The Stroudwater and Thames and Severn Canals From Old Photographs Volume 1
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The scenic beauty of the canals' route through the Golden Valley provided professionals and amateur photographers of the 1870-1930 period with a plethora of subjects. Therefore, the commercial and pleasure aspects of the stretch from Eastington to Cirencester have been well recorded. As much of the two canals, especially the Thames & Severn, has been destroyed, this collection endeavours to show how they appeared and were used before closure. However, this pictorial record is not devoted solely to the two canals themselves. The feeder systems are also shown. Thus, views of Severn ports where cargoes were loaded for shipment along the canals and the links with the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal, together with the Upper Thames reaches around Lechlade, are included.
The Stroudwater and Thames and Severn Canals From Old Photographs Volume 2
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Since the development of photography in the middle of the last century, the picture of our past provided by the written chronicle, the museum artefact or by failing memory has been augmented by the most vivid and immediate relic of former times, the photograph. Authenticating even as it describes, the photograph is of its time in a way that other representations of the past are not. This photographic journey recalls the final years in the life of the two canals, now being restored by the Cotswold Canals Trust, which once linked England's two longest rivers. With the current interest in reviving former railways and the reclamation of their towpaths as quiet refuges from the mayhem of modern living, there is an undeniable fascination in comparing the lively scene to which the camera has in the past been witness to the present. The Stroud and Golden Valleys were traditionally centres of industry and population, the canals in part responsible for their continued prosperity after changing technologies largely relocated the cloth industry to the north of England, and during the heyday of the picture postcard the wharves and locks were still busy places. Comprising the work of both professionals and gifted amateurs, this enchanting collection follows volume one. It will delight and surprise all those who know the canals today, and fascinate anyone with an interest in our industrial heritage.
Penryn From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The town of Penryn stands in a sheltered position at the head of the Penryn river that flows to Falmouth. Over the centuries the settlement grew and became an important shipping port for Cornwall's tin and granite industries, so much so that it became known as the Granite Port. Retaining much of its historic past, including many buildings dating back to the Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian periods, the area has been designated as an important conservation area. In Penryn From Old Photographs, local author Ernie Warmington reveals Penryn's fascinating past through these carefully selected, rare old photographs, which illustrate how the residents lived and interacted with their surroundings, in one of Cornwall's oldest market towns.
Highgate From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The London suburb of Highgate is still noted for its beautiful eighteenth- and nineteenth century architecture, its real village atmosphere, its old pubs and pretty residential areas. The nearby Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Waterlow Park make this a green and pleasant place to live, work or visit in the capital, with fantastic views across the city. However, as late as 1900, Highgate was a village at the edge of London and, until 1876, the site of a toll gate, hence the village's name. It is famous for Highgate School, founded in 1565, and for its tenuous connections with the highwayman Dick Turpin. Coleridge spent his last years in Highgate recovering from his opium addiction, and the village is also home to Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of figures ranging from Karl Marx, Christina Rossetti and Douglas Adams to a brother of Abraham Lincoln's assassin! Join Michael Hammerson in exploring the past life of this historic village and some of its colourful residents through old photographs, many of which are previously unpublished.
North Shields From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
North Shields is a town on the north bank of the River Tyne in North East England. This fascinating selection of old photographs shows a time when Saville Street brimmed with shoppers, the Fish Quay bloomed with boats and fishermen, and there was a busy nightlife, with theatre buffs and pubs on every street corner. The life and times of the people of North Shields are portrayed in this selection of photographs, giving the reader a glimpse of how life once was, and it is the people that once lived in this area that this book is dedicated to. As the pages are turned, the reader will step back in time as they travel around the streets, homes and haunts of many in North Shields.
The Stroudwater and Thames and Severn Canals From Old Photographs Volume 3
Part of the From Old Photographs series
This volume completes a trilogy of albums dedicated to capturing as much as possible of the evidence from historic photographs of two famous canals which together linked the rivers Severn and Thames. Today this route, now in part under active restoration, is known as the Cotswold Canals, a snappy modern name for the historic Stroudwater Navigation, opened in 1779, and the Thames & Severn Canal through which the first boat passed ten years later. Gathering over 800 images together in three volumes has been a long-term labour of love, which began with the first two volumes in 1988 and 1993. Since reprinted by Amberley Publishing in 2010, they attracted a positive response so that this third volume has been compiled to complete the trilogy and make as much material as possible available to the reader. Together they represent a substantial archive of local canal photographs. As with its companion volumes, this edition is presented in the traditional way for these canals, working eastwards from Severn to Thames, historically the way much of its commercial traffic also passed. New material hitherto unpublished has been added, so that the reader can get a real feel of the old line of the canals, through the delights of the Gloucestershire landscape in general and the Cotswolds in particular.
