but there is a far more interesting and often overlooked network that avoided London: Cross-country. The North East-South West route of British Rail linked Newcastle with Plymouth and Cardiff via Birmingham; added to this were the Manchester and Liverpool services that headed for the south coast and the odd train that crossed from one route to the other. Birmingham New Street was the hub for all of these services, with the exception of some services from East Anglia and the East Midlands. Over the years the North East-South West route became cross-country and extended its range well into Scotland. This book illustrates the diverse range of starting points and destinations used. Photos are mainly from the 1970s and 1980s, plus a few from the 1990s prior to privatisation and more standardisation than BR could ever have hoped for.

Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since the Middle Ages. As a gateway to the country, over the centuries Southampton has welcomed people from all over the world, as well as being an important embarkation point, most famously for the Mayflower and Titanic, the former evidence of its Nonconformist tradition. The town grew rapidly following the building of the docks in the nineteenth century and the development of the shipbuilding industry, particularly with companies such as Thornycroft and Harland & Wolff and the aviation industry as the birthplace of the Spitfire but its importance in the Second World War, including its naval base, meant that it became a target for aerial bombardment and much of the city was destroyed. In subsequent decades the city was rebuilt and today has been redeveloped as a commercial and financial centre, but retaining its many green spaces, and proud of its traditions and the many famous names associated with the city over the years. Building on the author's previous titles Secret Southampton and A-Z of Southampton, Celebrating Southampton chronicles the proud heritage of Southampton, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southampton's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The North East is a region of great geographic, economic and social contrasts. Peter Tucker presents a fascinating photographic survey of the region's current bus and coach scene. From the urban streets of Billingham, Blyth, Darlington, Philadelphia and Newcastle to the gentler areas of Belford, Edmondsley, Norton and Ryhope, plus everything in between, Peter Tucker has produced a valuable photographic record of the modern bus scene. Featuring Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach, plus various independent operators including Borders Buses, Scarlet Band and Weardale, full coverage is given to County Durham, Northumberland, Teesside and Tyne and Wear. This book will be of immense interest to bus enthusiasts and those with an interest in the North East.

A quick look at today's map of the county of Leicestershire and it's easy to see that its county town, Leicester, sits at an important railway crossroads. With London to the south and the East Midlands cities of Derby and Nottingham to the north, the line linking St Pancras and Sheffield is crossed in Leicester by one of England's most important east-west link lines. This link provides passenger rail journey opportunities to and from Birmingham to the west and the cities of Peterborough and Cambridge to the east. In addition, it is playing an increasingly important role as a freight route to and from East Anglia, including connecting the UK's largest container port at Felixstowe with a number of terminals across the country. The line between Leicester and Burton on Trent may have lost its passenger service, but it remains an important access route to the quarries in the area around Coalville. The county's railways may have been drastically pruned by the Beeching Axe, but they still have a wide variety of traffic on offer. In this book John Jackson looks at the variety of traffic at work on the county's main lines. The story is completed by a glance at today's roll of Brush's workshops in Loughborough and loco servicing and stabling facility now occupying the former depot at Leicester itself.

The Lancashire town of Bolton has a rich heritage, much of which is derived from its former cotton industry. During the Industrial Revolution it grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest textile manufacturing centres in the world; however, by the 1980s the town's pre-eminent industry had come to an end. In A-Z of Bolton local author David Burnham focuses on the town's history and seeks to provide a link between its past and present. He highlights notable people, places and events across the centuries. Among famous characters, such as Nat Lofthouse, Peter Kay and Fred Dibnah, he features those who have been forgotten including Henry Ashworth, the Quaker model mill owner, martyred priest George Marsh and experimenter in mesmerism Dr Joseph Haddock. There is a mix of well-known and obscure history included. The author looks at the 1651 execution of James Stanley (7th Earl of Derby) and the 1946 Burnden Park disaster. Then there are more recent events, including the first street demonstration anywhere in the world against Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses. Illustrated throughout, this engaging and informative book will appeal to local residents and all those interested in the town's heritage.