All articles in Local & Family History
13th August, 2025 in Local & Family History
The short dark history of Somerset
England is a country which, despite its relatively small size, has a long, varied and colourful history, and much of this can still be seen and understood if you know where to look. Each of its villages, towns and cities has its own tales to tell, and the area generally known as…
13th August, 2025 in Folklore, Local & Family History
The magical landscape of Wales
Wales holds in the popular imagination a reputation of magic, mystery, and ancient ways. A land apart from its’ neighbours, Cymru has been a destination for centuries, but more importantly it is home to a proud culture. Yet, despite the richness of its’ heritage, only certain asp…
2nd June, 2025 in Local & Family History, Military
Silent heroes of the Second World War
Tens of thousands of men and women performed heroic acts on the Home Front during the Second World War. Most were not recognised by the authorities, nor would the heroines and heroes have wished to be so commemorated – the real reward was successfully saving a person’s life.. The…
28th January, 2025 in Local & Family History
A brief history of crossing the Humber
According to the make-it-up-as-you-go-along 12th-century historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, the River Humber was named after Humber, the King of the Huns. Learn more behind the history of Humber Crossing from Paul Sullivan author of new book The Little History of Lincolnshire. The w…
22nd January, 2025 in Local & Family History, Maritime
Scottish fishing boat pictures newly upgraded to colour
When fishing boats were numerous, Scotland was a wonderful place to see them. Even now, it’s still possible to catch a hint of what used to be. Peter Drummond has roamed the coastlines and harbours of Scotland for over thirty years, always with his trusty camera in hand. Although…
7th January, 2025 in Local & Family History
A brief history of Birmingham
If you’re ever walking along Corporation Street in Birmingham on a busy afternoon just stop and look around you. Listen to the noise, the chattering of voices, the distant hum of traffic, then close your eyes. When you open them again imagine you have been whisked away in a time…
5th December, 2024 in Local & Family History, Military, Women in History
Women’s Land Army in Hampshire
John Lander author of new book Don’t Delay – Enrol Today highlights the importance of the women’s land army in Hampshire during both World Wars. World War I The Women’s Land Army was established by the British government to recruit women and girls to work in Britain’s agriculture…
12th September, 2024 in Local & Family History, Sport
‘I Love Me County’: Waterford sporting stories
Cian Manning author of ‘I Love Me County’ provides a brief history of Waterford and its legacy. The Gentle County, Waterford, can boast a proud sporting tradition. It is as long as it is varied. It’s largest urban area, Waterford City, has witnessed bull-baiting at Ballybricken t…
10th September, 2024 in Local & Family History, Military
Repository to Resource: Preserving, researching and utilising the WW2 archives of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Royal Hospital Chelsea as a home for old soldiers has always been associated with warfare. The Second World War however represents a unique chapter in the history of the institution as the Hospital itself was in the line of fire for a sustained period. Casualties amongst the…
12th August, 2024 in Archaeology, Local & Family History
Castles of Northumberland: A gazetteer and history of the county’s castles
Northumberland has more castles, fortalices, towers, peles, bastles and barmkins than any other county in the British Isles. Castles of all periods were the private residences and fortresses of kings and noblemen. Read an extract from the new book Castles and Strongholds of North…
15th July, 2024 in Local & Family History
Bracknell: The new town with a unique history
Bracknell is one of the post war New Towns so you would be forgiven for thinking there is no history to the settlement. Bracknell’s history is unique. Author Andrew Radgick author of The Story of Bracknell discusses the history behind this new town. Early traces of people in the…
9th July, 2024 in Local & Family History
Essential historical facts about Kent
Kent truly is the gateway into England and the whole of the history of this “Sceptred Isle” has passed through the ancient kingdom of Kent. Its very name goes back into the mists of time. A Greek traveller who sailed the Channel twenty four centuries ago recorded in his records t…