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Bastions of civic architecture, town halls are a prominent part of the urban landscape of towns and cities throughout Britain. They are part of a long tradition dating back to sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when the town hall began to embody power and authority within local society and politics. Their design and decoration are a fascinating reflection of these centres of power, and architecturally they reflect the periods in which they were built, from the classical revival and Gothic styles of the nineteenth century to the art deco of the 1930s, and the modernist buildings of the mid- to later twentieth century. This book traces their historical development from their early beginnings to the present day, at a time when many are being repurposed as they become redundant, while others have opened themselves up for more secular use. This book is part of the Britain's Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain's past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with town halls in all their variety.

London's East End History Tour is a unique insight into the illustrious history of this famous part of the city. This new book guides us through the streets and alleyways, showing how its famous landmarks used to look and how they've changed over the years as well as exploring its lesser-known sights and hidden corners. With the help of a handy location map, readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and discover for themselves the changing face of London's East End.

Throughout their existence from 1904 until 1981, the Birmingham & Midland Motor Omnibus Company were an idiosyncratic operator whose area of operations ranged from the Welsh Marches and Shropshire in the West to Northamptonshire and Rutland in the East and from Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire in the South to Staffordshire and Derbyshire in the North. Much of their area was distinctly rural but in Birmingham and the Black Country, Worcester and Hereford, Stafford and Leicester, intense urban services were operated mainly by double-decker buses and it is these buses that this volume examines. Looking at the coaches that formed a part of this iconic fleet, David Harvey utilises his collection of rare and unpublished images to explore the fascinating world of Midland Red coaches.

Mainly covering the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, this collection of images offers a fascinating survey of one of the iconic locomotives of twentieth-century Britain: the Class 40. A common sight in Scotland and the north of England in the latter part of the century, the Class 40 continues to capture the imagination of railway enthusiasts everywhere. Used to haul both heavy freight and passenger trains, this book captures a locomotive at the peak of its powers, with previously unpublished images showing Class 40s both at work and rest. The vast majority of the photographs in this book were taken by the late Keith Holt. He was brought up in West Yorkshire and, like many youngsters at that time, developed an interest in railways as he cycled around the West Riding to visit places of interest. He always took photographs, including many of the iconic Class 40 locomotives. This book serves as a fitting tribute to his longstanding interest in the railways, and reflects the varied work carried out by the Class 40.

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.

This book is a portrait of the period that became known as the era of BR Blue - the 1970s and 1980s. The railway appeared to be caught up in a world of its own. It was still recognisably the one from the steam era, and happy to be living in the past rather than making strides toward the future. As with most of the nationalised industries, labour relations were somewhat fraught. The railway invested in electrification and everything else was standardised to minimise costs. Unsurprisingly, stagnation haunted the network. Some would suggest the railway was doing a particularly fine job given the circumstances. It was fortunate to be blessed with a dedicated workforce and supported by thousands of people who travelled by train. For those of us who remember those days fondly, this is how we would prefer to remember that time.

Indian soldiers made a pivotal contribution to the British Empire and Great Britain's development from a small, relatively poor island to a dominant military and industrial power. Under the British Crown, following the Mutiny of 1857, India's military became a vital link to holding the Empire together. From the jungles of south-east Asia to the deserts of Africa, and the hills of northeast India to the forests of Burma, the Indian army would become the pride of the Raj. Upon India's independence, the army continued to be one of the finest inheritances of Empire. This book looks at the world of the Indian soldiers who enlisted in the armies of India under British rule, and how they served with such dedication and loyalty. The extent to which the soldiers acted as an effective control over the coercive power of British rule in India is also examined, as well as the implications and logistics involved in running such a complex military machine. The first comprehensive single-volume history of India's soldier's in the British Empire written with flair and rich in detail, True to Their Salt offers a vital new perspective to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.

