Celebrating – serie

The Sussex seaside town of Eastbourne was developed as a resort from a collection of villages in the nineteenth century by the Duke of Devonshire. The new town grew rapidly and by the end of the nineteenth century Eastbourne was a large borough, attracting new residents and visitors. Eastbourne’s proximity to occupied France during the Second World War forced many away from the town, which suffered from repeated air raids and heavy loss of life and buildings. Recent decades have seen further significant changes to Eastbourne. It has become a conference centre and built a new marina on a shingle bank at the edge of the town and still continues to attract many, including to its beach, pier, parks and gardens, theatres and Beachy Head nearby. Over the years many notable characters have been associated with the town, including champion swimmers, racing drivers, scientists, air-aces and authors.Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Eastbourne’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Eastbourne will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Wirral peninsula was historically part of Cheshire but partly lies in Merseyside today. Evidence of the first human settlement dates from 7000BC and the importance of the area is shown by the waves of Celtic, Roman, Norse and Anglo-Saxon settlers over the centuries. Ferries have crossed the River Mersey since the 14th century although today the Wirral is linked to Liverpool by tunnel, Europe’s first street tramway opened in Birkenhead in 1840 and the world’s first passenger hovercraft service was launched in 1962 between Wallasey and Rhyl. Famous names in industry include Cammell Laird shipbuilders and Lever Brothers who built the garden village of Port Sunlight for their workers. The growing population could enjoy the world’s first publicly funded civic park in Birkenhead, which became the model for New York’s Central Park, and the roll call of famous names associated with the Wirral ranges from Wilfrid Owen to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and Ian Botham to Daniel Craig.Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into the Wirral’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating the Wirral will be a valuable contribution to the history of the region and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

In our fast-paced lives, it can be hard to stop and appreciate all the great things about the places where we live. Celebrations bring people together, make us feel a part of something bigger, and give us a real sense of community.In Celebrating Sunderland author Marie Gardiner reveals the people, places, achievements, and events of this great city. We look from dizzying heights at the Sunderland International Airshow after its humble beginnings at Sunderland Airport, to the town – and later, city – putting on its best for the parties and parades through its streets. Discover how one local architect changed lives and created a lasting legacy after a heart-warming encounter with a homeless boy. Relive past glories in the form of FA Cup wins, feats of derring-do, and awards for valour. Join us as we put up the bunting, string the lights, and dress to impress for Celebrating Sunderland.Illustrated throughout, this immensely engaging book will appeal to local people, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will evoke many memories, be a source of civic pride and provide a valuable contribution to local history.

Chester is famous today for its zoo, as the setting for the soap opera Hollyoaks, its racecourse – the oldest still in use in England – and its historical buildings. Chester was originally a Roman fort, known as Deva, and evidence of the Roman settlement is still visible today, including part of the amphitheatre and a shrine to Minerva. The Saxons extended the Roman city walls to their current position, where they provide an almost complete circuit around the city. The famous Rows – two levels of half timbered shops, one above the other – were also built at this time although they have been heavily restored over later centuries. The industrial age saw the arrival of the Shropshire Union canal in the city and the wealth brought to the city led to many of its Victorian landmarks being built, including the Town Hall and Grosvenor Museum. Today, Grosvenor Park is one of the finest Victorian parks in Britain, home to an open air theatre in the summer, and the converted Art Deco Odeon cinema attracts many visitors as the Storyhouse arts centre.Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Chester’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Chester 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.

A celebration of Swansea's rich heritage and identity - its special events, achievements, people, industry and landmarks.

