Secret (Amberley Publishing)

Mention Wimbledon and most people immediately think of the world-famous tennis tournament, which is the oldest tennis championships in the world having taken place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 1877. However, the history of the area far surpasses that of the prestigious championships. Wimbledon has been inhabited since the Iron Age. The original medieval village – now known as Wimbledon Village – developed with a stable rural population co-existing alongside nobility and wealthy merchants from the city. The arrival of the London & South West Railway in 1838 saw the focus of subsequent developments shift away from the original village towards the town. The neighbouring district of Southfields was largely an area of fields between the villages of Wimbledon and Putney, until the coming of the railway in the late nineteenth century, connecting Wimbledon to Putney Bridge. It has since grown into an area of Victorian and Edwardian houses.In this book, author Ruth Mansergh uncovers aspects of Wimbledon and Southfields' past that are lesser known in the present day. The author discovers tales of highwaymen on Wimbledon Common and the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1891, who was honoured with a grand military display here. Other chapters explore interesting buildings, industry (from basketmaking to toys and sauce manufacturing), notable people, wartime and the development of Wimbledon town. Secret Wimbledon & Southfields presents a fascinating chronicle of the intriguing and hidden heritage of the area.

The Shropshire town of Oswestry, lying close to the Welsh border, has long been significant and its history reveals its mixed Welsh and English heritage. At one time part of the Welsh kingdom of Powys, Oswestry's history stretches back into the Bronze Age and it is the site of one of the best-preserved hill forts in Britain. In this book author John Idris Jones reveals the hidden history of Oswestry and its surrounding villages. From its connections to the legendary figure of King Arthur and the site of the battle between the competing Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria where King Oswald, from whom the town's name is derived, died, to the Norman takeover of the area and the later revolt by Owain Glyndwr, Oswestry has been fought over for centuries. It also developed as a prosperous market town serving the community and later is famed as the birthplace of First World War poet Wilfred Owen. Secret Oswestry is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in this ancient town.

The north Norfolk coastal towns of Cromer and Sheringham, roughly 4 miles apart, were both small fishing villages until their development in the nineteenth century. Cromer became a fashionable resort and the arrival of the railways spurred growth in neighbouring Sheringham. Both towns are still popular with visitors to this stretch of north Norfolk, romantically nicknamed 'Poppyland' by the Victorians. In this book author Lorna Talbott delves into the history of Cromer and Sheringham. Part of medieval Cromer now lies under the sea and the remains of its church became a shipping hazard in later centuries. The history of both towns is intertwined with the fishing industry, particularly for crabs, but industries such as lime burning and brick making left their mark on the local landscape and other less legal trades such as smuggling were also practised. Throughout their history sea rescue was vital to Cromer and Sheringham and many in the towns served in the often perilous work of the lifeboats. The leisure industry also grew as the towns became popular with visitors and at one time were promoted as spa towns. The Victorians built grand hotels as well as starting the caravan trade. The first pier in Cromer's history was built in the fourteenth century and today's pier has seen a fascinating roll call of entertainers over the years. Secret Cromer & Sheringham explores all this and more, revealing the secrets of these Norfolk towns.

The ancient royal burgh of Dunfermline has a long and proud heritage. This erstwhile capital of Scotland had strong royal connections until James VI relocated the Scottish Crown to London following the Union of Crowns in 1603. The Reformation in the mid-sixteenth century had already seen a loss of the town's ecclesiastical importance. These two events set in train a period of decline in Dunfermline's fortunes until the introduction of the linen industry in the eighteenth century, and though the latter would not survive the First World War, the town's economic future had by then been secured with the establishment of the Royal Navy dockyards at nearby Rosyth. Local historian Gregor Stewart delves into Dunfermline's secret history to discover lesser-known stories and people from the town's past.

The market town of Grantham has always been an important centre in Lincolnshire because of its position alongside the Great North Road, the main north–south route through England, now the modern-day A1 road. Its wealth in medieval times is shown by the large parish church of St Wulfram's, which has one of the tallest spires in the country. The coming of the railways in the 1850s gave another boost to the town's economy and it has grown significantly in the last two centuries. In that period it has become a centre for engineering as well as food processing. During the Second World War the town was home to the Bomber Command HQ responsible for planning the Dambusters raid, as well as a Troop Carrier Command section of the USAAF's Ninth Air Force's IX. The town is also renowned as place where the scientist and mathematician Isaac Newton attended school, for being the birthplace of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and also where the first policewoman in England served. It also boasts the oldest surviving inn in England as well as the only living pub sign in the country (a hive of bees).Secret Grantham explores the lesser-known episodes and faces of the town's history. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away historical buildings, Secret Grantham will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this Lincolnshire town.

