Little History of – serie

There is nothing ‘little’ about the history of England’s largest county, Yorkshire! However, this small volume condenses a rich history into a collection of stories and facts that will make you marvel at the events this county has witnessed, from Mesolithic roots to Roman heritage, from medieval splendour to the industrial revolution and beyond. Discover the development of the woolen industry in Leeds, the coal, textile and steel industries in Sheffield and Rotherham, and the rise of spa towns at Harrogate and Scarborough. Take a journey through the historic - and heroic! - struggles and celebrations of past Yorkshire people, or jump into the era of your choice to discover the who, what and why of our county’s history.

There is nothing ‘little’ about the history of Cornwall! However, this small volume condenses that fascinating, rich history into a collection of stories and facts that will make you marvel at the events the county has witnessed. Discover Henry VIII’s plan to protect the county from invasion from Catholic Europe, the important development of tin mining on the north coast and the rise of seaside resorts all around the county. Take a journey through Cornwall’s historic struggles and celebrations or jump in to the era of your choice to discover the who, what and why of Cornish history.

Embark upon a journey through Norfolk’s eventful history, from the earliest times to the present day. From the discovery of fossil footprints dating back nearly one million years, to Boudica’s revolt, the Roman occupation, the creation of the Norfolk Broads during the Middles Ages and the growth of the textile industry and agricultural advances, this county has always been at the forefront of innovation and the development of our nation. Mustard manufacturing, Viking farmers, friendly invasions and digging up ancient mammoths – we do things differently here in Norfolk.

If we scratch beneath the surface of the Suffolk we know today, there are numerous surprising, touching and alarming tales which bring to life the rich history of this county. The Little History of Suffolk reveals the devastating effect of the dissolution of the monasteries, the decline of the once-booming cloth trade, drastic erosion of the coastline, and the disappearance of large country houses and estates. Here you will also find the rise of the chic Victorian seaside resorts, the captains of the brewing and iron industries who put Suffolk firmly on the post-industrial revolution map, and the key wartime role the county played over many centuries. No corner of Suffolk is left unturned in this small book with a huge punch.

Duncan Harley takes the reader on a grand tour through Aberdeenshire’s fascinating and rich history, culminating in a collection of stories and facts that will make you marvel at the events this county has witnessed. Read about the Beaker People, blue-painted Picts and the Roman legionnaires who tried, but ultimately failed to subdue the local populace. William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Donald Trump inhabit these pages alongside tales of Bloody Harlaw, the Herschip of Buchan and the battle of Mons Graupius. Discover the painter priest of Macduff, the English Dillinger, the famous diggers of Inverurie’s George Square and the strange tale of how Lawrence of Arabia ‘got his scuds’ over at Collieston. The Little History of Aberdeenshire is guaranteed to enthral both residents and visitors alike.

Kent has been the gateway to Britain since prehistoric man first set foot on our soil. Its people have repelled invaders including Julius Caesar, the Vikings and William the Conqueror, while welcoming migrants from countries such as France, Austria and the Netherlands. In turn, men from Kent played a part in invading and conquering such faraway places as Canada and the USA, leaving their stamp on the world at large. This volume is a tribute to those who have shaped our society and the world around us: from the long barrow at Trottescliffe and the medieval abbey of St Augustine to the Channel Tunnel and Bluewater Shopping Centre, it is plain to see that the landscape around us is itself a monument to those who went before.

Traditionally, Devon was seen as unimportant because of its distance from London and its bad roads – lesser, it was thought, than the historical capital or culturally rich home counties. How wrong could non-Devonians have been? The county is all about its splendid prehistoric and historic remains, its myths, and its maritime legacy. That's not to forget the tenacious people who have lived there for thousands of years: wreckers, misbehaving clergymen, eccentrics and determined women who bucked the trends. From stories of early man right up to modern times and every period in-between, Devon (and this book) has it all.

More than 400 million years ago, the oldest rocks in Somerset were formed. On those rocks, a county was built over thousands of years; from prehistoric man and Roman invasion, through a Pitchfork Rebellion and two world wars to where we are today. Revolution, wassailing, Templars and alchemists – all can be found in this friendly guide to Somerset’s colourful history.