As Portsmouth approaches its centenary year as a city, this timely book celebrates the history of many of its wonderful traditions and locations and also attempts to capture the spirit of its proud people. Mudlarking, the Pompey Chimes, Charlotte Street market, Spice Island, Fratton Park and the Spinnaker are just some of the unique elements that have contributed to the colourful character and the enduring memories of Portsmuthians and their beloved historic city. The country’s original, premier naval port as well as a large garrison town, Portsmouth punches above its weight in terms of defence heritage attractions – but there is far more to be discovered. What shapes and makes the city, apart from its geography and natural resources, is its people. Over the years, through individual effort, entrepreneurship, innovation, bloody-mindedness and collective action, they have made their city a proud one, rich in history and achievement. Illustrated with over 100 images, this book offers a wealth of social history and will inspire the memories not only of local residents, but also of anyone who has ever known the city. And for current visitors who wish to dig deeper into an understanding of what our city is and means, Celebrating Portsmouth is a good starting point. All readers will discover a rich source of heritage, of surprises and of inspiration leading to a deeper appreciation of this proud island city.

Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since the Middle Ages. As a gateway to the country, over the centuries Southampton has welcomed people from all over the world, as well as being an important embarkation point, most famously for the Mayflower and Titanic, the former evidence of its Nonconformist tradition. The town grew rapidly following the building of the docks in the nineteenth century and the development of the shipbuilding industry, particularly with companies such as Thornycroft and Harland & Wolff and the aviation industry as the birthplace of the Spitfire but its importance in the Second World War, including its naval base, meant that it became a target for aerial bombardment and much of the city was destroyed. In subsequent decades the city was rebuilt and today has been redeveloped as a commercial and financial centre, but retaining its many green spaces, and proud of its traditions and the many famous names associated with the city over the years.Building on the author’s previous titles Secret Southampton and A–Z of Southampton, Celebrating Southampton chronicles the proud heritage of Southampton, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southampton’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book 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.

A celebration of Anglesey’s rich heritage and identity – its special events, achievements, people, industry and landmarks.

Leicester is built upon the work of the innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers of past centuries. Henry Walker looked for a meat substitute during rationing after the Second World War and created the world-famous potato crisp brand. Another local man, Henry Curry, used metalworking skills acquired maintaining steam engines to construct bicycles, and his business would later become Curry’s PC World.In this book, author Stephen Butt celebrates the heritage, culture and identity of the city. Leicester is the home of the UK’s first mainland local radio station. It’s where Gary Lineker first kicked a ball, and Thomas Cook envisaged worldwide holidays. It’s where composer Sir Michael Tippett decided upon a musical career and Sir David Attenborough found his calling as a naturalist.The city’s universities are at the forefront of research. Dr Alec Jeffries pioneered DNA fingerprinting in the 1980s, and many technologies combined to verify the remains of Richard III, discovered under one of the city’s car parks. The National Space Centre is at the heart of the brand-new Leicester Space Park, which will be home to the Leicester Institute for Space and Earth Observation.From Roman engineering to space travel, there is much to celebrate in Leicester’s two-thousand-year history.Illustrated throughout, this engaging and informative book will be of interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.

The town of St Andrews in Fife has much to celebrate. Its cathedral was the largest church built in Scotland and the bishops, and later archbishops, played an important role in ruling medieval Scotland. Scotland’s first university was established in St Andrews, which began teaching religious studies in 1410. The university has been the choice for many famous people and is also responsible for many of the town’s traditions. The town was a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots, who owned a home in St Andrews. In 1663, astrologer and mathematician James Gregory published a design for the first reflecting telescope in St Andrews, and in 1673 Gregory laid the first Meridian line, which earned St Andrews the title ‘the place where time began’. St Andrews is best known, however, as the home of golf. The game had been played and developed in the town for centuries before the formation of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1754, which is considered the headquarters of golf. The town is also famous for its long, sandy beaches, which attracted filmmakers who shot the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire on the West Sands. The Lammas market, the oldest surviving medieval market, is still held in the centre of town, and the annual St Andrew’s Day celebrations, the patron saint of Scotland from whom the town takes its name, are a major attraction. Yet not all of the big names from St Andrews are human: Hamish McHamish, a large ginger cat, became one of the best-known residents and is remembered by a statue in the town centre.Celebrating St Andrews chronicles the proud heritage of the town, its important moments and what draws so many to this fascinating place today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into St Andrews’ rich history.