When the Range Rover was launched in 1970 it immediately drew attention. Its elegant but practical design mixed with exceptional off-road handling, as well as comfort on metalled roads, seemed to introduce a whole new way of driving. The Louvre museum in Paris exhibited it as a model of industrial design. Fifty years later, the Range Rover continues to be in demand. In this comprehensive book, Rover expert James Taylor covers all of the Range Rover models from the 1970s 'classic' to the fifth generation Range Rover of today. The book covers the remarkable engineering achievements of Land Rover in developing a vehicle just as at home on rugged hillsides as it was on the streets of Chelsea. He follows the developments that made the Range Rover ever more in demand as a luxury status symbol. This book will appeal to all Range Rover enthusiasts, offering concise but comprehensive coverage of one of the most admired British cars.

Animals have shaped the cultural and economic life of Glasgow through the ages, and many statues and other memorials around the city honour the role played by animals in the city's history. Horses were central to Glasgow's massive expansion in the nineteenth century, moving goods in and out of the city, and their sight, sound and smell were an integral part of the life of the city well into the 1950s. For centuries they were the main means of transport, whether as saddle horses or pulling vehicles, or for the military at the cavalry barracks in the Gorbals, and myriad trades depended on the horses, including saddlers, harness makers, grooms, fodder suppliers, horse trainers, riding schools, horse dealers and farriers. Equestrian events were a regular feature at theatres and fairs and gradually developed into circuses and such events as Buffalo Bill's Wild West Shows. Performing animals were seen in the city for centuries and menageries of exotic animals toured Glasgow from the late eighteenth century onwards, followed by circuses, bringing the largest elephants to the smallest flea circus. After several attempts, a permanent zoo finally opened in Glasgow in 1947 but closed 2003. As the population grew, domestic pet ownership grew too, including racing pigeons, and numerous dog and cat shows became established. Whippet racing was a popular pastime a century ago, with illegal betting, but was gradually replaced by greyhound racing where betting on-track was legal. In Beastly Glasgow, author Barclay Price takes the reader on a fascinating exploration of the city's animal associations through the ages. Full of unusual tales and fascinating facts, this well-researched history will introduce readers to the beguiling history of Glasgow's animals.

Launched in 1961 as Renault's answer to the Citroen 2CV, the Renault 4 went on to become one of the most successful French cars ever made. In this readable and highly informative book, Renault 4 expert Mark Bradbury uncovers the history of the Renault 4, including the early design developments under Renault chairman Pierre Dreyfus and the ambition to build a car for the people when car ownership was soaring. This was to be a 'blue jeans car'. Apart from its practical design, the Renault 4 also incorporated several technical 'firsts', including a sealed cooling system. Building on its success, the Renault 4 went through several design changes and engineering improvements as well as a number of special editions. The author covers the motorsport successes, including the Paris to Dakar rally and a remarkable journey by four women in a Renault 4 through the Americas. The Renault 4 was also adapted into commercial variants such as small vans. As Renault prepares to unveil the first ever replacement for the Renault 4, and marking the sixtieth anniversary of its first launch, this book is a timely tribute to one of the most iconic French cars.

When London first applied as a contender to stage the 2012 Olympic Games, there was cynical speculation as to whether the transport infrastructure could cope should it win. During the bidding process for 2012, Transport for London, the capital's transport strategy provider, did its bit to promote the application with buses and Stratford station displaying prominent 'Back the Bid' slogans. There was a 'can-do' mentality among transport management on this occasion, and in this book Malcolm Batten looks at the preparation and delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic games by London's transport providers. The transport legacy is also examined here, with previously unpublished photographs celebrating a landmark achievement in the history of London transport.

