In 1963 Dr Beeching’s infamous report signalled the end for over 15,000 miles of track, a third of Britain’s stations, and for 70,000 jobs, as well as making irrevocable changes to the way of life of many consumers. Much misery was caused and Beeching’s name was muddied, but in hindsight the report probably did more than any other single factor to preserve the nation’s railway heritage. Without the Beeching cuts, much of the locomotives, stock, tracks, signals and signs would have crumbled, been forgotten or rotted. However, the gentle railway gradients lend themselves perfectly to walkways and cycle paths; buildings have been refurbished; memorabilia now commands prices at auction which would astonish those who painted the metal. And of course, the heritage lines continue to draw many thousands of visitors each year. After the initial shock of the cuts, this fresh appraisal considers these benefits and more, which may not have come about without the Beeching Report.
A look at the history of crimes along Great Britain’s canal network, from the author of The Origins of English Pub Names. Throughout our islands’ history, we find tales of thieves, smugglers, thugs, and murderers. Books have been written retelling tales of bandits, footpads, highwaymen, et al, attacking the lone traveler, the horseman, the coachman, shipping line, locomotive engineer, lorry or van driver, and even pilot. Yet for almost two centuries, the majority of goods have travelled on Britain’s famed canal network. This also attracted felons of all kinds, and yet these many tales had been ignored, until now. Within these pages, all manner of crimes are covered. From murders to muggings, parental problems to pilfering, arson, assault, smugglers, counterfeiters, and even road rage (albeit canal-style). But it is not all morbid and misery. Humor also plays a significant part in these tales. Why would a hungry man steal the inedible? Follow the policeman on foot chasing down a thief on board the narrowboat. Discover what really does lie beneath the waters of the canal. Learn canal etiquette, the hardships, the kindness, and the cruelty. From an author whose fascination with etymology has produced many books on origins of place names, leading to an interest in the historical modes of travel across our islands, this book is the latest to follow old routes and those found along them.
Have you ever wondered how England's pubs got their names? How did some of the more weird and wonderful ones come into being? What is the history behind such names as Blink Bonny, Bucket of Blood, Lamorna Wink and My Father's Moustache? England's pubs have always been at the heart of the community they serve and their names are instantly recognisable, even when taken out of context. Coming almost from a language of their own, these names all have an origin and a meaning, with such diverse beginnings as heraldic imagery, religion, advertising, location, wildlife, humour and persons of note. Origins of English Pub Names features some of the most obscure names, alongside one or two well-known favourites such as the Red Lion and the Dukes Head, and is a must-have for all those interested in learning a little of the history behind their local. This fascinating book will appeal to historians and etymologists everywhere and, indeed, anyone who has enjoyed a lazy afternoon in a pub and, perhaps, contemplated the origin of its name.
Paranormal Northamptonshire contains almost a hundred narratives; they will delight the ghost hunters and the spiritualists, make the sceptical think again, and send chills up and down every spine.
From its earliest beginnings through to the last days of the Second World War, Staffordshire's county town has seen more than its fair share of gore. Its history is filled with blood, disease, pestilence, poison, dismemberment, decapitation, suicides and hauntings. Featuring life – and death – at Stafford Gaol, the sanguineous siege of the castle and many other tragic true tales from history, you'll never see it in the same way again!
Local author Anthony Poulton-Smith takes the reader on a fascinating A—Z tour of the haunted places of the Black Country. Contained within the pages of this book are strange tales of spectral sightings, active poltergeists and restless spirits appearing in streets, inns, churches, estates, public buildings and private homes across the area. They include the ghost of a murdered woman in Dudley's Station Hotel cellar, the tragic lovers of Cradley Heath's Haden Estate, Walsall's notorious Hand of Glory and Coseley's enormous black dog forecasting death. This new collection of stories, a product of both historical accounts and numerous interviews conducted with local witnesses, is sure to appeal to all those intrigued by the Black Country's haunted heritage.
A look at the history of crimes along Great Britain’s canal network, from the author of The Origins of English Pub Names. Throughout our islands’ history, we find tales of thieves, smugglers, thugs, and murderers. Books have been written retelling tales of bandits, footpads, highwaymen, et al, attacking the lone traveler, the horseman, the coachman, shipping line, locomotive engineer, lorry or van driver, and even pilot. Yet for almost two centuries, the majority of goods have travelled on Britain’s famed canal network. This also attracted felons of all kinds, and yet these many tales had been ignored, until now. Within these pages, all manner of crimes are covered. From murders to muggings, parental problems to pilfering, arson, assault, smugglers, counterfeiters, and even road rage (albeit canal-style). But it is not all morbid and misery. Humor also plays a significant part in these tales. Why would a hungry man steal the inedible? Follow the policeman on foot chasing down a thief on board the narrowboat. Discover what really does lie beneath the waters of the canal. Learn canal etiquette, the hardships, the kindness, and the cruelty. From an author whose fascination with etymology has produced many books on origins of place names, leading to an interest in the historical modes of travel across our islands, this book is the latest to follow old routes and those found along them.