Gloucester’s history stretches back almost 2,000 years to its foundation by the Romans. This city has had royal connections throughout, from the Saxon warrior queen Aethelflaed to being the burial site of King Edward II in the cathedral but has also been associated with important names in manufacturing and industry, including the Gloster Aircraft Company and the Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, Moreland’s matches and Wall’s ice cream. The importance of Gloucester’s port in its history can also be seen today in its docks and quays. The city was besieged during the English Civil War but held out against the King’s much larger army. It also has proud military connections with the Gloucestershire Regiment. Famous names associated with Gloucester include the eighteenth-century philanthropist Robert Raikes, the banker and miser Jemmy Wood and the Victorian poet W. E. Henley, as well as legendary or folk tale figures such as King Lucius, Humpty Dumpty and Doctor Foster.Celebrating Gloucester chronicles the proud heritage of the city, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic place today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Gloucester’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Gloucester will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and will provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

On 1 March 2022, Prince Charles attended the official ceremony in Southend-on-Sea to mark the town becoming a city. Southend’s city status had been tirelessly campaigned for by Southend West’s MP Sir David Amess before his tragic death. He sought recognition for the important role Southend has played through history, both within Essex and the country as a whole. Southend developed from a small fishing village on the Thames Estuary into a popular and fashionable resort in the nineteenth century following the visit of Princess Caroline of Brunswick and Lady Hamilton. Later that century Southend’s first pier opened. It was later rebuilt and is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.34 miles. The pier has its own railway but there is much more to Southend than its pier, with its range of seaside attractions drawing many to its rich calendar of events, regenerated shopping centres, entertainment and cultural venues, conservation areas and local airport.Celebrating the City of Southend chronicles the proud heritage of Southend, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southend’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating the City of Southend will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and will provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Derby has been variously described as the ‘crossroads of history’, ‘the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution’, ‘the real ale capital of the world’, ‘Jubilee City’ and ‘the most haunted place in the country’. It is all of these and much, much more. For over a century it was an important railway-manufacturing centre, and the city has made a significant contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the country, particularly famed Enlightenment artist Wright of Derby. Britain’s first factory was established in Derby in 1721, and in 1745 Derby became the southernmost point reached by Bonnie Prince Charlie in his abortive attempt to overthrow King George II and seize the Crown. In the twentieth century Derby became the home of Rolls-Royce, which alone has contributed to a number of world-beating achievements. But Derby’s greatest asset is its people. The inventiveness of individual engineers, artists and scientists has been supported by the craftsmanship and skill of the workforce throughout its history.Celebrating Derby chronicles the proud heritage of this dynamic city, its important moments and what draws so many to it today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Derby’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book 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.

From its occupation by the Romans, through its development as an internationally renowned centre of learning, to its current status as one of the world’s leading technology hubs, Cambridge has a proud and distinctive identity. It was founded on the banks of the River Granta (later the Cam), with the name originating from the river and the bridge it crossed. By medieval times it enjoyed a flourishing river trade and was renowned for hosting one of the largest fairs in Europe. The university was founded in 1209, and its history is intertwined with the city, giving it a rich architectural heritage and the much-loved riverside ‘Backs’.In Celebrating Cambridge local author Susie Boulton highlights the individuals who have shaped the city’s destiny. The university has nurtured a remarkable number of eminent scientists and mathematicians (Newton and Darwin among them), leaving a rich legacy of scientific breakthroughs and innovations. Distinguished poets, philosophers, economists, musicians and actors have also honed their skills here. The book looks back on royal visits to the town, has chapters on architecture, women at Cambridge, fairs, festivals and music, from King’s College Chapel to the Cambridge Folk Festival. A chapter on open spaces highlights the glorious botanic gardens, city squares and peaceful commons where cattle graze.A city of unique beauty, intriguing history and remarkable achievements, Cambridge has so much to celebrate. Illustrated throughout, this engaging book will be a valuable contribution to local history and will appeal to local residents, visitors and all those with links to this vibrant and cultured city.