Wallasey From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The County Borough of Wallasey, on the Wirral Penninsula, is famous as a seaside town. From the mid-nineteenth century, James Atherton's 'New Brighton' became a popular leisure resort, with visitors arriving on every ferry. It was adorned by magnificent structures such as the tower and ballroom, pier and promenades. The tower itself, tallest in the country and 100 feet higher than that at Blackpool, once visible all over Merseyside, has now vanished, along with the ballroom and the hoards of visitors who used to flock here. This book provides a valuable record of the physical and social history of the County Borough of Wallasey, documented from a selection of over 200 fascinating old photographs showing the changing face of the borough over the past century and a half.
Kendal & Around From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
In its early years Kendal was well known for wool and cloth making, hence the motto on the town coat of arms 'Pannus Mihi Panis', which translates as 'Wool Is My Bread'. The first indication of a coat of arms for the town was seen on John Speed's map of 1614, which includes what is believed to be the first design in the top right corner; it must have been very well accepted by everyone at the time because it is almost identical to what we have today. In the entrance to the Carnegie library, opened in 1909, can be found the town's coat of arms inlaid with mosaic tiles; it is interesting to note that these arms are not a true likeness of those which are normally seen. In Kendal & Around From Old Photographs, Norman Holloway takes the reader on a visual journey throughout Kendal and the nearby area. Taking in many historical parts of the town, he has brought them to life with around 250 carefully selected and rare old photographs.
Birkenhead From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Birkenhead From Old Photographs offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Birkenhead, providing the reader with a visual representation of the town's intriguing and chequered history. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of over 200 photographs, Ian Collard presents the reader with an insight into Birkenhead's past and present life. Although views of thriving High Streets, vanished buildings and well-known houses are included, the emphasis throughout is on the people who were born, or settled, here. Browsing through the photographs in this charming book some readers will be taken on a trip down memory lane while others will find themselves on a voyage of discovery.
Dinas Powys St Andrews Major & Michaelston-Le-Pit From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Dinas Powys and the area around it have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, and we can still see the remains of a Romano-British homestead, a hill fort and a Norman castle. St Andrews and Michaelston-le-Pit grew up around ancient churches, still in use. For centuries Dinas Powys was the administrative centre of a lordship that extended from the River Thaw to the Taff. With political changes, Dinas Powys sank into obscurity with farming as the chief occupation. This changed with the coming of the railway in 1888 and Dinas Powys began to grow, with new industries and an increasing population. The local school became the meeting place for the clubs and societies which proliferated. Today Dinas Powys is the major settlement, though St Andrews and Michaelston-le-Pit retain their identity. This is now the dormitory area for those who commute to Cardiff, Penarth and Barry and since the end of the Second World War housing estates have spread over the farmland. Enough of the old villages remain, however, for most of the scenes in this book to be recognised. Over the years the close community life bred some remarkable characters, captured on camera by local photographers. These photographs and the accompanying commentary will evoke happy memories for those who, like the author, were brought up in Dinas Powys but they will also appeal to newcomers and visitors, who have felt the fascination of the area.
Plymouth From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
This fascinating collection of over 200 archive photographs and postcards - many not seen before - illustrates the history of Plymouth from the late 1800s to the early 1950s, including the early days of horse-drawn trams and early automobiles through to the blitz of 1941 and the reconstruction of the city in 1947. Never short of entertainment, Plymouth has been visited by a wealth of celebrities including Laurel and Hardy, Harry Houdini, Buffalo Bill and Lillie Langtry. Some older residents of the city will have heard tales of Houdini's jump in chains from Ha'penny Bridge at Stonehouse and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the early 1900s. There are also nostalgic glimpses of the city's grand old theatres and of Plymouth Hoe, its former pier, and the many shows that took place there. Others will remember the summer dances, roller skating and Sunday concerts given by the Royal Marines Band. Plymouth has seen vast changes over the years and this book features many images of a pre-war Plymouth now long gone. Detailed and informative, this book is sure to bring back memories to be enjoyed by all who know and love this city.