Richard of Cornwall was born in 1209 as the youngest son of King John. His life of adventure made him one of the wealthiest and most widely travelled men of his era. Praised for his diplomatic and organisational skills, he led the last successful crusade to the Holy Land and was elected king of Germany. At home he was indispensable to his brother Henry III, but he resented his dependence on him and often equivocated his support. When his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort raised rebellion against the regime, Richard took a neutral stance, and it ended up costing both him and the king. He emerged from that low point to exert what was his greatest and lasting influence on his German subjects. He took one of them as his third wife, a teenage beauty who was forty years younger than him. Ever a seeker of glory, luxury and pleasure, Richard turned Wallingford and Berkhamsted into the famous castles they became later on and sired numerous children with mistresses. He gladly squeezed the peasants to finance his ventures and lifestyle, but also came to their rescue when famine beset the realm. As with any complicated individual of that era, he was both admired and hated when he died in 1272. In this first biography of Richard of Cornwall in more than fifty years, Darren Baker explores Richard's accomplishments, going much further into his life than any previous work, and shows why the only Englishman to carry the prestigious title of king of the Romans is always worth another look.

The search for the historical figure behind what is arguably the most famous cycle of legends ever has been unrelenting over the centuries. Here, two noted Arthurian experts argue that the man whose story started the Arthurian myth was a soldier named Lucius Artorius Castus who lived at the end of the second century AD. Castus's extraordinary career took him from one end of the Roman Empire to the other, bringing him into contact with tribespeople among the Steppe nomads - in particular the Sarmatians. For several decades the Sarmatians have been thought to be the inspiration behind Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, among other British tales. The authors provide a fascinating detective story following the life of Lucius Artorius Castus against the colourful backdrop of the history of the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and his son, the barely sane Commodus. In doing so they reveal the manifold links between Artorius and the legend.

The burial grounds, graveyards and cemeteries of Fife contain many fascinating historical tales, often with interesting superstitions attached. All walks of life are represented - from the burial place of ancient kings, queens and saints in Scotland's ancient capital, Dunfermline, to the only known grave of a witch in Scotland, on the foreshore of the Firth of Forth. In this book local historian Charlotte Golledge takes readers on a tour through the history of Fife's burial grounds, graveyards and cemeteries. She explores the history of the royal burials at Dunfermline Abbey and the resting place of the bishops at St Andrews Cathedral, with the graves of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris nearby who designed many of Scotland's iconic golf courses. Lesser-known locations include the secluded St Bridget's kirkyard in Dalgety Bay where bodysnatchers would row across the River Forth to claim freshly buried bodies for the anatomist's table, and the lovingly restored kirkyard at Tulliallan Old Kirk with its gravestones going back to the seventeenth century, many of which have been brought to the surface recently, showing the everyday trades of those interred, including nautical connections. Together, these are the tales of real people of Scotland told through their deaths and burials. This fascinating portrait of life and death in Fife over the centuries will appeal to both residents and visitors to this region of Scotland.

Norfolk has many places of interest connected with its diverse and sometimes bloody past. This book explores locations around the county linked with historical figures and major events. Houses, monuments and statues are associated with the likes of Lord Nelson, Nurse Edith Cavell, Anna Sewell, Howard Carter, Pocahontas, Julian of Norwich and many others. And there are many places connected with major historical incidents such as the Norfolk Rising, the Peasants' Revolt and Boudicca's stand against the Romans. Norfolk locations used in films and television programmes are also included, not least The Go Between and Dad's Army. Royalty has long been associated with Norfolk, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Diana as well as the royal residence at Sandringham. Norfolk has also inspired famous works of literature including The Hound of the Baskervilles, Black Beauty and the Swallows and Amazons series, and many major rock acts played in small venues around the county before becoming famous. Norfolk Places Behind the Faces is an entertaining survey of places of interest associated with Norfolk historical characters, events, and film and television locations. It will appeal to all those who live in Norfolk or know it well.

In 1973 there were approximately 150 Fire Brigades protecting the United Kingdom - all with their own ideas on how to design and specify fire engines. However, local government reorganisation the following year was about to change that. This book is a unique photographic record by distinguished fire engine photographers John Toomey, who came especially from New York, and Andrew Henry. It documents the amazing diversity of British post-war fire engines. Captions and an expert commentary are provided by the highly respected Fire Brigade author and historian Ron Henderson.