Maidstone is the county town of Kent. The medieval town grew as an agricultural and industrial centre alongside the River Medway and played a pivotal role in the Peasants’ Revolt. Industries attracted to the town included paper mills, brewing, textiles and stone quarrying. The town has retained many buildings from its past including the Archbishop’s Palace and College of All Saints. Literary connections include Ian Fleming and Jack London and the town’s main theatre, The Hazlitt Theatre, is named after the writer William Hazlitt who was born in Maidstone.Celebrating Maidstone chronicles the proud heritage of Maidstone and what draws so many to this flourishing town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Maidstone’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Maidstone will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Canterbury’s history stretches back to the earliest British settlements. Under the Romans it became a strategically important town and subsequent centuries became the centre of Christianity in England following Saint Augustine’s mission to the Anglo Saxons. The cathedral which still dominates the city has witnessed centuries of momentous change in the country’s history, including the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. The shrine became a pilgrim destination, celebrated in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. In later centuries industries came to Canterbury, not least silk weaving brought by Huguenot refugees, and although the city suffered significant losses during bombing in the Second World War, much of its heritage has been retained alongside new developments. Today the city attracts many visitors to its festivals, markets, shopping, theatres and musical events.Celebrating Canterbury chronicles the proud heritage of Canterbury, its important moments and what draws so many to this historical city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Canterbury’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Canterbury 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.

Horsham is a market town in West Sussex on a major crossing of the River Adur. The origins of the town date back to Anglo-Saxon times and the area was known early on for horse trading, becoming established as a borough in the early thirteenth century. Horsham was always a successful market town but its wealth was also generated by iron smelting, brickmaking, stone quarrying, brewing and leather making. More recently it has developed financial and service industries in sectors such as insurance and video gaming. Famous brewers like King and Barnes had been established in the town, and continuing the heritage of local brewing there are now craft brewers, gin distillers and vineyards. The population has grown rapidly in recent years due to new housing developments on the outskirts of the town.Celebrating Horsham chronicles the proud heritage of Horsham and what draws so many to this town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Horsham’s rich history, its special events and important moments.

The Yorkshire Dales, in northern England, combines river valleys, hills and historic settlements. Still largely rural, with farming being a way of life for generations, many are drawn to visit its beautiful landscape. Yet, its archaeology reveals more turbulent times and a history that encompasses battles, castles and even Roman marching camps. More recently, village shows are a real focal point of the calendar, including the quirky cuckoo festival in Austwick and the celebration of the 1940s just up the road in Ingleton. Then the hustle and bustle of livestock auctions bring noise and life to all across the Park. Dalesbred and other sheep varieties are revered across the world and notable businesses and industries include wool production, knitting, cheesemaking and black-marble production. Pubs characterise the Dales, some in remote high locations. Quoits is played locally and traditional music flourishes. Celebrating the Yorkshire Dales chronicles the proud heritage of the Dales, their important moments and what draws so many to this beautiful area today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into the Yorkshire Dales’ rich heritage, their special places, people and events, past and present.Celebrating the Yorkshire Dales is a valuable contribution to the history of this area and provides a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Merseyside town of St Helens came into being during the Industrial Revolution. First coal-mining, then glass-making and other industries, with the first industrial canal in the country and first passenger railway in the world, brought a rapidly growing population. In 1868 the town was incorporated as a metropolitan borough. Famous manufacturers such as Pilkington’s and Beecham’s made St Helens their home. During the First World War four St Helens men were awarded the Victoria Cross and later in the century St Helens was host to the largest free show in Europe. Alongside its famous Rugby League team, the town has been associated with many famous names, from royalty, sporting stars and entertainers to New Zealand’s longest serving prime minister and a twice Oscar-winning movie sound pioneer.Celebrating St Helens chronicles the proud heritage of St Helens, its important moments and what draws so many to this flourishing town today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into St Helens’ rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating St Helens will be a valuable contribution to the history of the town and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

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.