Weymouth From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
As a popular seaside town and resort on the South Coast, Weymouth is loved by locals and visitors alike for its rich and varied history. The town was particularly favoured by the Georgians, who popularised the seaside holiday and contributed a wealth of architecture to the town. Weymouth's prominent fishing industry and proximity to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, add to its unique appeal. In more recent years, the town has played host to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a variety of other sports tournaments and championships. For a number of reasons, Weymouth is foremost in the minds of many. Join Weymouth-born Eddie Prowse for a tour around the town and the surrounding areas, from its inns and breweries to the harbour and heritage sites. Carefully selected by the author from his twenty-five-year-old collection of postcards, prints and photographs, each image offers a fascinating record of the town and its people captured by early photographers who took to the streets in the endeavour to document the town in all its glory.
Ecclesfield, Chapeltown & High Green From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Now part of an almost continuous suburban built-up area on the northern fringes of the City of Sheffield, Ecclesfield, Chapeltown and High Green were for centuries three distinct communities. Although surrounded by fields and woodland, they were for much of the last two centuries not rural communities but centres of industry. Coal mining, ironstone mining, iron making, nail making, file making, engineering and chemicals production (Izal disinfectant) were all important. The communities also have a rich cultural and social heritage including hospital parades, local carols and hand-bell ringing. This selection of around 180 fascinating photographs from the thousands of photographs in the collection of the Chapeltown and High Green Archive provides a comprehensive visual history of the three settlements. The photographs and informative captions will be of interest to long-established residents and relative newcomers alike.
Lee-on-the-Solent From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Pictorial books such as this dedicated to the past are not only invaluable to local historians, but also of interest to anyone wishing to know more about the history of the place they live or work in, for old photographs can provide fascinating insight and a tool to compare past and present. The Hampshire town of Lee-on-the-Solent is perfect for such comparisons, for although it has only been in existence under 130 years as a coastal settlement, in that time it has lost so much: a pier, railway, swimming pool,unique entertainment complex, and a large naval base and airfield. Well-known local author Ron Brown has compiled over 230 photographs, many not previously published, to provide a nostalgic reminder of the Lee that has passed.
Haworth, Oxenhope & Stanbury From Old Photographs Volume 2
Trade & Industry
Part of the From Old Photographs series
In this second volume of Haworth photographs carefully selected by local historian Steven Wood, the focus has shifted to trade and industry. These two companion volumes provide a comprehensive view of this Pennine settlement, and cover most aspects of the township. Many of these photographs have not been published before, and offer a unique and fascinating view of the area's history. Many are familiar with Haworth and its long association with the Brontes, but it was actually one of three villages that made up the township. These pages are full of the people, places and trades that lived here in the past, and is essential reading for anyone who knows and loves this popular and treasured part of Yorkshire.
Bilston, Bradley and Ladymoor From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
While the roots of our history in the places mentioned here lie mainly in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, we feel more content with our recent tangible past, especially through the magic of photographs, where we can identify old streets, houses, workplaces, schoolrooms, faces of old friends, our parents, grandparents and scenes that have been hidden away in the dark corners of our minds. We hope that somewhere within these pages there is something of a surprise for everyone, for no book is complete without this element. Most of the things we knew not so long ago have now disappeared - pit blanks, slag heaps, chimney stacks, crowds going to and from work, a time when horses and carts and bicycles ruled the highways. Times may have been hard for so little gain, and pleasures were simple - a visit to the cinema, a weekend dance, the tinkling of a pub piano, the beauty of a perambulating church anniversary - this is what these pages are all about ...nostalgia.
Kirkby & District From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Kirkby-in-Ashfield, as Gerald Lee comments in his introduction, is steeped in history. For centuries this area was agricultural, but in the latter half of the nineteenth century it was transformed by mining. With the advent of the collieries came the railways, and prosperity and population began to increase. These photographs, many of which have not been published before, build up a vivid visual impression of life in the Kirkby area from the 1850s onwards. The authors have created a fascinating record of changing costume and custom, transport and trading, sport and entertainment, as well as streets and buildings. Kirkby & District From Old Photographs, originally published in 1995, will evoke nostalgic memories for many, and will give pleasure to everyone who knows this part of Nottingham.
Around Conwy From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Around Conwy From Old Photographs offers a captivating glimpse into the history of this area, providing the reader with a visual representation of Conwy's intriguing and chequered history. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, Mike Hitches presents the reader with an insight into the history and life of this town. Around Conwy From Old Photographs provides something for everyone, whether they have lived in the area all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this beautiful town or the north Welsh coast. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever changing society.
