UK

The thriving city of Liverpool has become particularly well known over the last century for its maritime industry, contributions (read more)

The thriving city of Liverpool has become particularly well known over the last century for its maritime industry, contributions to sport and, of course, its legendary musical heritage. However, this city has a history that stretches back hundreds of years, right back to the early thirteenth century when it was formed as a borough by King John in 1207. It was soon after this that Liverpool's first streets were constructed. (hide)

A familiar sight on the Thames at London Bridge, HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser, launched in March 1938. Belfast was part (read more)

A familiar sight on the Thames at London Bridge, HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser, launched in March 1938. Belfast was part of the British naval blockade against Germany and from November 1942 escorted Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union and assisted in the destruction of the German warship Scharnhorst. In June 1944 Belfast supported the Normandy landings and in 1945 was redeployed to the British Pacific Fleet. (hide)

'Evocatively written and charming' - CountryfileThe January Man is the story of a year of walks that was inspired by a song, Dave (read more)

'Evocatively written and charming' - CountryfileThe January Man is the story of a year of walks that was inspired by a song, Dave Goulder's `The January Man'. Month by month, season by season and region by region, Christopher Somerville walks the British Isles, following routes that continually bring his father to mind. As he travels the country - from the winter floodlands of the River Severn to the lambing pastures of Nidderdale, the towering seabird cliffs on the Shetland Isle of Foula in June and the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest in autumn - he describes the history, wildlife, landscapes and people he encounters, down back lanes and old paths, in rain and fair weather. (hide)

Why did London have to wait so long for a main-line railway beneath its streets? For a few years in the mid-nineteenth century, Isambard (read more)

Why did London have to wait so long for a main-line railway beneath its streets? For a few years in the mid-nineteenth century, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's broad-gauge Great Western trains ran from Reading to Faringdon. Now, after many false starts, his vision is being realised as the Elizabeth Line prepares to carry passengers from Reading to the City once again, and beyond to Essex and Kent, using engineering that would have earned the admiration of the greatest Victorian engineers. London historian Stephen Halliday presents an engaging discussion of Crossrail's fascinating origins and the heroic engineering that made it all possible.

Published:26 Nov 2018 (hide)

The book provides a comprehensive history of the third-largest Jewish community in Britain and fills an acknowledged gap in both (read more)

The book provides a comprehensive history of the third-largest Jewish community in Britain and fills an acknowledged gap in both Jewish and urban historiography. Bringing together the latest research and building on earlier local studies, the book provides an analysis of the special features which shaped the community in Leeds. Organised in three sections, Context, Chronology and Contours, the book demonstrates how Jews have influenced the city and how the city has influenced the community.

Published:29 Mar 2019 (hide)

England and Wales have long been captivated by the lighthouse, with many of the towers built at the countries' extremities seen as (read more)

England and Wales have long been captivated by the lighthouse, with many of the towers built at the countries' extremities seen as iconic structures. Lighthouses have seized the imagination for centuries, and have cut striking figures wherever they stand. Newly revised and wholly redesigned, Lighthouses of England and Wales is a complete guide to the lighthouses of England, Wales and the Channel Islands in one spectacular volume. (hide)

This small book details the full history of Swansea in an engaging and accessible way. Here we will trace the growth of the medieval (read more)

This small book details the full history of Swansea in an engaging and accessible way. Here we will trace 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. Much has changed over the years, and it is the aim of this book to present those changes in a coherent and yet engaging manner.

Published:27 Nov 2020 (hide)

If you love Liverpool, then you will love colouring it in! Liverpool has charmed visitors for centuries, and this collection of intricate (read more)

If you love Liverpool, then you will love colouring it in! Liverpool has charmed visitors for centuries, and this collection of intricate illustrations is a celebration of the city's unique appeal. Featuring a range of picturesque vistas, from iconic architecture and waterways, to the city's musical and maritime heritage, each scene is full of intriguing detail sure to fire the imagination and make you reach for your colouring pencils. There are absolutely no rules - you can choose any combination of colours you like to bring these images to life. (hide)

From its humble 13th-century origins, Liverpool grew rapidly to become the greatest port in the British Empire outside London., but (read more)

From its humble 13th-century origins, Liverpool grew rapidly to become the greatest port in the British Empire outside London., but by 1980 the city was in seemingly terminal decline: its population had more than halved, its infrastructure and economy were decaying, and its political leaders were leading the city towards complete collapse. Today, though, Liverpool is experiencing a renaissance: it has one of the fastest-growing economies in Britain, it has been a European Capital of Culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool's proud and distinctive identity is embodied in the buildings that have shaped the city.

Liverpool in 50 Buildings explores the extraordinary history of this rich and vibrant community through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures. From the Royal Liver Building to the legendary Cavern Club and from the Tate Liverpool to Anfield, this unique study celebrates the city's architectural heritage in a new and accessible way. Well-known local author Ken Pye guides the reader on a tour of the city's historic buildings and its modern architectural marvels. (hide)

Liverpool was founded by King John in 1207 as a military base on the River Mersey. From his new town the king planned to invade Ireland, (read more)

Liverpool was founded by King John in 1207 as a military base on the River Mersey. From his new town the king planned to invade Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Heavily fortified, and defended by a great castle and a formidable tower, Liverpool was besieged and changed hands three times during the English Civil War.

Volunteer troops from the town later helped defend the region against the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, and was then the scene of grisly executions of Scots rebels. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Liverpool developed into one of the most significant ports in the British Empire. Defences were built to fend off attacks during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. (hide)