Secret (Amberley Publishing)
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Secret Kendal
by Andrew Graham Stables
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Newcastle-Under-Lyme
by Mervyn Edwards
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Gateshead
by Rob Kirkup
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Worthing
by James Henry
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Bude
by Dawn G. Robinson
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret North Shields & Tynemouth
by David Scholey
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Situated in Tyne and Wear, the neighbouring communities of North Shields and Tynemouth are very different, but each has depended on the other for its existence over the years. Tynemouth is a small pretty seaside village overlooking the harbour of the River Tyne. Conversely, North Shields is a hard, industrial town, which was founded on the industries of mining, fishing and salt. The ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle dominate a rocky headland and today attract many visitors. The priory was built in around 1090 on the site of a much earlier chapel and although the prior had considerable influence, critically, he had no power over neighbouring Newcastle upon Tyne. In this book author David Scholey explores the rich history of the area and uncovers some surprises and secrets along the way. The book relates how the town and village came into existence and the battles with Newcastle over the existence of North Shields, once described as 'a town where no towns ought to be'. Readers will also discover more about the local people – the sailors, inventors and entertainers – and how, against the odds, they still remain proud and defiant. Illustrated throughout, Secret North Shields & Tynemouth offers a fascinating insight into the heritage of this part of the North East, and will be of immense interest to residents, visitors and all those with connections to the area.
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Secret Tewkesbury
by David Elder
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
From its Saxon beginnings to the severe floods of 2007, Tewkesbury is one of Britain's most remarkable towns. It is well known for its Norman abbey of cathedral-like proportions and the great battle which proved to be one of the most decisive in the Wars of the Roses, but its history contains much more that has often been overlooked. In this book local author David Elder delves deep into Tewkesbury's lost, forgotten and hidden histories, recounting some remarkable stories. Learn, for example, about some of the town's minor celebrities and local characters – from the seaman who carried Admiral Nelson's wounded body to the cockpit of HMS Victory, to the miserly tanner who amassed a great fortune 'for no higher purpose than the sordid desire of seeing it uselessly accumulate'. The author unearths fascinating facts, celebrating the town's tradition of nonconformity which led to more than one riot, and provides fascinating insights into how the town's inhabitants were once comically portrayed as having sharp features because it was assumed that they lived on the town's famous hot, pungent mustard! With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Tewkesbury will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Gloucestershire.
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Secret Fens
by Karen Merrison
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret St Andrews
by Gregor Stewart
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Peak District
by Mike Smith
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The Peak District is a land of high moors and narrow gorges, dark gritstone edges and white limestone cliffs, bleak plateaux and lush valleys, fine churches and grand country houses, stone-built villages and spa towns. In 1951 much of the region was designated as Britain's first national park, now one of the most visited national parks in the world.Because the Peak District is familiar to millions, it might be thought that it contains few secrets, but this is not the case. Some of the area's most charming villages and country estates are situated well away from the normal tourist trails and one of its most beautiful valleys has a fascinating secret history. The countryside contains mysterious stone circles, and tracks that are the fossilised remains of some of the country's earliest railways.Although some of the larger settlements are well known, they contain much that is hidden. Bakewell has many secret ingredients other than those found in its famous pudding and some of Tideswell Church's celebrated wood carvings are tantalisingly hard to spot. The spectacular domes of Buxton's buildings are the outer skins of some wonderful ceilings, and the Georgian and Victorian façades of Ashbourne's buildings are masks that conceal suprising Tudor origins. Join Mike Smith as he shows that there are many aspects of the Peak District that should not be taken at face value.