The ancient city of Bath has always attracted visitors, flourishing in the Georgian era and becoming home for the fashionable and wealthy. The city was rebuilt to reflect its new status and although areas were devastated by aerial attacks in the Second World War and the misguided destruction of the 1960s, Bath today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. In Bath Murders and Misdemeanours author Mick Davis has delved into local records to reveal the dark side of life in the golden city. From highwaymen to grave robbers and murderers, poisoners to suicides, psychopaths to major disasters, the author has researched and examined a number of little-known crimes that rocked the city in days gone by. This collection of true-life crime stories gives a vivid insight into life in Bath in previous centuries. This book will fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of crime as well as those who want to know more about the history of Bath and the south-west of England.

The 1980s was the era when affordable computers came to UK homes. They were known as microcomputers as their 'brain' was a microprocessor chip. Before then, computers were either found in the IT centres of big companies, taking up a whole room, or were large desktop machines with a price tag that put them out of reach for most people. But in February 1980, a company called Sinclair Computers launched their first home computer costing less than GBP100 - the ZX80. It began a very exciting time for all those with an interest in technology, and the UK home computer market was born. The first Sinclair ZX80s were soon joined by a host of competition in the early years of the 1980s as machines were released from companies such as Acorn, Dragon, Tangerine and Commodore. They all wanted a share of a market that would soon be worth millions of pounds. This book explores the history of these companies and the entrepreneurs behind them such as Sir Clive Sinclair of Sinclair Computers and Chris Curry of Acorn Computers. The innovative machines they produced inspired a generation.

Inspired by the sight of RAF Lightning fighter interceptors climbing vertically into the sky at 50,000 feet per minute and by other British engineering and design achievements, Richard Noble, determined to put Britain back in the lead during the resurgence of national confidence of the 1980s, wanted Britain to regain the world land speed record. Thrust 2, driven by Richard Noble, broke the world land speed record on 4 October 1983 in the Black Rock desert in Nevada. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet engine, it reached a speed of 650.88 mph (1,047,49 km/h}. It would hold the land speed record until 25 September 1987. In this fascinating book, Richard Noble tells the inside story of the development of the car that would beat the world. The story takes the reader from the drawing board, through the considerable technical difficulties, including aerodynamics, mounting an engine designed for jet fighter aircraft, and maintaining stability with suspension and wheels at speeds of over 650 miles per hour. Despite the huge challenges, including recovery from a crash, they were overcome by the confidence and determination of Richard Noble and his team. Including unseen illustrations, this is the true inside story of the world-beating Thrust 2 project.

Warwickshire, often known as Shakespeare's County, has a host of strange and mysterious tales ranging from ancient legends and stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in Warwickshire's towns and villages, some of which still flourish today. These strange and spooky stories include the quirky death of the Roundhead commander who owned Warwick Castle, the association of the great author J. R. R. Tolkien with the town, and the story of the hand of glory obtained at Warwick hangings. The historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon have witnessed many strange events over the centuries and more recently the Crackley Wood sprite has been sighted at Kenilworth. Other stories include the Wroth Silver at Knightlow Cross, an 800-yearold violent ball game played annually at Atherstone on Shrove Tuesday, and the unresolved mystery of the 1945 murder at Lower Quinton associated with witchcraft, along with other strange tales from the surrounding towns and villages. These stories are accompanied by the author's photographs in this hugely entertaining book.

Gordon D. Webster's latest title examines the renewal - and revival - of railways in the north of England. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the role of train travel in Britain forever. Gone were the swarms of rush-hour commuters to the city and the tourist season was dealt a very swift blow. New trains and new franchises signalled a new era on the East and West Coast main lines, only for trains to run empty as an emergency timetable took hold. Across the Pennines, the famous Settle & Carlisle line was devoid of its usual summer charter traffic, though 'Staycation Express' loco-hauled services proved a success. This photographic collection looks at the rails of the north before and after the pandemic in all their scenic glory. It also covers the heritage steam railways, which faced their biggest ever challenge during this extraordinary period in history.