The modern history of London’s East End has been well-documented – but what of its ancient roots? From embryonic beginnings in the Stone Age, through Roman rule and civil wars, all the way to its jam-packed twentieth-century timeline, the East End has always been a place of innovation, diversity and change. Written by an East Ender with a love of her roots, The Little History of the East End is an engaging look at the area’s history through the people that made it, one that will enthral and surprise both residents and visitors alike.

Much has changed in Swansea over the years and this short but comprehensive history chronicles the development of the city from the earliest times to today. The Little History of Swansea traces the growth of the medieval town, the rise of the Port of Swansea, the industrial heritage of the area and the fate that befell the town during the Second World War. Here you can read about the odd and unusual happenings, as well as the more traditional history that has made the city what it is today.

No one knows for certain when Bristol was founded. What we do know is that for more than 1,000 years it has been at the centre of national and international history.From its earliest days Bristol’s prosperity was linked to its port, with the importation of wine and tobacco and its involvement with the slave trade. In those days, explorers sailed from Bristol on epic voyages and discovered new lands. In more recent times its economy has been built on creative media and the aerospace industry, including the construction of Concorde, the world’s first supersonic aircraft.From the Avon Gorge’s formation, Iron Age settlers and Norman castle construction, to civil war, riots and bus boycotts, The Little History of Bristol is guaranteed to enthral both residents and visitors alike.

Sussex may be a comparatively narrow county from north to south but it includes a huge wealth of history. The Little History of Sussex is much the same – it packs a whole lot of history into a relatively small book.From prehistory to the present, this historic county provides reminders of our earliest ancestors and its past as a battleground for the Vikings. Whether being the gateway for the Normans, a playground for princely playboys or a home to holidaymakers, the people of Sussex have seen it all. This means it’s not surprising the county still today contains residents who, at times, very much ‘wunt be druv!’.The Little History of Sussex covers the county’s history in a swift, engaging and lively sweep for those who like their history fresh, funny and full of intrigue.

From the time of the Picts to the present day, Scotland has played an important role in the development of British brewing, providing a host of inventions and other contributions vital to its success. Covering such topics as Scotch Ale, Porter, Shilling Ales and the influential waters of Edinburgh and Alloa, The Little History of Scottish Brewing will intrigue both the aficionado and the interested enthusiast.

Here in the pages of this compact little book are thousands of years history about a county which has many stories to tell, all laid out in an informative but easy-to-read way. From Roman times when three roads traversed its landscape, to its involvement in the Civil War, Worcestershire has seen it all.The county’s people, who were employed in the coal mines and iron foundries of the north, in the salt works of Droitwich, who made nails in Bromsgrove, needles in Redditch and carpets in Kidderminster, all have tales to share. Some played a part in historic events: two brothers travelled to a new life on the Mayflower and three brothers were involved in the Gunpowder Plot. Worcestershire is also home to well-known politicians, musicians and poets. They all contributed to the story of Worcestershire and can be found in the pages of this ‘little history’.

The Historic County of Lancashire once stretched from Coniston Water in the Lake District in the north to the River Mersey in the south. It was the scene of Georgian triumph and tragedy in the first Industrial Revolution, and philanthropy and civil rights struggles in the Victorian era, followed by decline, renewal and hope for the future.From the formation of the county’s terrain in the Ice Age and its earliest occupation by the Celts, through Roman occupation, the arrival of the Normans and the turbulence of civil war, Hugh Hollinghurst guides us through the ups and downs of Lancastrian history. Complete with illustrations and photographs, The Little History of Lancashire is the story of those who suffered – and those that benefited.

Derbyshire is a county of dramatic variations and contrasts created by millennia of geological change. Situated in the very middle of England, it is the furthest county from the sea. Its minerals, rivers and landscapes have guided the people of Derbyshire through the centuries, from its first Stone Age cave dwellers, Roman rulers and industrialists to more than 13 million people who visit its Peak District National Park each year.Discover the story of Derbyshire’s prehistoric past, its feudal keeps and royal forests, and the fortunes of Bess of Hardwick, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Florence Nightingale. From lead miners to revolutionaries, cotton mills to coal mines, iron foundries and quarries to motor cars, bouncing bombs and jet engines, learn how the men and women of Derbyshire have helped shape the history of a nation.