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Secret Guildford
by Marion Field
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Isle of Wight
by Andy Bull
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The Isle of Wight, lying off the south coast of England, has been a popular tourist destination for 200 years but has played an important role in the history of Britain for centuries. It was settled by Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and following the Norman Conquest it became a kingdom in its own right for two centuries. After the Reformation the Worsley family became governors of the island, transforming Appuldurcombe Priory into the family home, but misfortune was to haunt them and the house over ensuing centuries. The island was transformed by royal patronage, George IV supporting the Royal Yacht Club and Victoria making Osborne her favoured retreat, and the island was home to many famous names in the Victorian world including Tennyson. The island has also been at the forefront of technology and defence with the world's first radio station, established by Marconi, and the development of Britain's Black Knight ballistic missile and Black Arrow space rocket. As well as all this, the island's story includes the remarkable tale of how Bob Dylan was persuaded to play the Isle of Wight Festival instead of Woodstock and much more.With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or vanished historical buildings and locations, Secret Isle of Wight will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this unique island across the Solent.
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Secret Bournemouth
by Andrew Jackson
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Although Bournemouth was only developed in the last 200 years, the town has a fascinating history. Behind the façade of this seaside resort is a story of singular events, little-known personalities and places that are often overlooked or forgotten. In Secret Bournemouth, author Andrew Jackson reveals the history of the town, from the creation of a resort by the Tregonwell family in an area of sand dunes and heath frequented by smugglers to the present-day large business and commercial centre on the south coast. Along the way we look at Bournemouth at war, its special place in aeronautical history, entertainments and other leisure attractions that have attracted many people over the years, its connections to the arts and literature and much more. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and hidden or vanished historical buildings and locations, Secret Bournemouth will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this resort on the south coast.
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Secret Wigan
by Sue Gerrard
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The Lancashire town of Wigan has prehistoric roots and developed in importance through Roman and medieval times. It played a leading role in the English Civil War, being occupied by the Parliamentarians. It grew dramatically during the Industrial Revolution, with its coal mines and cotton industry, and later came to prominence thanks to George Orwell's book The Road to Wigan Pier, which documented the poverty of the working classes in the 1930s. In this book, author Sue Gerrard explores the town's history and seeks out some lesser-known stories and surprising aspects of its heritage along the way. Wigan is a sporting centre as it has both a rugby league team, the Wigan Warriors, and Wigan Athletic Football Club, who won the FA Cup in 2013. Over the decades it has been home to actors Sir Ian McKellen and Roy Kinnear, and comedians George Formby, Frank Randle and Ted Ray. Secret Wigan includes historical sites such as the thirteenth-century Mab's Cross right through to the town's place in the modern world. From mills to Mint Balls, coal to cavaliers and notable buildings to Northern Soul, this fascinating book will interest residents, visitors and all those with links to the town.
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Secret Yorkshire Dales
by Mike Appleton
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Idyllic and breathtaking, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most popular and well-known national parks not only in Britain, but throughout the world. Designated a national park in 1954, it attracts millions of visitors each year who are lured there by the spectacular scenery. Then there are historic towns such as Skipton, Settle and Hawes. Its landscapes are famous and rewarding whilst picturesque chocolate box villages are untouched from a bygone era and yield a life full of character. But there is more to the Dales than meets the eye. With 841 square miles of beauty and things to do, it's full of hidden gems that show a glimpse of its lesser-known heritage. In Secret Yorkshire Dales, author Mike Appleton takes the reader on an enlightening and entertaining journey through the park's past, delving beneath the surface to uncover its secrets. You'll discover a network of passages that have shaped the landscape above it, learn why the clack of needles was to be feared and hear folk tales from years past. You'll also find out about hidden kilns and mines, discover why a village had to drive a spike through the heart of a dead man and tread along long-forgotten routes and pathways. Then there are the secret inns, meeting places, notable folk, the intriguing cottage industries and much more that make this area special.
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Secret Bedford
by Paul Adams
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret St Albans
by Kate Morris
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
St Albans has a long and fascinating history from its pre-Roman settlement as Verlamion, through the Roman municipium of Verulamium, the Benedictine monastery dedicated to Alban, the first British Christian martyr, to the charter borough and market created by Edward VI in 1553 and the city designated by royal edict in 1877. The town's location on the ancient Watling Street linking London with the Midlands and the North West has ensured its significance in each of these periods. In this book, local author Kate Morris portrays episodes in the social life of the charter borough and market, when the town gained in popularity with City merchants and professional folk, often as their 'second home'. Morris reveals lesser-known events and characters of the Early Modern period of the town's history. Some of the tales and happenings revealed are not untypical of those in other English towns, but their telling in this context will appeal to all those with an interest in St Albans and its history, and the book's period illustrations and modern photography will delight.
