Abigail Hamilton-Thompson – författare

The cathedral city of St Albans grew around the Roman city of Verulamium, of which extensive ruins remain. The cathedral, with the longest nave in Britain, features mediaeval wall paintings and two shrines, one to St Alban Britain’s first saint and the other to St Amphibalus. The city holds one of the oldest street markets in England and nearby stands the mediaeval town belfry. Among the many cultural attractions of St Albans is the biennual international organ festival which has been called the world’s leading organ competition. Famous people associated with St Albans include Stephen Hawking, the Elizabethan and Jacobean politician and thinker Francis Bacon as well as Bruce Forsyth.Celebrating St Albans chronicles the proud heritage of St Albans, its important moments and what draws so many to this flourishing city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into St Albans’ rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating St Albans will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Hertfordshire, one of the Home Counties close to the capital, features some spectacular countryside including the chalk escarpment fringes of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and many beautiful valleys including the Lee and the Colne.In 50 Gems of Hertfordshire local author Abigail Hamilton-Thompson explores the unique locations that make the county special and the many breathtaking views in the unspoiled countryside. She investigates the hidden delights in historic towns such as Ware, Royston and the city of St Albans. From nature reserves to Roman Verulamium, churches to caves, watermills to windmills and the geological rarity that is Hertfordshire puddingstone, readers will venture on a journey of discovery around the treasures of the county.

Think of Cambridgeshire and images of dreaming spires, gowned students and river punting probably spring to mind. It is a county unlike any other in England. In 50 Gems of Cambridgeshire local author Abigail Hamilton-Thompson shares some of the lesser-known jewels of the city of Cambridge and the tucked-away treasures to be found across the county. She explains its geography and history and shows how town, gown and the unique, watery landscape have shaped each other throughout the centuries. From Whittlesey’s unique Straw Bear Festival and the soaring splendour of Ely Cathedral to the ghostly goings-on in a historic riverside inn, Cambridgeshire offers something for everyone.50 Gems of Cambridgeshire celebrates the county’s remarkable landscapes, buildings, stories and festivals. Fully illustrated throughout, readers will discover the places and heritage that make Cambridgeshire so special.

'Votes for Women. Handle with Care' was the message left on a hoax bomb found under the Oundle railway bridge in 1913, just two years after the leading suffrage campaigner Mrs Pankhurst visited the city.Notable women of Peterborough include Florence Saunders, a selfless dedicated nurse who regularly visited the poorer areas of Peterborough and set up the District Nursing Health Service at the Soke. Another well known nurse, Edith Cavell, spent some time at the Laurel Court School, which was run by a leading female character.The Women's United Total Abstinence Council (WUTAC) set up a coffee wagon to encourage male workers to avoid drinking, thus helping families in the war against alcoholism. The WUTAC also set up a tea room at the railway station during the First World War to discourage sailors and soldiers from the public houses.This book explores the lives of women in Peterborough between 1850 and 1950 by looking at home life, the taking on of men's roles during the First World War, the land army, nursing, the accommodating of evacuees during the Second World war, the eccentric first Freewoman of the city and the first female mayor.Struggle and Suffrage in Peterborough uncovers the stories of the leading women in the city who helped change women's lives forever.