Have you ever wondered how England's pubs got their names? How did some of the more weird and wonderful ones come into being? What is the history behind such names as Blink Bonny, Bucket of Blood, Lamorna Wink and My Father's Moustache? England's pubs have always been at the heart of the community they serve and their names are instantly recognisable, even when taken out of context. Coming almost from a language of their own, these names all have an origin and a meaning, with such diverse beginnings as heraldic imagery, religion, advertising, location, wildlife, humour and persons of note. Origins of English Pub Names features some of the most obscure names, alongside one or two well-known favourites such as the Red Lion and the Dukes Head, and is a must-have for all those interested in learning a little of the history behind their local. This fascinating book will appeal to historians and etymologists everywhere and, indeed, anyone who has enjoyed a lazy afternoon in a pub and, perhaps, contemplated the origin of its name.
This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Solihull and the surrounding areas have changed and developed over the last century
Anthony Poulton-Smith takes the reader on a fascinating A–Z tour of the haunted hotspots of Worcestershire. Contained within the pages of this book are strange tales of spectral sightings, active poltergeists, and restless spirits appearing in streets, inns, churches, estates, public buildings, and private homes across the area. They include tales from Worcester, Bewdley, Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Tenbury Wells, and Stourport-on-Severn. This new collection of stories, a product of both historical accounts and numerous interviews conducted with local witnesses, is sure to appeal to all those intrigued by Worcestershire’s haunted heritage.
Anthony Poulton-Smith takes the reader on a fascinating A-Z tour of the haunted hotspots of Worcestershire. Contained within the pages of this book are strange tales of spectral sightings, active poltergeists and restless spirits appearing in streets, inns, churches, estates, public buildings and private homes across the area. They include tales from Worcester, Bewdley, Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Tenbury Wells and Stourport-on-Severn. This new collection of stories, a product of both historical accounts and numerous interviews conducted with local witnesses, is sure to appeal to all those intrigued by Worcestershire's haunted heritage.
Ever wondered why our towns and villages are named as they are? Who named them and why? Within these pages author Anthony Poulton-Smith examines the origins of the place names with which we are otherwise so familiar. Towns, villages, districts, hills, streams, woods, farms, fields, streets and even pubs are examined and explained. Some of the definitions give a glimpse of life in the earlier days of the settlement, and for the author there is nothing more satisfying than finding a name which gives such a snapshot. The definitions are supported by anecdotal evidence, bring to life the individuals and events which have influenced the places and the way these names have developed. This is not simply a dictionary but a history and will prove invaluable not only for those who live and work in the county but also visitors and tourists, historians and former inhabitants, indeed anyone with an interest in Cambridgeshire.
In 1963 Dr Beeching's infamous report signalled the end for over 15,000 miles of track, a third of Britain's stations, and for 70,000 jobs, as well as making irrevocable changes to the way of life of many consumers. Much misery was caused and Beeching's name was muddied, but in hindsight the report probably did more than any other single factor to preserve the nation's railway heritage. Without the Beeching cuts, much of the locomotives, stock, tracks, signals and signs would have crumbled, been forgotten or rotted. However, the gentle railway gradients lend themselves perfectly to walkways and cycle paths; buildings have been refurbished; memorabilia now commands prices at auction which would astonish those who painted the metal. And of course, the heritage lines continue to draw many thousands of visitors each year. After the initial shock of the cuts, this fresh appraisal considers these benefits and more, which may not have come about without the Beeching Report.
The definitions are supported by anecdotal evidence and show what has influenced the way the names have developed. Ever wondered why our towns and villages are named as they are? Who named them and why? Was there really a look-out point at Warningcamp? Di
Ever wondered why our towns and villages are named as they are? Who named them and why? Which place has a name meaning 'the landing place of the dwellers in the town'. Was Rat Farm really infested by rodents? Where is there a pub known by a number not a n
The three towns of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay form the area of the Devon coast known as the English Riviera, due to the sandy beaches, mild climate and host of leisure attractions. However, all three towns have their own, unique heritage. The market town of Paignton is characterised by its Saxon origins. Its ancient church and the traditional town green, along with the beautiful beach, make for the epitome of the English family holiday. Brixham is the home of the famous Brixham Trawlers and the tourist attraction replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship the Golden Hind. Torquay is different again. With its large harbour, thriving nightlife and balmy climate, it is easy to see why it became a fashionable Victorian resort. This collection of delightful photographs explores how the towns of Torbay developed to represent the best of the British seaside tradition.
From its earliest beginnings through to the last days of the Second World War, Staffordshire’s county town has seen more than its fair share of gore. Its history is filled with blood, disease, pestilence, poison, dismemberment, decapitation, suicides and hauntings. Featuring life – and death – at Stafford Gaol, the sanguineous siege of the castle and many other tragic true tales from history, you’ll never see it in the same way again!
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.