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Secret Leicester
by Stephen Butt
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
There is a history of Leicester that is hidden from view, or simply not recognised today because it is so familiar. There are Norman and medieval arches below landmark buildings, mosaics beneath the Central Ring Road and the remains of the town's first railway station just minutes away from a major hotel. 'Secret Leicester' goes behind the facades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known artefacts of Leicester's fascinating past, brought to life through revealing images of the past and the present.
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Secret Truro
by Christine Parnell
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Truro has been an important port since the Middle Ages, and its status as a stannary town, allowing it to assay and stamp copper and tin from Cornish mines, also brought prosperity to the town. Wealthy families settled in Truro, benefitting from mining and other industries such as iron-smelting, potteries and tanneries and the town was given city status by Queen Victoria and the foundations laid for a new cathedral. Today it is the administrative and commercial centre for Cornwall. This book explores Truro's history, including personalities such as Richard Lander, the explorer, and his contemporaries in the cultural hotbed of eighteenth-and nineteenth-century Truro. The Assembly Rooms which once stood in High Cross welcomed Sarah Siddons, General Tom Thumb and regular local entertainer Joseph Emidy who was once a slave. The Truro River has stories to tell, as do the cathedral, churches and chapels, and there are tales of law and order in the city, fires and other emergencies. The authors take the reader down the 'opes', alleys and lanes to reveal interesting anecdotes about musical events, clubs and societies, monuments and plaques, gravestones under the pavement and the 106 public houses that once served Truro. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Truro will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this fascinating city in Cornwall.
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Secret Portsmouth
by Steve Wallis
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Nottingham
by Frank E. Earp
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Every corner of Nottingham is rich in history, and if the streets could talk they might tell of the people and events they have witnessed. Many ancient secrets have remained untold, such as the purpose of the great Viking 'long-house' found beneath the site of a demolished Victorian factory, and who built the ancient mound that once marked the site of the spot where a king of England raised his standard.Perhaps the city's greatest secret of all lies beneath its streets – a labyrinth of over 500 man-made caves. Visitors to Nottingham are often told not to stamp their feet too hard as they never quiet know where they will end up. Father and son authors Frank and Joe Earp are privy to these and many more of Nottingham's secrets. Come with them as they share their knowledge within the pages of this book.
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Secret Richmond upon Thames
by Andy Bull
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The town of Richmond grew around the Tudor royal palace by the River Thames. Much of the land was used by the royals for hunting, first in the Old Deer Park and then in Richmond Park, but in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the area became a fashionable place of residence close to London, particularly around Richmond Hill. The Hill has also been home to rock and roll royalty including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. The town expanded into a municipal borough in 1890 and is now part of London, a thriving shopping and cultural centre for the area. This book explores the lesser-known episodes and characters in the history of Richmond through the years, from its royal beginnings, the establishment of a tapestry works at Mortlake, the connection with the River Thames through boatbuilding and the ferry before Richmond Bridge was built, home of the artistic and other famous people including three leading explorers, to the secret nineteenth-century plot to destroy Kew Gardens and the story behind the establishment of the Poppy Factory in 1922.With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Richmond upon Thames will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this corner of south-west London.
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Secret Kingston Upon Thames
by Julian McCarthy
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Where were Cut Throat Alley and Heathen Street? How many could be hanged at one time and where? Who won the battle of the town undertakers? Secret Kingston upon Thames goes behind the façades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known aspects of the town's fascinating past. Kingston upon Thames has many secrets, and as you walk along the streets you are walking through history. There are clear reminders of the town's past everywhere, waiting for you to stop, look and listen to their intriguing stories. On a journey through this ancient town, local tour guide Julian McCarthy tells these forgotten or untold tales. You may think that you know Kingston upon Thames, but take another look around and you will find more than you could possibly imagine.
