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The Story of Bradford

Simon Appleby — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:36:09 +0000

The Story of Bradford traces the city’s history from earliest times to the present, concluding with comments on the issues, challenges and opportunities that the 21st century will present. The departure of the German wool merchants in 1914 and the tragedy that befell the Bradford Pals at the Somme had a serious effect not just on the city but further afield, while the achievements of the great nineteenth-century wool barons are contrasted with the condition of the working-class and industrial unrest. The challenge in the new millennium is for Bradford to use its considerable assets – including the architectural development and heritage – to shine as a prosperous and self-confident community.

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The Story of the Fens

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:16 +0000

Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as Peterborough City Council, all lay claim to a part of the Fens. Since Roman times, man has increased the land mass in this area by one third of the size. It is the largest plain in the British Isles, covering an area of nearly three-quarters of a million acres and is unique to the UK. The fen people know the area as marsh (land reclaimed from the sea) and fen (land drained from flooding rivers running from the uplands). The Fens are unique in having more miles of navigable waterways than anywhere else in the UK. Mammoth drainage schemes in the seventeenth and eighteenth changed the landscape forever – leading slowly but surely to the area so loved today. Insightful, entertaining and full of rich incident, here is the fascinating story of the Fens.

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The Story of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:16 +0000

The townships of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme nestle neatly in a triangular area bordered on the south by the River Mersey, on the north-west by the River Irwell/Manchester Ship Canal and on the east by the M60 motorway. In this, the first substantial book on the area since 1898, local historian Michael Billington draws on census records, newspaper reports, antiquarian books, church accounts, Victorian church magazines, trial records, OS maps, burial records, Industrial School Act records and conversations with local historians and residents. The author, himself an Urmstonian, takes the reader on a journey of discovery in his portrayal of old houses (many now demolished due to disrepair or to make way for the motorway), churches, farms, weaving, the arrival of the railway, children and education, entertainment, sport, customs, culture, the war years and more. There are many previously unpublished photographs, maps and stories to take older residents on a nostalgic journey down memory lane whilst also introducing younger readers to a fascinating trio of townships some seven miles or so to the south-west of Manchester, itself immersed in the glory of the Industrial Revolution.

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The Story of Manchester

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:15 +0000

This richly illustrated history explores every aspect of life in Manchester. Manchester is noted for the ‘Industrial Revolution’ – its factories, working-class people and urban development all based around its production of cotton textiles. But this is not the complete story. Manchester has always been a more vibrant place which dates back to Roman times. This book traces the development of this important city and its people from the earliest times to the present, where each period in its progress links to the next. The history of Manchester is very much based around its people, who were often pioneers, whether this be the first railway line, the first public library, fighting for greater political rights, or key wealth creators for the nation. As we advance through the twenty-first century, Manchester’s role in the United Kingdom remains undiminished as it becomes ever more cosmopolitan and a northern powerhouse of economic, social and political progress.

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The Story of Edinburgh

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:12 +0000

This richly illustrated history explores every aspect of life in Edinburgh. This book covers the history of the city of Edinburgh from the first Mesolithic explorers who camped on the shores of the Forth some 10,000 years ago to the controversies of modern times. Taking a wider perspective it explores the ever-changing world resulting from industrialisation, which brought immigrants, wealth and poverty. Following that, new methods of transport opened up Edinburgh to the wider world. Now, with its historic architecture the city can become a battleground between developers and motorists who want more space in the central areas and conservationists who wish to protect the city’s landscape.

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The Story of Kent

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:13 +0000

A richly illustrated history exploring life in Kent. This book tells the amazing story of Kent from earliest times to the modern day. Some of the pivotal moments in the Garden of England’s history are recalled, including invasions from Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. It has seen the Black Death, the Peasants’ Revolt, the Swing Riots and, more recently, audacious escapades by suffragettes in the battle for Votes for Women. The story is brought right up to date with the challenges faced by traditional industries and the transformation of cross-Channel travel. The resilient people of Kent have taken it all in their stride and this story encompasses how they lived, worked and played through hundreds of years of colourful history.

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The Story of Bath

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:09 +0000

This richly illustrated history explores the many challenges and triumphs faced by one of Britain’s most fascinating cities. The Story of Bath charts the long history of this important city from its beginnings in the Roman period through to the present day. Its lively narrative takes in Bath’s medieval reinvention as a health resort and focuses on its Georgian heyday, when a new classical town was achieved as the elegant backdrop to the social round of polite society. The rediscovery of the Roman Baths and growing industries led to Bath’s expansion in the late nineteenth century, while the Blitz and the consequent conservation battles of the Sack of Bath are highlighted in the twentieth century. Accompanied by evocative archival images, Cathryn Spence brings to life the many facets of this remarkable World Heritage Site.

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The Story of Ely

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:12 +0000

Standing on what was one of the largest islands in the Cambridgeshire Fens, Ely has a rich and varied history. The Story of Ely takes an engaging look at this cathedral city from the earliest times to the modern day, recalling pivotal events and taking into account its unique architectural development and heritage. Illustrated with evocative images, the book brings to life Ely’s history, from its annual fairs and the war years, to powerful bishops and famous residents. Well-known local historian Michael Rouse combines a lively tone with authoritative research to create a unique narrative on his beloved city and the people who have made it.

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The Story of Stirling

Simon Appleby — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:08:07 +0000

Written by well-known writer, broadcaster and genealogist Bruce Durie, this book tells the amazing story of Stirling’s history from earliest times to the modern day. Some of the most pivotal moments in Scottish history occurred in the city’s surroundings, including the Battle of Bannockburn – the greatest military victory in Scottish memory. But there is more to central Scotland’s premier city than a battle, Robert Bruce and William Wallace. Illustrated with over 120 pictures – including 16 colour plates – and filled with curious, interesting and quirky facts throughout, The Story of Stirling will interest anyone who knows and loves this part of Scotland.

This book tells the amazing story of Stirling’s history from earliest times to the modern day. Some of the most pivotal moments in Scottish history occurred in the city’s surroundings, including the greatest military victory in Scottish memory. Exactly 700 years ago, an English army marched into Scotland intent on crushing Scottish resistance once and for all. The site they chose for their attack was Bannockburn – where the Scottish troops were waiting for them. One of King Edward’s own knights captured the resolution of the Bruce’s men: ‘these men,’ he said, ‘will conquer or die.’ And conquer they did, shattering the English army and harrying them all the way back to the border. But there is more to central Scotland’s premier city than one battle: illustrated with 120 pictures and filled with curious, interesting and quirky facts throughout, this book will interest anyone who knows and loves this part of Scotland.

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The Story of Southampton

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:18:15 +0000

The Story of Southampton is a long overdue and engaging general history of the city, from the earliest times to the present day, taking into account its unique architectural development and heritage. It not only looks at the local history, but also how those events had a wider significance – especially in relation to the sea and communications. Peter Neal has an eye for a telling anecdote, and this, together with his lively tone and authoritative research, will make the book appealing to anyone who is seeking to find out more about this fascinating city.

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