What did the Romans do for us?Did King Arthur really exist?Who was Bloody Mary?Why did Great Britain go to war with Napoleon?Formed out of a union of warring Germanic kingdoms in the tenth century ad, England rose to become the most powerful nation in the world and the operations room of an empire spanning a quarter of the world’s land surface.The Little History of England tells the great story of English history as simply as possible. This fast-paced and comprehensive narrative takes the reader on a journey from the beginning of the world to the present day. Historian Jonathan McGovern brings an insider’s perspective into play, explaining the real significance behind the tumultuous history of this remarkable country.

Glaswegians are talkers, blaggers and storytellers. They love to wind each other up and to trigger a debate. They are friendly, no question, but it’s more than just friendliness behind that desire for a good blether. Throw in some nosiness, eternal empathy and no shortage of opinions begging to be unleashed. Because Glasgow has a big heart, and with it a moral compass.Join travel writer and Glaswegian Neil Robertson as he delves into what makes his hometown tick. From the early origins of the city destined to become the Second City of the Empire, to the factory of the world in its industrial heyday and beyond, it's been a tumultuous journey encompassing plagues, penury, bombings and plenty of religious and political tension.Approachable reading for locals and visitors alike, The Little History of Glasgow salutes the great Glaswegians who have left their mark on the city's story alongside the modern-day industries and pastimes that continue to power the engine of Scotland's biggest city.

Storytelling is a fundamental part of what it means to be human.Since we were first able to communicate with each other, stories have formed a basis for our cultures, communities and collaborative ventures. Tales such as 'Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘The Blacksmith and The Devil’ are thought to be over 5,000 years old.From the oldest known cave paintings found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, to the modern debate about the role of artificial intelligence in our creative endeavours – within these pages lies a concise history of storytelling, written by an experienced storyteller with a passion for stories in all their forms.

Oxfordshire is the hive to which great artists, scientists, thinkers and warlords have swarmed for 2,000 years. You will be amazed at how many historical figures have enjoyed or suffered their defining moments in this exciting and interesting county.From flint arrowheads to RAF bases, from the Ridgeway to the M40 and from the Roman Conquest to the Cold War, this book tells the story of Oxfordshire’s diverse people and their trades, triumphs and tribulations.The history of Oxfordshire is, indeed, the history of England in miniature, and Paul Sullivan shares it in all its glory in this well-researched book.

Today, Galway is home to over 250,000 people and plays host to over a million tourists per year, who come from all over the world to admire and learn about the culture and history of this beautiful county.Galway has not always been so tranquil, however, and The Little History of Galway takes a look at the struggles of the county's people across the centuries, from the arrival of Stone Age man through the coming of the Normans and their conquest of the city, to Galway's eventual battle for independence.Examining pivotal moments such as the siege of Galway by the feared Oliver Cromwell, the Penal Laws and the Famine, Colm Wallace also explores the writers, artists and thinkers that have called the area home, as well as the local people who have worked hard over generations to make Galway the welcoming place that it is today.

From its origins as a small Saxon hamlet, to the large sprawling city of the present day, Birmingham has quite the tale to tell – and within the pages of this handy and compact book is where you'll find it.Stories of how Birmingham developed and of the people who helped develop it. Stories of its industries, how they prospered and made Birmingham famous around the world. Stories of politicians, industrialists and celebrities who were born or lived in Birmingham, and the not-so-famous people who worked tirelessly in its factories and workplaces, who helped make Birmingham the city it is today.Set out chronologically from prehistoric times to the present day, The Little History of Birmingham is a handy guide to the city through the ages that can be picked up and enjoyed whenever and wherever you want.