In these days of ubiquitous, non-stop media and information you would think that there were few secrets anywhere left to reveal: but when it comes to Harrogate there remain a surprising number of facts and idiosyncrasies which, over the years, have remained obscure, to say the least. Secret Harrogate is an historical journey through one of England's most visited towns, unearthing nuggets of its early history and spectacular development into one of Europe's foremost spas.This book reveals and unravels scores of fascinating and little-known details about Harrogate that will fascinate and inform its many visitors as well as its current inhabitants, many of whom probably thought they knew it all. The book gives a unique perspective on the many less-obvious aspects of Harrogate's history and will go a long way to explaining why today's Harrogate is as it is, and how it may develop in the future.

Both the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme and its name almost certainly owe their existence to the building of a 'new' castle there in the mid-twelfth century. The town's importance gradually grew from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries, by which time Newcastle was referred to as the 'Capital of North Staffordshire' and the place to go for markets, fairs, doctors, banks and lawyers. The twentieth century wrought huge changes on Newcastle-under-Lyme, but traces of the town's fascinating history are visible to the enquiring eye. Join local author Mervyn Edwards as he delves into the past in this unique approach to the town's history, blending the serious with the frivolous, seeking out Newcastle-under-Lyme's hidden secrets.

Secret Kendal offers a unique insight into the 'Gateway to the Lakes' through a series of little-known and forgotten stories, facts and anecdotes from its past. Local author Andrew Graham Stables takes the reader on a fascinating journey from pre-Roman times to the present day. He tells how a mistake in the preparation of peppermint creams led to the town's most famous export, as well as introducing the reader to nefarious characters and telling tales of dark deeds from its long and often grisly history. Secret Kendal delves beneath the surface of this ancient market town, revealing a lesser-known and unsavoury past that even most local people don't know.

Gateshead has often been portrayed as the 'poor relative' in comparison to its larger and more glamorous Tyneside neighbour, Newcastle. But Gateshead has a long and proud industrial and social history, much of which has sadly gone, but in recent years there has been a revival in Gateshead's social and cultural infrastructure, which has placed it firmly on the tourist map.The twentieth and twenty-first centuries wrought huge changes on Gateshead, but traces of the town's fascinating history are visible to the enquiring eye. Local author Rob Kirkup delves into the past in this unique approach to the town's history, blending dark deeds and strange tales with long-forgotten facts and amusing stories, seeking out Gateshead's many hidden secrets.

Every town and village has a secret or two tucked away; Worthing is no exception. This popular Sussex seaside resort on the south coast is an eclectic mix of Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian architecture, with a splash of art deco and a smattering of medieval if you know where to look. Local history books are an invaluable source of information, charting the development of a town, but there are some oddities and curiosities that lack explanation or merit few words. It is these that James and Colin have set themselves the task of investigating. Few will realise that they are walking in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde or Jane Austen, both of whom were short-term residents of Worthing. Within these pages you'll discover stories of places, people and objects. Join us as we discover those secrets often hidden in plain view.

The third book about Bude by Dawn Robinson is a little different to the first two. Certainly, it contains historical and contemporary images; however, its focus is very much on the facts, fiction, people and places you may know little about in this friendly seaside town. Bude has little by way of ancient history but it has plenty of tales to be told. Home to fascinating characters and events, Bude is an enthralling community. For example, did you know that Bude was home to a survivor of the Titanic? Or that the creator of the artwork of a famous tarot deck died in Bude? That Tennyson was known to have visited? Or that a story very akin to Romeo & Juliet actually occurred nearby? Additionally, there are plentiful tales of shipwrecks, piracy and even smuggling along Bude's rocky shores. With much to capture your interest, this book walks you along some lesser-known paths of Bude's history, including an astonishing fictional Cornish tale of murder, plus many places and spaces which few people are aware of. If visiting Bude, get the inside story of what to look out for, and where to go to get a true feel of the town's history.

The seaside town of Margate in Kent has based its livelihood on the sea since its beginnings. It was one of the first places to be developed as a seaside resort in the Georgian era. Margate's sandy beaches became popular with Londoners first with the advent of steam packets in 1815 and even more so after the railways arrived later in the nineteenth century. The changing pattern of holidaying in the UK led to a decline in the fortunes of Margate in the latter years of the twentieth century, but in recent times the town has seen an upsurge including new developments such as the Turner Contemporary Gallery.In this book author Andy Bull reveals the hidden history of Margate, from the foundation of the world's first sea-bathing hospital and the playground of Regency royalty, to the creation of Dreamland. This town has been the haunt of artists, writers and actors, and boasts the most haunted theatre in the country and the first modern bungalow. Secret Margate explores the lesser-known episodes and characters of the town through the centuries, and will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Kent.