Around Stafford From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The photographs in this fascinating selection document the changes which overtook the county town of Staffordshire in the century following the discovery of photography. They evoke a time before the advent of the motor car, when the pace of life was so much slower and cattle were still traded in Gaolgate Street, and cover a broad social spectrum, from the lord in his country seat to the labourer in his humble cottage. As well as very early images of Stafford, the selection includes views of the villages in a district bounded by Gnosall, Dunston, Milford, Salt and Great Bridgeford. The importance of the church in everyday life, not least as the focus for social activity, becomes obvious, the regular outing being a major event in most communities. Pleasures on the whole are simpler and include train rides to Milford, a visit to the fair, picnics or fishing. The daily round, in factories or on the land, is remembered, and a series of delightful shop fronts suggests that not all change has been for the better. The photographs, taken from public and private collections, have been chosen for their rarity, many never having been printed before. For those who remember they will be a source of much nostalgic pleasure; they will help everyone recapture a forgotten past.
Old Maidstone's Public Houses From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
When John Leland, King Henry VIII's antiquary, visited Maidstone in the sixteenth century, he commented that the town was 'full of inns', but if he could have returned three centuries later he would have seen many more. This book provides an illustrated background of some of the breweries, the old established hostelries and the later public houses and beerhouses of Victorian Maidstone. A list of the recorded drinking houses of 1882 is included at the back of the book for reference. The information relating to Maidstone's public houses, as recorded by earlier generations, is sometimes confusing or contradictory. Join Irene Hales as she takes us on a visual journey through these ancient streets.
Llantrisant From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
From its imposing vantage point high on the ridge of a hill, the town of Llantrisant has seen many changes in its long history. Bloodthirsty battles, uprisings, royal scandals and world-famous events have all played a part in shaping the vibrant town of today, as have the generations of people who have lived and worked there. This fascinating collection of old images explores the history of Llantrisant. With accompanying text, the reader is taken on a journey through the town, exploring the streets and lanes, houses, schools, churches and workplaces. We meet many of the local, sometimes eccentric, characters along the way, learning about everyday life, culture and the traditions that have made this town a jewel in the crown of South Wales. Royal charters, victorious archers, captured kings, Norman invasions and Lord Mayors of London all form part of the town's historic charm. Llantrisant From Old Photographs offers a nostalgic and valuable record of the past, and for newcomers it will provide an understanding of how the community has evolved and why the place is so well loved by residents and visitors alike.
Nottingham From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The City of Nottingham as we know it today began life as an Anglo-Saxon settlement. By the late nineteenth century, Nottingham had developed into a thriving city. Through photographs, documents and other images, Nottingham From Old Photographs reflects the change from the early settlement of Tigguo Cobauc (a place of cave dwellings) to one of the leading cities in England. Most of the photographs and research within these pages have come from the collection of the late Paul Nix of the Nottingham Hidden History Team (NHHT). The work of the NHHT exceeds well over forty years. Combined with the author's own collection and never-before-published documents, images and photographs from the Paul Nix Collection, we see a new side to Nottingham, an ever-changing city.
Dawlish & Teignmouth From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Since the development of photography in the middle of nineteenth century, the picture of our pasts provided by the written chronicle, the museum artefact or by failing memory has been augmented by the most vivid and immediate relic of former times, the photograph. Authenticating even as it describes, the photograph is of its time in a way that other representations of the past are not. This photographic portrait of a period at once familiar and remote illustrates the heyday of the English Riviera - when one of the country's most scenic railways brought visitors by the thousand for sun, sea and sand - in two of its most popular towns. United by the sea and having some of Devon's finest countryside as their common backdrop, each town retains the distinctive character acquired when these pictures were taken: Dawlish quieter, and proud possessor of a stately air that not even Torquay or Sidmouth can match: Teignmouth a bustling port. Comprising the work of both professional and gifted amateurs, this fascinating selection draws on a number of private collections and features largely unpublished material. For those who can still remember, it offers a trip down memory lane; for others, and for the area's numerous visitors, a voyage of discovery and surprise.
Essex at War From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Essex is populated with defensive structures that have gone some way to combating the threat of invasion. From the remains of ancient castles through to Napoleonic Martello towers, nineteenth-century forts and Second World War defences, the perilous history of Essex can be seen in all corners of the county. Remains of what were once large military barracks can now mainly only be found hidden among more modern constructions. Many of the military structures of Essex are mentioned and illustrated in Essex at War. From ancient prints of thriving military settlements to the modern photographs of unused and often derelict buildings, this book will appeal to anyone interested in the history of the county.
