The Little Book of Archives - The History Press

The Little Book of the Isle of Wight

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:01:40 +0000

Did you know? A new species of cat-like dinosaur, yet to be named, was discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1988. Darwin began his world famous ‘On the Origin of the Species’ while staying at the Kings Head Hotel. There are 21 tourists to every Island resident. The Little Book of the Isle of Wight is a funny, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no one will want to be without. The Island’s most eccentric inhabitants, blood-curdling murders and literally hundreds of facts combine to make this required reading for locals and visitors alike. Illustrated with humorous cartoons and delivered with wit and flair, this captivating compendium is almost impossible to put down.

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The Little Book of Irish Football

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:01:45 +0000

Association football in Ireland has a wonderful, rich and, indeed, fraught history. From its early days as the ‘Garrison Game’ it has grown to be the most popular sport on the island. This book explores that rich history as well as the legends, the teams and the memorable moments, all intertwined with tales of humour, strife and political skulduggery. Here you can immerse yourself in Ireland’s footballing culture and the famous names and games that remain in the collective memory. You will also discover strange and obscure facts about the game on the Emerald Isle, the quirky and the unusual that have created a rich and vibrant tapestry. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this will be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the sport, the legends and the characters who have created such a vibrant past and present.

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The Little Book of Welsh Landmarks

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:01:46 +0000

From the snowy peaks of Snowdonia to the glorious Wales Coastal Path, this compelling compendium is a fact-filled journey through Wales’ most iconic landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Experience the country’s immense history, from the breathtaking World Heritage Sites to the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the countless castles, secluded beaches, mystical rivers and hidden gems which can be found across the land. This handy book can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Cymru.

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The Little Book of Scotland

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:01:21 +0000

The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts.

Geoff Holder’s latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.

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The Little Book of Hertfordshire

Simon Appleby — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:24:15 +0000

Hertfordshire is a county full of stories. Its closeness to London attracts the great and the good (and the not so good). We have saints – St Albans, St Thomas More and the only English Pope, Nicholas Breakspear. In contrast Hertford elections were once declared the most corrupt in the country. It is no secret that Elizabeth I became Queen at Hatfield House in South Hertfordshire, but did you know that her father Henry VIII fled a plague-ridden London to a nearby village while waiting for his first divorce to come through? And just around the corner 400 years later engineers were secretly developing the bombers which helped win the Second World War.

There are so many tales to be told about Hertfordshire it is impossible to squeeze them all between these covers. But open this little book anywhere and you will be amused, entertained, and intrigued.

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The Little Book of Kildare

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:02:11 +0000

The Little Book of Kildare is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about this historic county. Here you will find out about Kildare’s great houses and historic towns, its monastic heritage, its literary traditions and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through quaint villages and bustling towns, this book takes the reader on a journey through County Kildare and its and colourful vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this ancient country.

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The Little Book of Fermanagh

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:01:40 +0000

The Little Book of Fermanagh is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about County Fermanagh. Here you will find out about the county’s industrial past, its proud sporting heritage, its arts and culture and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through quaint villages and bustling towns, this book takes the reader on a journey through County Fermanagh and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about this varied county.

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The Little Book of Cork

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:02:28 +0000

The Little Book of Cork is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about Cork City. Here you will find out about Cork’s buildings and businesses, its proud sporting heritage, its hidden corners and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through its bustling thoroughfares and down winding laneways, this book takes the reader on a journey through Cork and its vibrant past, recalling the people and events that shaped this great city. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Cork.

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The Little Book of Limerick

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:02:30 +0000

The Little Book of Limerick is a compendium of fascinating information about the city and county, past and present. Here you will find out about Limerick’s buildings and bridges, crime and punishment, tragic accidents, and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. It covers not only the well-known aspects of Limerick’s history but also focuses on the details of the everyday man in the street, recording facts that could so easily have been forgotten. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of this ancient city and county. It is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

The Little Book of Limerick is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about County Limerick. Funny, fast-paced and fact-packed, here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants and strange traditions alongside details of its flora and fauna, sporting heritage and of course it literary traditions. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this ancient country.

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The Little Book of Cheshire

Simon Appleby — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:23:54 +0000

Did You Know?

In medieval times, Cheshire was a County Palatine with its own independent parliament.
The village of Willaston hosts the annual World Worm Charming Championships.
With 86,000 ponds, Cheshire claims to be the pond capital of Europe.
Cheshire cheese is the oldest named cheese in England.

The Little Book of Cheshire is a fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information no one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and hundreds of other facts, plus some authentically bizarre bits of historical trivia.

This is an ideal book to have by your bedside or to while away the hours on a long train journey. And if you like to take part in pub quizzes – or set them – then you will find this book a veritable treasure trove of useful information.

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