Bracknell was developed as a 'new town' in 1949, but the area had been evolving since Saxon times. A royal charter from AD 942 mentions 'Bracken Head' and a local comprehensive school still bears the name 'Brackenhale'. It was a popular hunting ground for kings and queens and it was here that the widowed Catherine of Aragon became friendly with the newly crowned Henry VIII and secretly married him. Bull-baiting and cock fighting were popular until 1835, when both were banned. Subsequently a pub in the high street bears the name 'The Bull'. In the eighteenth century, highwaymen and street gangs flourished and stories of their exploits abound. Secret Bracknell will incorporate many of the little-known stories of royal visitors, highwaymen, murders, ghosts and other incidents hidden beneath the 'new town'.

In these days of ubiquitous, non-stop media and information you would think that there were few secrets anywhere left to reveal. However, when it comes to the grand old city of Portsmouth, there remain a surprising number of facts and idiosyncrasies which, over the years, have remained obscure, to say the least. Secret Portsmouth is an historical journey through one of England's oldest sea ports, unearthing nuggets of its early history and revealing many hidden secrets and little-known details to fascinate and inform residents and visitors alike.

Secret Barry Island offers a unique insight into this fascinating seaside resort in the Vale of Glamorgan, delving into its lesser-known past. Thoroughly researched, within these pages local authors and lifelong residents of the area Mark and Jonathan Lambert explore Barry Island's vast history. They cover a wide range of topics – from prehistory to pilgrimage, smugglers, and the advent of tourism – taking the reader beneath the surface to uncover the hidden secrets of this popular location.

Well known for its lace industry and connections to notable figures such as John Bunyan and John Howard, the county town of Bedford has a long and fascinating history. Here you will discover the grim stories behind the gallows of Bedford Gaol, encounter the drama of the Great Flood of 1823, and find the ghostly link to the famous creator of Sherlock Holmes. In Secret Bedford, local author Paul Adams takes the reader on an entertaining journey into the past, delving beneath the surface and blending dark deeds and strange tales with long-forgotten facts to reveal a hidden history that even most local people don't know.

Although known worldwide as the 'Home of Golf', St Andrews was also the ecclesiastical powerhouse in Scotland for centuries prior to the Reformation. Author Gregor Stewart takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the town's past, unearthing tales of double crossing and infighting while introducing the reader to the nefarious characters who were jostling for power. He reveals connections between St Andrews and the order of the Knights of St John, who owned buildings in the town, and James Gregory, who laid a meridian line from his laboratory that pre-dates Greenwich by 200 years and is now widely credited as the 'place where time began'. The book also explores the macabre: St Andrews was a centre for execution, using an early version of the guillotine, and there are descriptions of the fates of those accused of witchcraft and heresy. Secret St Andrews delves beneath the surface of this attractive university town, revealing a lesser-known and less savoury history that even most local residents don't know.

The Area of Outstanding National Beauty known as the Cotswolds is famous for its range of rolling green hills and quaint English towns and villages, filled with honey-coloured stone cottages and hosting bustling weekend markets. This beautiful vast expanse stretches across five counties in southern England and has a rich history that reaches right back to the Neolithic Age.Join Sue Hazeldine as she covers a wide variety of topics from people and animals, to places and buildings, all relevant to the Cotswold area and illustrated with colour photographs and her own wonderful hand-drawn illustrations.

Ipswich, the largest and county town of Suffolk, takes its name from the medieval name 'Gippeswic'. Over its more than 1,000-year history, Ipswich has acquired a mix of the unexpected, strange, weird and wonderful examples of buildings and the people associated with them. According to archaeological evidence, Ipswich is the site of a large Roman fort and the largest Roman villa in Suffolk. The old adage of looking up when going round any town is as true to Ipswich as with any town; for 'it is up' where many interesting gems of architecture, embellishments and ornamentations will be found. While buildings are obviously a link to the past and the people connected with them, retelling some of their stories brings history to life. Secret Ipswich goes behind the façades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known aspects of the town's fascinating past, brought to life through revealing images of the past and the present.