Rochester, Strood & the Hoo Peninsula From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Rochester, Strood & the Hoo Peninsula From Old Photographs examines a diverse and fascinating area. Rochester, with its medieval castle and cathedral, Tudor buildings and Dickensian associations is a busy and vibrant tourist destination. Across the bridge from the ancient city, but far less well known is the town of Strood. Originally a medieval fishing village, which played host to Knights Templar travelling to the Crusades, it evolved over the centuries into a Victorian industrial and commercial hub. To the north of Strood, extending eastwards to the Thames Estuary is the Hoo Peninsula. Its marshes and isolated villages led the area to be denigrated by travellers who stumbled across it. Brian Joyce and Sophie Miller explore the entire area from Rochester to the Isle of Grain, using a unique collection of photographs, prints and postcards. In doing so, they have at last done justice to parts of Kent that have been neglected by historians for so long.
Colwyn Bay at War From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Colwyn Bay lies in a wonderful spot on the sunny coast of North Wales. The Ministry of Food relocated to Colwyn Bay in 1939 following the outbreak of the Second World War. It is little known just how important the work undertaken at Colwyn Bay would be to the survival of Britain during some of her darkest days. From their base on the Welsh Coast, the relocated civil servants not only set about the enormous task of organising the distribution and rationing of food, they also initiated a massive propaganda effort directed at the people of Great Britain to educate them to feed themselves. It was from Colwyn Bay that initiatives such as 'Dig for Victory' were set out. Colwyn Bay at War is an essential record of the extremely important part played by this small town on the coast of Northern Wales during the Second World War. Without it, the people of Britain may well have starved.
Birmingham Sports & Recreation From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
As the nineteenth century progressed, shorter working weeks brought more leisure time and improved opportunities to promote and take part in sport and entertainment. By 1900 two professional football teams had become established in the league, Edgbaston had become the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and ball games such as rugby, hockey, netball and tennis flourished. Birchfield Harriers regularly showed a clean pair of heels to clubs near and far. Gymnastics and swimming also became very popular. During the first three decades of the twentieth century music halls, theatres and the cinema attracted impressive numbers of patrons. All of these enjoyable activities are described in this book with over 200 photographs, postcards and other wonderful memorabilia. Coronations are also featured and the week-long city-wide pageant in 1938. Look out for the small boy who surely put the 'imp' into 'impudence'!
Around Minehead From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The evocative pictures in the collection are almost entirely the work of one photographer, Alfred Vowles. Born in 1882, he worked exclusively in and around West Somerset before retiring in 1954. Because he undertook many private commissions, most of Vowles's photographs have never been published before. Although centred on Minehead, this book also contains memorable photographs of Selworthy, Dunster, Porlock, and Exmoor villages, together with attractive scenic views, people at work and play, events and architectural studies. Around Minehead will give pleasure to everyone who loves this area, resident and visitor alike, and will evoke memories for many.
Plymouth at War From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
During the Second World War, Plymouth suffered some of the worst Blitz damage in the country. Bustling streets such as Bedford Street, George Street and Old Town Street were totally destroyed, while popular stores including Dingles, Pophams, Boots and Woolworths were reduced to rubble. Casualties were high, yet the people of Plymouth kept their spirits up with concerts and regular dances held on the Hoe. On a visit to the city, Winston Churchill congratulated the local people by stating, 'Your homes are low but your hearts are high!' Illustrated with over 220 archive photographs and documents, Plymouth at War offers a unique record of the wartime history of Plymouth. This volume documents aspects of everyday life during this time, from the destruction of homes by enemy bombing and air-raid casualties, to the trials of rationing and evacuation and recalls the people who lived in and defended the city during those dangerous years.
Trafford Park From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
This is the story of Trafford Park in vintage photographs, once the largest industrialised area in Britain and the workshop of Greater Manchester. The industrial zone known as Trafford Park, between the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal, began life as an extensive area of parkland surrounding the stately home of the de Trafford family. Finding themselves completely hemmed in by waterways after the establishment of the Manchester Ship Canal, the de Traffords vacated the land, opening up the whole area for industrial development. Gradually the whole area was covered with factories and the ancillary roads and railway lines, as the advantages of the transport links impressed themselves on developers and businessmen.Trafford Park became the largest industrialised area in Great Britain, drawing in a labour force from all over the country. Housing was built in the Park itself to meet the accommodation needs of the incoming workers and their families, and the expansion of nearby towns like Stretford owed much to the proximity of factories and jobs. After a decline in the late sixties and early seventies, Trafford Park is once again a vast centre of industry and business. Ask anyone in the Greater Manchester area about Trafford Park, and they will either have worked there themselves, or know someone who did. It features a wonderful selection of over 200 vintage photographs. It is written by two expert local historians.