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Secret Bristol
by James MacVeigh
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Christchurch
by Andrew Jackson
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Christchurch developed in Saxon and Norman England as a trading port on the south coast of the country and its harbour, beaches and nature reserves attract many visitors today. Its medieval priory church is one of the largest in England and the town is home to many other historical buildings of interest, including the ruins of a Norman castle and the nearby Gothic Revival Highcliffe Castle. Behind its attractive façade, Christchurch also has a history of smuggling, being a major part of the town's economy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and earlier darker times are memorialised in the town's ducking stool, on the same mill stream site where the original was used. Later, the town played an important role in the Second World War, its airfield becoming home to an aircraft factory.
With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Christchurch will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Dorset.
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Secret City of Southend
by Ian Yearsley
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Southend-on-Sea was only developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when it became a popular seaside resort, but behind its façade lie many little-known and fascinating stories. In Secret City of Southend, author Ian Yearsley reveals the history beneath the surface of Southend from its eight historic parishes to the present-day commercial centre. Amongst the topics covered are the old parish boundary markers that can be found today, what the various street names reveal about the times when they were built, the tramway and boulevard systems, the key role played by the town in the Second World War and the relics of wartime that still survive, the redevelopment of the town centre in the 1960s and 1970s, the blue plaques to famous locals – and much more.With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret City of Southend will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Essex.
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Secret New Forest
by Martin Brisland
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
A World Heritage Site since 1999, the New Forest is not that new and not really a forest. Only half is wooded with the rest being mainly gorse, heathland, mudflats and farms. It was created around 1079 for William the Conqueror as an exclusive royal hunting ground, especially for deer, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Nova Foresta'. Still 90 per cent of the forest is Crown land, although King James II was the last monarch to hunt there, in 1686. It has also retained its ancient governing system of Verderers, Agisters and 500 Commoners. In Secret New Forest, author Martin Brisland has unearthed fascinating facts, little-known personalities and places in the history of the New Forest and reveals the history below its surface. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret New Forest will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this area of southern England.
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Secret Burnley & Pendle
by Margaret Brecknell
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
- The latest in Amberley's popular 'Secret' series
- Reviews and coverage in local press and media
- Sales potential in heritage and visitor sites as well as bookshops
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Secret Cotswolds
by Sue Hazeldine
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Ipswich
by Susan Gardiner
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Bolton
by Ray Jefferson
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Bolton has its roots in Lancashire where it was established as a textile town from the Middle Ages, but it was during the Industrial Revolution that it grew to become one of the major cotton manufacturing centres of the world. Engineering, paper making, bleaching, and dyeing followed, with thousands employed in the manufacture of textile machinery, steam engines, boilers, other heavy machinery, and tools in addition to the thousands employed in the spinning mills. As that heavy industry and textile manufacturing declined during the twentieth century, other more modern activities took their place and alongside the town's surviving historic and industrial buildings a modern town has developed. Colourful stories lie behind the face of today's Bolton, some of which are well known, although other events are well worth investigation. How exactly did the borough obtain a plentiful supply of clean drinking water during the period of its rapid expansion in the nineteenth century? What birth pangs accompanied the move towards local democracy after 1792? How is one street linked to two aviation tragedies? How did an American geologist come to make his mark and remain in Bolton for ever?With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and surprising locations, Secret Bolton will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Greater Manchester.
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Secret Darlington
by Chris Lloyd
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Barry Island
by Mark Lambert
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret York
by Paul Chrystal
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Home to the largest medieval gothic cathedral north of the Alps, York is one of Europe's most historically interesting cities. However, there is still more to be discovered – much that is shrouded in mystery and that has been kept secret. This clandestine aspect of York's history has been difficult to unearth and, for that reason, it is not always included in standard histories or guides to the city. Join author Paul Chrystal on an exciting and dramatic journey through the cobbled streets of this picturesque city as he exposes and unravels some of the more arcane aspects of York's chequered past.
