The A-Z of Curious Essex

The A-Z of Curious Essex PDF

Author: Paul Wreyford

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2013-07-15

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 0752493973

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'Curious' is perhaps not the first word you would use to label Essex. But 'curiouser and curiouser' it becomes when you dig below the surface. Forget the popular image of Essex boy and girl. Come and meet larger-than-life characters, including the one-time fattest man in England, whose waist was wider than the height of an average man. And talking of big, discover the origin of children's favourite Humpty Dumpty. Did you know that explorer David Livingstone, who trekked across Africa, got lost in Essex; that Essex villain Dick Turpin was only identified because a relative refused to pay the cost of a 'stamp', or that St George saw off his dragon here? Shocking, creepy and bizarre tales abound if you dig a little deeper. And if you literally look below the surface in Essex - 100ft underground to be precise - you'll discover one of the most incredible Government 'secrets' of all time.

The A-Z of Curious Kent

The A-Z of Curious Kent PDF

Author: Susan McGowan

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2020-05-01

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 0750994487

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Kent is well-known for hops, oysters, the Channel Tunnel and Chatham Dockyard, but sandwiched between these are towns and villages that each have a story to tell.The A-Z of Curious Kent takes you off the beaten track, to a world of daddlums and hufflers, gavelkind and grotters. While kingsand queens travelled the highways on their way to and from the continent, the people of Kent quietly defined the new order, defended the nation and left teasing reminders of a past that may never be fully understood.

The A-Z of Curious Suffolk

The A-Z of Curious Suffolk PDF

Author: Sarah Doig

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2016-08-04

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 0750969032

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This book romps through the rolling countryside and along the shingled coastline of Suffolk, unearthing the curious along the way. Sandwiched between ecclesiastical penances handed down to adulterers and fornicators, and the odd porcelain incendiary bombs commemorating the Zeppelin raids, is an alphabetical cornucopia of strange, spooky and mysterious facts about the county. Is the supposedly ancient game of dwile flonking quite so old? What did writers like Pepys and Defoe say about Suffolk cheese? Which tower was probably just built to curry favour with the monarch? And who was the unknown, self-taught archaeologist who made one of the most significant finds of all time? The A-Z of Curious Suffolk is a book to dip into, unless of course you can’t wait to turn the page and read more!

The Little History of Essex

The Little History of Essex PDF

Author: Judith Williams

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2017-12-18

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 0750985143

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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.

Folklore of Essex

Folklore of Essex PDF

Author: Sylvia Kent

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2009-01-01

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 0752499882

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Essex - the witch hunting county - is especially rich in traditions, legends, dialect and stories that have been handed down through the ages. It is these traditions that are gathered together in this volume and whose origins and meanings are explored to create a sense of how the customs of the past have influenced the ways of the present. This fully illustrated study of folklore rediscovers those traditions that have either vanished, been ignored or hidden away. There are tales of dragons and warriors, literary folk and legendary folk, but always at the heart of Essex folklore are the traditional beliefs, stories, events and customs of the common people. Daily life itself contained numerous beliefs and maxims, omens and superstitions, as well as being full of music, dance and song.

The Gentleman's Magazine

The Gentleman's Magazine PDF

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1859

Total Pages: 828

ISBN-13:

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The "Gentleman's magazine" section is a digest of selections from the weekly press; the "(Trader's) monthly intelligencer" section consists of news (foreign and domestic), vital statistics, a register of the month's new publications, and a calendar of forthcoming trade fairs.

Essex Witches

Essex Witches PDF

Author: Peter C. Brown

Publisher: The History Press

Published: 2014-10-01

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0750957956

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Medieval folk had long suspected that the Devil was carrying out his work on earth with the help of his minions. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII declared this to be true, which resulted in witch-hunts across Europe that lasted for nearly 200 years. In 1645, England – and Essex in particular – was in the grip of witch fever. Between 1560 and 1680, 317 women and 23 men were tried for witchcraft in Essex alone, and over 100 were hanged. Essex Witches includes biographies of many of the local common folk who were tried in the courts for their beliefs and practice in herbal remedies and potions, and for causing the deaths of neighbours and even family members. These unfortunate citizens suffered the harshest penalties for their alleged sorcery and demonic ways, and those punishments are recorded here.