I beguile, intrigue and create mystery. Strong hands bore me To where I stand now, Toiling, sweating, labouring To bring soul to me; Stone circle of life, Pathway to the sun. I cause learned men to Stare in awe and think of How and … Show more
The Seaside Pier Seaside or ‘pleasure’ piers, those glorious, intrinsically British structures, were first built in the 19th Century, the earliest being Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight, constructed in 1813. The famous Southend Pier is the longest pier in the world, extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary. … Show more
In the deep, dark caverns of historic Wookey Hole, near Wells in Somerset, there once lived an old woman who was thought to be a witch. An old folk tale tells of a bitter woman who had been scorned by her lover, ever after living in the caves, cursing angrily … Show more
Fish and chips, now who can resist them? Crisp, golden batter covering delicious flaky white fish, served with hot, steaming chips, wrapped in newspaper. (Well not exactly newspaper any more, but Brits of a certain age will remember that) They are practically an institution in the UK; the original fast … Show more
Big Ben is an iconic London landmark, synonymous with all things British. Often when watching the news, journalists can be seen standing in front of the Houses of Parliament delivering their reports with the obligatory red London bus or black cab sailing behind them. Big Ben is not a building … Show more
As a Lancastrian, born in the shadow of Pendle Hill, I was raised knowing the story of the ‘Lancashire Witches’ very well. I have trudged up Pendle Hill on scores of occasions, including some scary night walks up there at Halloween. During the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly during the … Show more
POLLY NICHOLLS The first woman to be murdered by Jack the Ripper on August 31st, 1888, was Mary Ann Nicholls, known as ‘Polly’. Polly struggled with drink and relationships, ending up in Lambeth Workhouse. In August, 1888, she was lodging in Thawl Street in Whitechapel. On the night of her … Show more
A couple of weeks ago I was coming home alone late at night via the tube. (London Underground) When I walked into the station, I found it to be eerily and unusually quiet, with not a soul about. A YouTube film I had recently watched about a ghost filmed in … Show more
The cup of tea is a quintessential part of life in England, certainly in my family and for the majority of my British friends. The first thing people often ask when you visit their home is, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Tea is cheap, cheerful and refreshing and … Show more
I love lighthouses and reading about their history, as well as the many stories connected with them. One of the most well-known lighthouses in the UK is Longstone Lighthouse, off the coast of beautiful Northumberland. It looks over the treacherous Harcar rocks, the scene of many shipwrecks over the years. … Show more