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Secret Royal Leamington Spa
by Graham Sutherland
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Although Royal Leamington Spa has its origins several hundred years ago, then known as Leamington Priors, the town only came to prominence in the past 200 years. With the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars raging between 1792 and 1815, travel to foreign places was restricted, which led to a growth of holiday and medicinal venues in England. Leamington is one such venue, being afforded the pre x 'Royal' in 1838 by Queen Victoria, and still boasting a grand array of Regency buildings today. Until the 1940s, long after 'taking the waters' was a major attraction, Leamington remained a haven for retired people, particularly those who had held very senior positions during their previous careers. However, the growth of local industries such as the manufacturers Sidney Flavel & Co., who moved here in 1803, ultimately led to change. Today the emphasis is on a much younger multicultural population, many of whom are students. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Royal Leamington Spa will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Warwickshire.
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Secret Warrington
by Janice Hayes
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Warrington is a twentieth-century New Town with a history stretching back to prehistoric times. Behind the present-day streetscape of a thriving Cheshire economic centre lie the ghosts of its Lancashire past. Secret Warrington reveals the often-forgotten fascinating stories of the famous, infamous and ordinary characters who have shaped its past and trodden the national or even international stage. Rediscover lost landmarks and the hidden history beneath the modern townscape. Explore Warrington's urban myths and delve into forgotten scandals swept under the carpet of time. A companion to the A–Z of Warrington, this fascinating volume combines in-depth stories with quirky facts to capture your imagination and features many previously unpublished images and documents from the archives and collections of Warrington's historic museum. Local historian Janice Hayes and Warrington's Archives Officer Philip Jeffs provide the keys to help history detectives unlock the town's secret past and become guardians of its future heritage. Well-illustrated throughout, this engaging and informative book will appeal to residents and all those with links to the town.
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Secret Harrogate
by Paul Chrystal
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Leith
by Jack Gillon
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Brighton
by Kevin Newman
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Dartmouth
by Christine Donnelly
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The town of Dartmouth, lying on the River Dart estuary on Devon's south coast, has long had close associations with the sea. It was an important port for south-west England during the Middle Ages and became the home of the English navy. Dartmouth ships played a vital role in the battles against the Spanish Armada in 1588 and since the nineteenth century Dartmouth has been the home of the Royal Naval College. The historic town that grew up around the harbour with its narrow streets and ancient buildings such as the Butterwalk holds many dark and interesting secrets unknown to many who live in or visit the town. In this book author Christine Donnelly explores the stories behind the façade of the town, with characters such as John Hawley, the mayor who was also a pirate; William Veale, the Dartmouth Robinson Crusoe; Thomas Newcomen, the pioneering developer of the steam engine; and Agatha Christie, who lived at Kingswear, across the river. There are tales of witchcraft, tunnels by the harbour, the Scold Stone in the river and a mummified mouse preserved in a pub. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Dartmouth will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Devon.
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Secret Windsor & Eton
by Yvonne Moxley
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
On the picturesque banks of the River Thames in Berkshire lies Windsor, over owing with rich royal history and dominated by its castle. Across the iron bridge on the opposite bank is Eton, often named as the prettiest town in England, where the majestic spires of Eton College act as a magnet for tourists as they make their way along the mile-long High Street. Both towns rely on tourism for their economy, therefore you would think that, with so many people making this one of the most famous destinations in the country, everything in the area would have been discovered and signposted. However, there is much heritage here of which the residents and regular visitors are unaware. In this book, author Yvonne Moxley delves deep into the history of both towns to uncover some lesser-known stories and exciting finds that are hidden from view. Discover the stories behind the bridges that span the River Thames here, the history and traditions at Eton College, and the royal ceremonies and customs. From churches and chapels to inns and taverns, readers will gain a fascinating insight into the secret, and often surprising, heritage of both towns. Illustrated throughout, Secret Windsor & Eton will be of interest to residents and visitors alike.
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Secret Bury St Edmunds
by Martyn Taylor
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
During the 1,000-year history of Bury St Edmunds, the town has acquired a mix of unexpected, weird and wonderful examples of buildings and the people associated with them. The old adage of looking up when going round any town is as true to Bury St Edmunds as with anywhere; 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 Bury St Edmunds goes behind the façades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known stories of Bury St Edmunds' fascinating past, brought to life through revealing images of the past and the present.