South Shields From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Although it's not the biggest town in the world, a lot has taken place in South Shields. It is also a town of contrasts. It has proved to be popular tourist destination while also being a home for many smokestack industries. It's a town that has had almost everything except an airport. South Shields From Old Photographs contains many previously unpublished images by John and Joyce Carlson and draws on an eclectic collection of photographs and other materials to illustrate some of its broad and diverse history and provide a 'something for everyone' look at the town's life and history.
Lacock From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Lacock is an historic village in Wiltshire largely owned by the National Trust. The perfectly preserved village is popular with visitors and it and the nearby Lacock Abbey have also been used for many film shoots, not least Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and BBC productions of Pride and Prejudice and Cranford. The medieval Lacock Abbey was home to the photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot, and today houses a museum to his photography. In Lacock From Old Photographs author Chris Breach draws on his extensive collection of historical photographs of Lacock and the surrounding area to present a remarkable pictorial record of the history of the village and the community over the last century. This fascinating collection of images will be of interest to all those who live in the Lacock area or know it well, as well as the many visitors to the village.
Eastbourne From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Eastbourne, situated close to the eastern end of the South Downs, near the famous Beachey Head cliff, is a bustling seaside resort. Originally comprising of a group of nineteenth-century settlements, the once subdued areas of farmland banded together to become a vibrant resort steeped in Victorian architecture. As a hotspot for those travelling from London and Brighton, the history of the town and the people who once lived there stretches out of Eastbourne itself and into these commuter towns. Suffering a variety of damages in both World Wars, Eastbourne has seen many changes take place over the years. One thing that has remained is the large coverage of the South Downs that dominate Eastbourne, and the pier and bandstand, built between 1866 and 1872, that stand firmly on the seafront in a 'timeless manner'. The area's rich seaside history provides all with a truly fascinating story. Within the pages of this book, Eastbourne expert Roy Douglas charts the town's history through a unique selection of old photographs, prints and postcards to show what life was like for Eastbourne's past residents, and to highlight the celebrations and the struggles that this picturesque, bustling town has witnessed.
Ryedale From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
This outstanding collection of nearly 250 images complements the author's previous book on Pickering in this series. This time he has widened his scope to include the whole district of Ryedale, from Helmsley and beyond in the west to Ebberston in the east, and from Malton in the south to Rosedale Fylingdales in the north. Once again, the majority of the photographs come from the enormous number taken by Sydney Smith in the fi rst half of the twentieth century. Smith was renowned for the meticulous preparation on his subjects, sometimes requiring the 'human interest' to perform the same task several times or hold a heavy burden for many minutes! Smith's photographs are complemented by further images from other local photographers. Every aspect of life in bygone Ryedale is covered here, including long-forgotten village scenes, agriculture, blacksmiths, traders, farmers and others at work and the leisure activities of a gentler age. The two world wars have a chapter devoted to them, as do the various local forms of transport. The book ends with a look at some of the more extreme weather to have hit the area, from snowdrifts to floods and June hailstorms.
Around Burnham From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Around Burnham From Old Photographs offers a captivating glimpse into the history of this area, providing the reader with a visual representation of Burnham's lively and charming history. This fascinating collection of photography includes the villages of Cippenham, Britwell, East Burnham and Farnham, the beeches, Taplow and Dorney. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, Daphne Chevous presents the reader with an insight into the history and life of this town. Although views of thriving High Streets, vanished buildings and wellA ]known houses such as Dropmore, Cliveden, Hitcham, Taplow and Dorney are included, the emphasis throughout is on the people who were born, or settled, here. For those who can still remember Around Burngham From Old Photographs offers a trip down memory lane; for others this charming book will be a voyage of discovery.
Dartmoor From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The history of Dartmoor extends to several centuries BC, with surviving prehistoric remains dating back to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, and the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in Britain. It has been a hunting ground for the Kings of Wessex, a royal forest, and home to farmers in ancient and medieval times, and a source of tin, iron and granite. In the twenty first century it has a resident population of about 33,000, including those in the towns of Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Moretonhampstead, Princetown and Yelverton. Some areas have provided a training ground for the army, and in 1951 it was officially designated a National Park. Its legends abound, with tales of headless horsemen, pixies, a large black dog, a mysterious pack of hounds, and a visit said to have been made by the devil to Widecombe in 1638 during a fierce thunderstorm. It has also provided a home and inspiration to writers including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and John Galsworthy. These photographs span the era from the late nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century, chosen to show the diversity of the landscape, the towns and villages, and the different uses made of Dartmoor as a source of local employment and industry, as well as a haven for wildlife and recreation, and above all the beauty and spirit of the area.