The Battle for Hong Kong lasted eighteen days. It was always going to be a losing battle. Winston Churchill knew that Hong Kong could not be defended or relieved if attacked. It had become an isolated outpost to be held as long as possible. After reaching the limits of endurance the British administration surrendered the Crown Colony on Christmas Day, December 1941. The military defeat ushered in a brutal occupation by the Imperial Japanese Army, who ruled the captured territory under martial law. The occupation lasted for three years and eight months until the Japanese capitulation in August 1945. During the occupation, there were shortages of food, firewood, and electricity. Almost everything was in short supply. The Japanese rationed necessities, such as rice, oil, flour, salt and sugar. Ration cards were only issued to those employed in roles that were supporting the Japanese concept of Greater Asia and the co-prosperity sphere. Many died in the streets from starvation and there were outbreaks of cannibalism. The Japanese set about reducing the population, by forced deportation, from 1.65 million to an estimated 500,000 by August 1945. Some were deported to work in coal mines on Hainan Island, some were put on boats which were then sunk or set alight, others were marooned on uninhabited islands. Philip Cracknell brings his unrivalled knowledge of the ground to bear, as he did in Battle for Hong Kong December 1941 to tell the harrowing story of suffering and courage during the Imperial Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. The story follows the civilian through the battle, the aftermath, the internment, and finally liberation. It is the story of the civilian during and after the Battle for Hong Kong.

The county of Staffordshire has an impressive military history and heritage that stretches back well over 1,000 years. In this book the authors explore the military heritage of the historical county of Staffordshire, including the heavily populated urban areas of Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Walsall and West Bromwich and the more rural parts of the county from its Anglo-Saxon and Viking legacy to the present day. As well as Staffordshire's historic fortifications, airbases and other military structures, the authors tell the story of Staffordshire's experiences on the Home Front in the world wars. Its military heritage also encompasses military hospitals, munitions, armaments and aircraft production, as well as the military units and regiments associated with Staffordshire, significant military personalities and awards and the foreign wars its soldiers were involved in through the centuries, as well as the county's memorials to these conflicts. This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about Staffordshire's remarkable military history.

Derbyshire is a county of contrasts, and the development of the railways reflect this. In Limestone Country in the west the LNW held sway with its railways from Ashbourne and Cromford to Buxton involved in the extraction of limestone. Meanwhile, in the east of the county, no fewer than four different companies fought over the lucrative business of coal carrying in the huge North Midlands Coalfield. From the historic railway town of Derby, the Midland Railway had routes south to London, west to Birmingham and north to Sheffield. In the north of the county was the MR's Hope Valley route, which included two of the longest tunnels in Britain. Further north still was the Great Central's Woodhead route carving its way through the gritstone. Altogether no fewer than six railway companies were represented in the county, including the Great Northern penetrating from the east, the North Staffordshire in the south-west and the Lancashire, Derbyshire & East Coast Railway with its transversal Chesterfield-Lincoln line. A complex but fascinating story, told using previously unpublished photographs, this book charts the development of the county's railways from the earliest days.

While the Anglo-Zulu War is now best remembered for two battles, the stunning British defeat at Isandlwana and the victory against the odds at Rorke's Drift, two others at Hlobane and Khambula eerily mirrored them. At Hlobane the British stared disaster in the face again and just about escaped, while at Khambula they inflicted a crushing defeat on the Zulu army and turned the war on its head. In addition to these two battles, a British force was massacred on the Ntombe River and the region was the last to surrender. It was a war of ambushes and night attacks, of raids and counter-raids, of visceral intensity and bitterness and two massive battles. It also saw the British hanging on after Isandlwana through the determination and grit of two men, Colonels Evelyn Wood and Redvers Buller, both Victoria Cross winners and arguably amongst the greatest heroes of the war. Humbler heroes too play their part in the story of the war in this part of Zululand, such as Sister Janet Wells, inspired by Florence Nightingale to journey out to South Africa as a pioneer nurse when still in her teens. This is the dramatic story of a true epic, one which played a critical part in shaping the ultimate British victory against a determined and wronged enemy.