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Secret Cheltenham
by David Elder
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
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.
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Secret Cork
by Kieran Mccarthy
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Cork City, Ireland's southern capital, is a place of tradition, continuity, change and legacy. It is a place of direction and experiment by people of ambition and determination, experiences and learning, of ingenuity and innovation, and of nostalgia and memory. Cork's urban landscape is filled with messages about the past, and the nearby harbour and surrounding towns hold many secrets. Well-known local author Kieran McCarthy takes the reader on a fascinating journey through Cork's history, unearthing tales of double-crossing and infighting and introducing us to many nefarious characters along the way.
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Secret Southport
by Jack Smith
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The large seaside town of Southport lies on the coast of the Irish Sea in the north-west of England. Located just 16 miles north of the city of Liverpool, this wonderful town has a fascinating history of its own. Secret Southport starts right at the very beginning, taking readers back to uncover secrets from the earliest human occupation of the area, where evidence ranging from hunting tools and a log canoe, to ancient footprints in the muddy banks has been found. Author Jack Smith sheds light on the intriguing and lesser-known aspects of the town's history from these early days right up to the present day. Join him and discover how Southport was first formed all thanks to a 'folly', read about tales of shipwrecks and rescue missions, and uncover the history hidden within the town's architecture.
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Secret Barrow-in-Furness
by Gill Jepson
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
Barrow-in-Furness has many secrets hidden in plain sight, from its earliest history to the present day. The land where 'the lakes meet the sea' provides an ancient rural backdrop revealing mysteries and tales wrapped in the mists of time, from mysterious monastic murder to raids by Robert the Bruce. It was a place popular with the Romantics; William Wordsworth visited Furness Abbey and allegedly carved his initials into the sandstone. In the municipal cemetery lies the body of an Italian countess, Mary Pepi, and her husband, Rino, a Victorian music hall quick-change artist. In the same graveyard is a memorial for James Gall, a survivor of the SS Forfarshire, who was rescued by Grace Darling and lived until his eighties. Barrow claims a number of famous sons and daughters, including Liverpool and England footballer Emlyn Hughes, erstwhile editor of The Independent Chris Blackhurst, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, and Dame Stella Rimington, former Director General of MI5. The little town at the 'end of a cul-de-sac' has many secrets just waiting to be discovered, and in Secret Barrow-in-Furness local author and historian Gill Jepson pulls back the curtains of history to reveal the forgotten, the strange, and the unlikely.
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Secret Newport
by Andrew Hemmings
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
The South Wales town of Newport, on the River Usk, was a powerhouse of Britain's Industrial Revolution; social change, characterised by the Chartist movement and new technologies built from steel and powered by coal, combined to create a new way of life. Author Andrew Hemmings shows how the city left behind its Roman and medieval past to develop into a modern commercial and industrial centre, proud of its docks and shipping industry. Along the way he tells the story of Tredegar House, a Restoration mansion that was the home of the flamboyant Morgan family, with tales of riotous parties, dark arts, war heroism and various animal menageries.In more recent times, the city has opened up the Newport Wetlands and Wales Coast Path to visitors, as well as providing filming locations for Doctor Who and The Man from Uncle. Secret Newport delves beneath the surface of this fascinating town, revealing hidden facts that even most local people don't know.
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Secret Birmingham
by Tony A. J. Hewitt
Part of the Secret (Amberley Publishing) series
England's second biggest city stands at the very heart of the country, geographically and historically. Birmingham grew from a modest market town in medieval times to being hailed as 'the first manufacturing town in the world' in 1791. The city was at the very heart of the Industrial Revolution, responsible for many scientific and technological advances that would lay the foundations of the modern industrial society. Indeed, the most important invention in British history, the industrial steam engine, happened in Birmingham. Secret Birmingham offers a unique insight into this Midlands metropolis, highlighting the lesser-known aspects of its history and revealing intriguing facts that even most Brummies don't know.