Old Birmingham Shops From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
During the nineteenth century, Britain had experienced impressive industrial growth, which enabled the country to become a major world power. This expansion brought economic improvement and a wide variety of imports which fuelled demand for a better quality of goods and higher quantities of shops at home in the British Isles. During the earlier years of the last century, many shops were to be found in Birmingham, by now a major industrial centre. The shopkeepers of Birmingham catered for their customers in whatever way they could. Indeed, the diversity of things sold in these shops ranged from foodstuffs,such as bread and milk, to cycling equipment and pet food. A marvellous, wide ranging view of shops in Birmingham, highly illustrated with over 100 fascinating postcards, Old Birmingham Shops from Old Photographs will not only appeal to lovers of shopping, but also to local historians. Many of the postcards that appear in the book feature the numerous types of products sold, a significant number from the period 1900 - 14, a time known as 'the golden age of postcards'. Advertising their wares became highly important for shopkeepers, a development which is seen on a worldwide scale today, and these adverts throw some light on the social conditions of the time, including accelerating change.
Blackburn From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Old photographs allow us to relive the past a little and this excellent collection of more than 200 photographs of Blackburn will bring back memories for many. The author has chosen the earliest images of the town for the book from his own extensive collection of old picture postcards and used a selection of press photographs borrowed from the photo-archives of Wally and Howard Talbot to provide some very evocative images of Blackburn in the 1950s and '60s. Through these pages the reader has the opportunity to see again the old Blackburn, its industry, schools, churches, theatres and people, at work and play, and, perhaps most poignantly of all, old streets and buildings that were lost in the great demolition days of the 1960s. This is a timely volume that will appeal to all Blackburnians, young and old.
Leamington and Warwick Disappearing Industries From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
In the first half of the twentieth century, and in the years following the Second World War, Leamington and Warwick flourished as industrial centres. This book is a nostalgic return to this golden era when industry was at the very heart of urban identity and community spirit. It was an era when profits were high, competition was strong, and men and women were proud to work for their employers. Contrary to popular belief, forty or fifty years ago there were more applicants for job vacancies than there are today; certainly in my own case I was one of forty applicants! In those days you were usually trained for the job you were applying for and would have got your qualifications through night school or apprenticeships. There was a great camaraderie in the workplace at this time, and friendships made here usually lasted a lifetime. Sadly, times changed, companies became hard-pressed, and a way of life was lost but not forgotten. Leamington and Warwick Disappearing Industries reflects the charisma and the pride of working for the companies which contributed so much to the industrial history of the towns. I hope you enjoy the happy memories.
Gillingham & Around From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Gillingham began its life as an agricultural and fishing parish on the banks of the River Medway in Kent. From the late seventeenth century, the township of Brompton grew due to the expansion of the nearby Chatham Dockyard. Further development of the yard in the nineteenth century led to the creation of New Brompton. This was one of the fastest growing communities of the Victorian period. When it became incorporated in 1903, the township took the name of Gillingham. In the twentieth century, Gillingham expanded to include the village of Rainham and developed suburbs such as Wigmore and Twydall. Using a unique collection of photographs, prints and postcards, Brian Joyce and Sophie Miller explore the evolution of the parish of Gillingham from rural backwater to thriving industrial town. Well-researched and informative, Gillingham & Around From Old Photographs reveals the area's dramatic changes over the centuries as well as providing a fascinating insight into the town's history.
Launceston From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
In this unique and charming portrait of the Cornish market town of Launceston, a delightful selection of photographs from yesteryear are interspersed with Joan Rendell's personal recollections. Situated overlooking the Kensey Valley, Launceston boasts an Norman castle and ancient priory as well as beautiful churches and some of the finest Georgian architecture in the region. However, it was as the centre of the surrounding area's agricultural trade that Launceston flourished. At one time it was the county town of Cornwall, with vibrant, thriving markets that drew crowds from miles around. The stunning historic buildings are explored in all their magnificence, while the author's reminiscences paint a colourful picture of Launceston's market customs, traditional shops and a host of delightful characters. Nostalgia with a difference, this book vividly evokes Launceston and Cornwall as they were in a bygone age.
