The A-Z of Curious Essex

by Paul Wreyford
The A-Z of Curious Essex
Author: Paul Wreyford
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2013-07-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 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

by Susan McGowan
The A-Z of Curious Kent
Author: Susan McGowan
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2020-05-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 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

by Sarah Doig
The A-Z of Curious Suffolk
Author: Sarah Doig
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2016-08-04
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 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

by Judith Williams
The Little History of Essex
Author: Judith Williams
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 178
Release: 2017-09-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 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.

Excellent Essex

by Gillian Darley
Excellent Essex
Author: Gillian Darley
Publisher:
Total Pages: 342
Release: 2019-09-17
Genre: Essex (England)
ISBN: 9781910400678
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Folklore of Essex

by Sylvia Kent
Folklore of Essex
Author: Sylvia Kent
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 311
Release: 2009-01-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 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.

A-Z of Curious Essex

by Paul Wreyford
A-Z of Curious Essex
Author: Paul Wreyford
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2013-07-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 0752493973
GET BOOK

‘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.

Essex Witches

by Peter C. Brown
Essex Witches
Author: Peter C. Brown
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2014-10-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 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.

The Gentleman's Magazine

by
The Gentleman's Magazine
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 828
Release: 1859
Genre: Early English newspapers
ISBN:
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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.