The Little History of Bristol


Book Description

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.




The Little Book of Bristol


Book Description

A rich, and indeed sometimes bizarre, thread of history weaves its way through the Bristol story. Find out all manner of things, from why a 'Bristol Diamond' would never be found in a jewellery shop to why local by-laws restrict carpet beating to certain hours. Along with a fresh look at city life past and present, these and many more anecdotes will surprise even those Bristolians who thought they really knew their city.




The Little Book of Somerset


Book Description

Did you know? The town of Wincanton is twinned with a place that does not exist. William Gibbs of Tyntesfield House made his fortune by importing bird droppings from Peru. A song by 'Scrumpy and Western' singer Adge Cutler was banned by the BBC for being too raunchy. Nine villages in Somerset are known as the 'Thankful Villages'. From seaside to countryside and villages to towns, Somerset is a county where it's difficult to separate history and mystery. This fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and trivia reveals all sorts of answers to questions you might have wondered about – and some you didn't. The facts, stats and anecdotes will surprise even those familiar with this beautiful and historic county.




Bristol Cars


Book Description

First manufactured in 1945 and still produced today, Bristol cars have become a uniquely British institution that is celebrated in this comprehensive history, written by a dedicated Bristol owner of 50 years’ standing. The phrase ‘nicely understated’ captures the special qualities of these luxurious performance cars that are owned by car connoisseurs who appreciate their fine engineering, fine handling and discreet presence. This lavish book explores every detail of the company’s history and will appeal to all owners, past and present, as well as the many admirers of these cars.




The Little History of Somerset


Book Description

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 Little History of Swansea


Book Description

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.




A Brief History of Life in the Middle Ages


Book Description

Using wide-ranging evidence, Martyn Whittock shines a light on Britain in the Middle Ages, bringing it vividly to life in this fascinating new portrait that brings together the everyday and the extraordinary. Thus we glimpse 11th-century rural society through a conversation between a ploughman and his master. The life of Dick Whittington illuminates the rise of the urban elite. The stories of Roger 'the Raker' who drowned in his own sewage, a 'merman' imprisoned in Orford Castle and the sufferings of the Jews of Bristol reveal the extraordinary diversity of medieval society. Through these characters and events - and using the latest discoveries and research - the dynamic and engaging panorama of medieval England is revealed.




Ghosts of Bristol


Book Description

“A whirlwind ride through the spooky and supernatural, including a ghostly Civil War leftover” (SWVA Today). The nighttime glow of the Cameo Theatre illuminates an apparition of the infamous madam Pocahontas Hale, and the ghost of a young Confederate soldier rises from Cedar Hill to gaze mournfully on his lost homestead—these are the haunts of the Twin Cities. Local author Bud Phillips takes readers on an eerie, and sometimes humorous, journey through the ghostly lore of Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee. From the terrifying specter of a headless hobo and the spirits of a young couple parted through violence and reunited in death to the organist who played the Sunday after her funeral, Phillips’s collection of tales raises the otherworldly residents of Bristol from the shadows. Includes photos!




The Little History of Cornwall


Book Description

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.




Weird Bristol


Book Description

Did you know that a hoard of gold is probably buried somewhere under Bristol? Did you know that a statue in Bristol actually depicts the moment a king is about to die? Based on the popular Twitter feed from acclaimed author Charlie Revelle-Smith, Weird Bristol is an adventure through the dark, mysterious and secret history of an ancient city. From plagues, wars, ghosts and pirates to inventors, fraudsters, suffragettes and radicals. Only one thing is certain, you'll never look at Bristol in quite the same way again...