Dunfermline & District From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
The ancient town of Dunfermline is one of the oldest settlements in Scotland and, from the eleventh to the seventeenth century, it was the residence of royalty and the final resting place for many of Scotland's Kings and Queens. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the town developed as a significant industrial estate, with linen and coal as the main industries. This changed Dunfermline forever. Dunfermline & District From Old Photographs showcases a collection of previously unpublished photographs, all of which were taken by the author's great-grandfather, James Russell, from 1890 to the 1930s. In this unique portrayal of Dunfermline and its surrounding areas, the reader is taken back to a period of unprecedented change, to discover the way of life and living conditions of former residents, as well as rare photographs of First World War soldiers in the town.
Durham Cathedral City From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Dedicated local author, Michael Richardson has assembled a unique archive of photographs and postcards of Durham which chronicles the history of the city from 1855 into the 1960s. In this, his fourth book on Durham and its people, the author presents hitherto unpublished photographs, many dating back a hundred years or more. The cathedral is the visual focus of the city, and Durham: Cathedral City highlights the central role that this unique building has played in the lives of Durham inhabitants, whether they be clergy, academics, students or miners. However, Durham is more than its Cathedral, and as Michael Richardson's photographs clearly illustrate, there is great diversity of everyday life and a host of special events occurring in the city. Events included are, the annual Miner's Gala, the visit of Ribbentrop in 1936 and the part played by Durham citizens during the First and Second World Wars. This book is a valuable record of Durham's past which will appeal to both resident and visitor, and all who know and love the Cathedral city.
Bridgnorth From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Bridgnorth lies in the south-east corner of Shropshire, separated by a dozen miles of farmland from the Black Country, the same distance from the old carpet town of Kidderminster to the south-east, and only thirty miles from Birmingham. Situated along the Severn Valley, and named after a bridge over the River Severn, as a former busy river port, Bridgnorth has seen a wide variety of industries and events over the years. Bridgnorth life is well represented here and many poignant memories will be aroused. This collection of old photographs is put together by Clive Gwilt from his unique collection. Born in the town, although having travelled around the World a few times with his job as a Merchant Navy Officer, he was always thinking about his hometown.
Working Lives of Warrington From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Today Warrington is a thriving business and commercial centre where its workers might be found sitting at computer terminals in offices and business parks, building societies, call centres and travel agents; or scanning goods at supermarket checkouts and super stores; frothing cappuccinos in cafe bars or delivering pizzas. Working life in Warrington was very different 100 years ago. Most people worked long hours in badly lit unventilated factories full of dangerous machinery and hazardous chemicals making goods for sale. Despite this the town could proudly call itself 'The Town of Many Industries' with a varied economy which had created one of the great industrial centres of north-west England. Working Lives of Warrington illustrates the changing world of the town's workplaces with fascinating images from the official archives and family albums captured by numerous local photographers who documented this vanished era.
Elgin From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Elgin From Old Photographs offers a fascinating glimpse into life in this Scottish town over the last hundred years or so. More than 230 images illustrate the changes that have overtaken the area and its surrounding villages. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, the author offers a charming glimpse into the history and natural beauty of this area. There is something for everyone here, whether they have lived in this corner of Scotland all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this beautiful area. Elgin From Old Photographs also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever changing society.
Faversham From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Faversham From Old Photographs offers a captivating glimpse into the history of this beautiful market town, providing the reader with a visual representation of Faversham's colourful and chequered history. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, Peter Kennett presents the reader with an insight into the history and life of this town and the surrounding areas. Faversham From Old Photographs provides something for everyone, whether they have lived in Faversham all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this striking town. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever changing society.
Barking & Dagenham From Old Photographs
Part of the From Old Photographs series
Barking & Dagenham, both large suburban areas of East London, have been closely connected for a very long time. Historically, Barking was a fishing and agrarian settlement in the county of Essex and formed an ancient parish. What followed was a major shift in economic activity towards industrial development, and Barking eventually became part of Greater London. Barking was William the Conqueror's home in the eleventh century, and is also home to Barking Abbey, an important centre of religion. For centuries, Barking's fishing port was one of Britain's most famous. Like Barking, Dagenham was also a farming village and remained mostly undeveloped until the London County Council began construction of a large estate, and a major population rise soon took place. When the Ford Motor Company opened in 1931, Dagenham was recognised throughout the world. In this nostalgic look back at Barking & Dagenham, Sylvia Kent presents old photographs and postcards that are sure to evoke memories of the borough's past, with glimpses of some of the well-known personalities who have lived and worked within its boundaries.