Situated in the south-west of Ireland, the port city of Cork is right on the very edge of Western Europe and has always been open to influences from Europe and the wider world. The amalgamation of these influences has created a vibrant and historic twenty-first-century city. It is no surprise that, with such a wide range of influences, Cork has developed a very distinct culture. Corkonians have an immense variety of strong cultural traditions, from the city’s history to its sports, commerce and education. Then there is its maritime heritage, the festivals, literature, art, music and the rich Cork accent.In Celebrating Cork, local author Kieran McCarthy highlights the wealth of the city’s heritage and its citizens’ diverse achievements. The book explores some of the reasons why Cork is so special in the hearts of Corkonians and its many visitors. It takes the reader through the familiar and lesser-known layers of Cork’s importance in Atlantic Europe. Different chapters focus on the history of its port; the documents and maps which defined the city’s sense of identity; the Arts and Crafts movements, which can be viewed within the cityscape; its key institutions and charities; its engineering feats; and perhaps why Cork is known for its rebel nature.Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Cork will be of great appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will be a source of civic pride as well as a valuable contribution to local history.

From its heyday in the nineteenth century as a major centre of wire making, textiles, chemical production and brewing through to its Second World War role as the largest US Army Air Force base in Europe and subsequent reinvention as a new town in the late 1960s, Warrington is now the largest town in Cheshire, with a proud heritage and distinctive identity.Celebrating Warrington highlights some of the significant aspects of the town’s history including its important moments, worthy individuals, notable achievements and newsworthy events. Local heritage curator and author Janice Hayes brings together a superb collection of images and stories from Warrington Museum and Archives. There are a number of firsts the town is famous for from within its industries, entertainments, sporting successes, seasonal, national and local events and celebrations. Discover Warrington’s unique Walking Day parades and explore how this unique local celebration has evolved.Remember travelling fairs and when the circus and other travelling entertainers came to town. Join the crowds at Warrington sporting events and be part of the welcome home parades for the town’s successful rugby league team. Readers can witness the excitement around the unveiling of new enterprises and heritage sites, or the launch of locally built ships and the opening of the Thelwall Viaduct. Then there are the reflective acts of remembrance for national and local events from major conflicts to local tragedies. Open the family album to discover how Warrington has recorded key milestones in people’s lives or marked royal events from coronations and jubilees to when Warrington turned out to welcome its royal visitors.Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to local residents, visitors and all those with connections to the town.

Over the last few years Bristol has received many accolades such as the UK’s ‘happiest city’, ‘most desirable location to live’, ‘kindest and most selfless people’, and ‘most artistic city’. Although such titles can be subjective, there’s no doubt that there is much in Bristol to celebrate both in its past and its present. Bristol has changed over the centuries, being a port, an industrial centre, a university city, absorbing new people and ideas into the old.In this book, local author Cynthia Stiles looks at some of the accomplishments, actions and events that have given Bristol its distinct identity and character, and made it a place worth celebrating. Among the subjects she highlights are the city’s traditions, festivals and diversity; its arts scene – from works by Banksy to statues and sculptures in the streets – and the notable people including philanthropists, physicians and politicians. Here too are the city’s sportspeople and achievements, together with its royal connections across the ages. Other chapters focus on the revival and regeneration of old buildings, the shipbuilding and aviation industries, and the city as a centre for today’s film-makers such as the BBC Natural History Unit and Academy Award-winning Aardman Animations.Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Bristol will be a valuable contribution to local history and of immense interest to residents, visitors and anyone with links to this fascinating city.