The County Durham town of Darlington has a long and interesting history. In medieval times it was a market town for the surrounding area, with records of the market dating back to the twelfth century. The Victorian covered market is an iconic feature at the heart of Darlington today but was hugely controversial when built in the 1860s and its floor collapsed when it opened, killing a local farmer. By this time Darlington had been transformed by the opening of the world's first passenger railway in the town, built with the wealth acquired by the Pease family's wool mills. Secret Darlington explores the lesser-known episodes and characters in the history of the town through the centuries, including scandals such as the Cheese Affair involving the Bishop of Durham, war heroes, sporting stars such as the dentist who won the town's first Olympic gold medal as a football goalkeeper but who died while making a save, a Quaker-born adventurer who fled to Easter Island, a global screen star engaged to Fred Perry who died in an air raid during the Second World War, campaigners for women's suffrage, industries that have disappeared today including the forge that built the rudder for the Titanic, and forgotten places of entertainment, not least the largest number of cinemas per head of population in the country in the 1930s. With tales of remarkable people, unusual events and tucked-away historical places, Secret Darlington will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in County Durham.

Leith has played a long and prominent role in Scottish history. As the major port serving Edinburgh, it has been the stage on which many significant events in the nation's past have taken place, from housing the Scottish court to witnessing civil war, acting as the port of call for royal arrivals and becoming its own burgh until the amalgamation with Edinburgh in 1920. The 1950s brought the final days of the old and ancient thoroughfares in the heart of Leith: the Kirkgate, St Andrew Street, Tolbooth Wynd, Bridge Street and many more would disappear in the coming decade. However, the town retains a passionate sense of individuality and its people a proud sense of identity. Leith has seen it all. In Secret Leith, local author and historian Jack Gillon delves into the town's past and offers an insight into some of the lesser-known aspects of its long and distinguished history.

Illustrated with memorable photographs throughout, Secret Bristol peels away the gloss which covers inconvenient historic events to reveal truths about the city that are sometimes horrific, brutal, or merely odd. From prehistory to the present, it takes us on a fascinating journey through the inhuman aspects of early trade, through slavery, piracy, struggles for social justice portrayed as criminal riots and the cruelties inflicted in city institutions. Bristol's contribution to aircraft and automobile design and manufacture is chronicled, and the contempt felt for ordinary people by First World War generals and Whitehall bigwigs is exposed, as is the way opposition to the pointless conflict was swept under the carpet of history. The book describes how Bristol's medieval heart, largely destroyed in the Blitz, was forgotten with the connivance of the government and finished off by post-war planners. The 'Whites Only' employment policy on Bristol buses in the early '60s and the 1980 St Paul's riots take us up to Bristol today.

Secret Brighton offers a unique insight into the intriguing and eccentric city of Brighton through the lesser-known aspects of its history. This book highlights the history 'below the surface' of Brighton, revealing hidden aspects that even most Brightonians don't know.Discover the story behind the Prince Regent's numerous trips to the site of what is a council estate today, the little-known plans for Brighton's hotels and piers in the First World War and uncover literary secrets, including which multimillion-selling Brightonian author was once Orson Welles' house cleaner. Brighton-born author Kevin Newman takes the reader on a fascinating journey through Brighton's murky past.

Guildford is a fascinating town dating from Saxon times. William I built the Norman castle overlooking the town from where his soldiers could dominate his Saxon subjects. By the twelfth century Guildford had become a wealthy town as a result of the flourishing wool trade. The austere castle was transformed into a luxurious palace visited by kings and queens over the following centuries. The seventeenth-century Abbot's Hospital was probably the first 'sheltered housing' in the country. The Angel in the High Street, a posting house and livery stables, was visited by many famous people from Sir Francis Drake to Oliver Cromwell, who billeted his soldiers there during the Civil War. There is a reminder of another resident, Lewis Carroll, in some delightful 'Alice' sculptures by the River Wey. The twentieth-century cathedral built high above the town was the first to be built since the Reformation. Over the centuries Guildford has played host to a number of colourful characters, has survived dramatic events and continues to flourish in the twenty-first century. Secret Guildford incorporates many of the little-known stories of these characters and reveals its hidden past in this fascinating book full of quirky anecdotes and lesser-known facts.

The 'A-side' of Cheltenham's history as a fashionable Regency spa and subsequent reinvention as a town of colleges, churches and festivals is well documented, but what about its 'flip-side'? Much of the town's fascinating history has either been overlooked or lies hidden below the surface. Well-known local author David Elder delves into Cheltenham's lost, forgotten and hidden histories, unearthing fascinating facts and recounting some remarkable stories. Learn, for example, about some of Cheltenham's minor celebrities and local characters – from the man who sold his wife for little more than 18 pence to the concert pianist who claimed to be the reincarnation of Franz Liszt, while not forgetting the person who led to the 'discovery' of Jeeves not long before perishing at the Battle of the Somme. Secret Cheltenham reveals the lesser-known aspects of this remarkable town.