From civil wars to cod wars, Lincolnshire is no stranger to historical upheaval. The stories in this book follow the pre-Roman, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Danish, Norman and Dutch people who carved a manageable landscape from a wild county of wetlands and wolds.The Little Book of Lincolnshire recounts the events that made Lincolnshire the jewel in England’s agricultural crown, relating how a colourful procession of pirates, monarchs, artists, engineers and hucksters brought wealth and despair in equal measure. The story begins with Neolithic burial mounds and ends with the Humber Bridge, even tackling the vexed question of why Lincolnshire people are called Yellowbellies along the way.

Cornwall's storytelling tradition stretches back a thousand years. Before TV and radio, stories were told among the flickering shadows at the fireside. They whiled away the travellers’ miles, long hours in the fields, and days at sea. They gladdened brief moments of relaxation for miners and bal-maidens. Travelling storytellers wandered from village to village swapping words for supper, and a rich local dialect brought the tales to life. Classic Cornish tales such as the Mermaid of Zennor and Jan Tregeagle are wonderfully entertaining, and collectively tell us much about Cornwall, its people, and its history.Join accomplished storyteller, scholar and writer Mike O'Connor as he explores the ‘when, where, and why’ of Cornish folk tales and celebrates the rich traditions and cultural legacy of hwedhlow.

From prehistory to present times, Nottinghamshire has been shaped by Romans, marauding Danes, Norman barons, rebel armies, radicals and industrialists. The medieval wool trade was superseded by coal and textiles, while John Player’s tobacco, Raleigh bicycles and Boots’ pharmaceuticals have also played their part in the region’s economy.The county boasts Sherwood Forest, monastic houses, a medieval ‘dance of death’, castles, workhouses and pumping stations, as well as its industrial heritage. Robin Hood and his merry men, the ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ poet Lord Byron, the Pilgrim Fathers and D.H. Lawrence are all part of Nottinghamshire’s unique legacy.It is a place where freedom of speech and the right to vote have been fought for across the centuries; where innovation and technology helped to forge the modern world; and where people come to explore a legendary past.

County Wicklow’s landscape is dotted with pre-Christian sites – Baltinglass is known as the ‘Hillfort Capital of Ireland’. Saint Patrick landed in Wicklow in 432 AD and the county also boasts ecclesiastical sites, the most impressive being Glendalough. Following the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1169–70, Normans occupied the lowlands, but native Irish inhabited the uplands, leading to conflict throughout the Middle Ages. Wicklow became the last county to be shired in 1606.Wicklow witnessed more violence through the seventeenth century, and it was only after 1700 that the elite felt safe enough to build great houses such as Powerscourt and Russborough. Wicklow was in turmoil during the 1798 rebellion. Economic recovery was halted by the tragedy of Famine. Later in the nineteenth century, the Parnells led the Home Rule movement, the Land League and the Ladies’ Land League. The twentieth century saw war, revolution and hardship before better times arrived after 1960.Meticulously researched, this clear, user-friendly book is an invaluable resource which will appeal to everyone interested in the history of County Wicklow.

The Little History of Coventry packs into its pages the colour and incident of a thousand years, telling the story of a city that has perhaps been overlooked by mainstream historians but which has often been at the heart of this country’s great events.From testing ground of the saintly Godiva to fourteenth century boom town, from Second World War Blitz victim to the UK City of Culture for 2021, Coventry has always been an inventive place with an unerring ability to bounce back from misfortune and make its mark. This is a truly eye-opening journey through the events and characters that have shaped its story and made Coventry one of England’s hidden jewels.

There is nothing ‘little’ about the history of Essex! However, this small volume condenses that fascinating, rich history into a collection of stories and facts that will make you marvel at the events our county has witnessed.Discover the development of ship building at Harwich, the silk and woollen industries in central Essex, the fortunes of Chelmsford and Colchester and the rise of seaside resorts at Southend and Clacton. Take a journey through Essex’s historic struggles and celebrations or jump in to the era of your choice to discover the who, what and why of our county’s history.

Much has changed in Swansea over the years and this short but comprehensive history chronicles the development of the city from the earliest times to today. The Little History of Swansea traces the growth of the medieval town, the rise of the Port of Swansea, the industrial heritage of the area and the fate that befell the town during the Second World War. Here you can read about the odd and unusual happenings, as well as the more traditional history that has made the city what it is today.