The first cranes mounted on railway wheels were hand-operated, but by the mid-nineteenth century several builders had fitted steam engines and boilers to enhance lifting capabilities, though initially these machines were not self-propelled, but merely portable. By the 1860s self-propelled cranes were offered and gradually designs were developed for more specialised uses, such as dealing with accidents or for quarrying. A crane locomotive is a conventional steam locomotive, built or subsequently fitted with a crane jib. The first example was a locomotive converted by the London & North Western Railway in 1866. Other railways followed with their own conversions, and three main line companies even built a small number new. These were all mainly employed for shunting and loading in workshop areas. Private firms also designed and built specialist crane locomotives for use in heavy industry, such as shipyards and steelworks, where they proved to be extremely versatile, with the last examples working into the early 1970s. While over 200 were built in the UK, for both domestic service and export, these fascinating machines have been largely overlooked by the railway historian and enthusiast.

Clive Pearson takes us on an engaging whirlwind tour of the fifty-three men and three women who have so far held the office of Prime Minister. We discover how they got to the top of the greasy pole and assess their performance once in power. Perhaps more importantly, we find out what lasting influence they have had on our lives today. The author also offers up entertaining little-known facts about these key players. Eighteenth-century prime ministers were generally a poor lot, often beset by health problems such as gout and apoplectic fits; later, one nineteenth-century premier spent his evenings prowling the streets at night looking for prostitutes to 'reform'. This book casts a light on this colourful cast of characters, and offers an entertaining and accessible introduction to those who over the last three centuries have held the highest office in the land.

Known as the Prairies, these tank engines of the 2-6-2T variety were some of Churchward's earliest designs and were the precursor for successful variations of one of the classes - numbered 51XX until 1949. There were two basic types, the smaller type for branch lines and the larger type mostly for outer suburban work in London and Birmingham, but also used as banking engines at Sapperton, Rattery, Hemerdon and Dainton inclines. The smaller 45XX class started off as a class of seventy-five engines, but were eventually developed by Collett into a class more than double the size. They saw service on the St Ives portion of the Cornish Riviera Express and the Pwllheli portion of the Cambrian Coast Express. Profusely illustrated throughout and packed with technical detail, Allen Jackson tells the story of the Great Western Railway's Prairie class locomotives.

Oxfordshire is rich in many things: fine agricultural land and areas of dense woodland; delightful towns like Burford, Woodstock, Dorchester and Henley; the stately River Thames that bisects the county; the ironstone villages of the northern border; the Oxford Canal meandering its way through remote countryside; and splendid country houses at Blenheim, Chastleton and Rousham. The jewel in the crown is the city of Oxford itself, with its ancient honey-coloured buildings and dreaming spires. This book celebrates both Oxfordshire's well-known glories and hidden gems such as the ruined manor at Hampton Gay, the brewery at Hook Norton and the glories of Wytham Woods. Highlighting these and other gems, this book gives an enticing picture of the rich variety of experiences and sights the county of Oxfordshire has to offer.

Flying up the Edgware Road tells the story of how an area of what is now north-west London became a hub of the British aircraft industry in the very early years of the twentieth century. From the Edwardian suburb of Cricklewood out towards the semi-rural hamlets of Colindale and Kingsbury, a collection of factories were established to produce some of the most important warplanes that served in the First World War. The author takes the reader through the early days of flying at Hendon, introduces the owners and workers of once-mighty companies, such as Airco, Handley Page and de Havilland, and chronicles the decline and reuse of the factories for a new post-war economy. It is a book that will appeal to those keen to know more about London's industrial, social and economic past, as well as those with an interest in early aviation history.