Josephine Jeremiah – författare

Rising in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, the River Thames flows in a generally easterly direction for 215 miles to the sea. It passes Cricklade, Lechlade and Eynsham before reaching Oxford, after which it flows on past Abingdon, Wallingford and Reading. From Sonning, the Thames goes past Henley-on-Thames, renowned for its regatta, to Marlow and then Cookham. Running through spectacular wooded scenery at Cliveden, it passes Maidenhead and flows on to Windsor, celebrated for its castle, and Eton, noted for its college. The river continues past Runnymede, where Magna Carta was signed, and Staines, where the London Stone marked the ancient boundary of London's jurisdiction on the Thames. Flowing past Shepperton and Sunbury, it reaches Hampton Court Palace and then Kingston upon Thames before arriving at Teddington Lock. Downriver of Teddington, the Thames becomes tidal. The upper part of the Thames was the focus of an historical journey in the author's previous book, The Upper and Middle Thames from Source to Reading (2007). This second volume, featuring the middle and lower reaches of the non-tidal Thames, is a continuation of the journey downriver. In this latest Thames portrait, the evocative collection of 18th-century aquatints, 19th-century engravings and early 20th-century postcards will delight river enthusiasts and riverbank residents alike. Locks, ferries, bridges, inns and boats as well as village and town scenes are depicted, along with images of people enjoying themselves just 'messing about on the river'.

From the foundation of its great abbey in the early eighth century, Evesham developed as the abbey grew in splendour. Though the Dissolution brought the abbey's ruin, its Bell Tower still survives and its Almonry now houses a museum. The town's place in national history was secured by the Battle of Evesham in 1265, in which Simon de Montfort died leading the barons of England against Henry III's eldest son. In more peaceful days Evesham has been renowned for its riverside and visitors flocked here to sail or take an excursion on one of its steamers.

A study of old Severnside bringing to life those busier days with old photographs and prints, illustrating life on this ancient waterway from Shrewsbury to Gloucester.

The Vale of Evesham is well known for its fruit-growing and market gardening, which may have been inspired by Francis Bernardi in the 17th century. By the early 20th century, in contrast to many rural areas, population and prosperity had increased in the Vale. '...the photographs are a delightful trip down memory lane ...This book continues to reflect Phillimore's high standard and their policy of using local historians works wonders.' Cotswold Life