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Storyline - 32: Seek the Stars
Another short story in answer to a challenge from Bill, to highlight the wider possibilities of using the night sky as a navigational tool
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Heritage 63: There Are Trees ... and There Are Trees
Epping Forest is reputedly England's oldest forest, a mixture of open glades, thick clusters of trees, impenetrable undergrowth, odd corners ... weird tree growths. Let's take a closer look at the latter, and there's no shortage. Come along then, don't hang about ...
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Heritage - 62: Manor Park Cemetery, The Side Most Never See
In my last page on Manor Park Cemetery I showed the neater side of the grounds. However, you don't have to go far to see the wilderness. The cemetery administration was taken to task recently however, when a woman came to pay her respects to her father and found a wilderness where she expected order
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Heritage - 61: (This Is) No Yellow Brick Road - Interesting All the Same
Back to Epping Forest - a continuation of the bridle path that crosses the road to High Beech and follows the contours close to the Epping New Road. If you like an exhilarating walk - or cycle ride - this is for you! With gradients aplenty, you'll need a sit-down and cuppa by the time you finish!
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Storyline - 31: A Right Carry-on - All Aboard the Ghost Train
Does a visit to a museum bring back memories not yours? Ralph Rowse spent a day at the Beamish Open Air Museum and dozed off after his exertions... He woke not knowing where he was but enjoyed himself all the same, even if it was in another time... A prod on his shoulder reminded him who he was
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Storyline - 30: Raindale by Tractor
Having missed his train a young lad is offered a lift on a tractor. The route the driver takes is round-about. He frets. "Police 'ave shut road, so I've tekken track through woods. Y'doant mind, do ye?" Brian's still not sure. He's heard of people vanishing, to be found years later, as corpses.. .
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Travel North - 66: Dales Maiden Overlooks the River Swale - Walk via an Iron Age Hill Fort in Lead Mining Country
You've been to many parts of the Dales through this series of pages. Reeth is special,,a small town with a big heart, former hub of Swaledale lead mining and congregation point for walkers before and after their exertions. A regular bus service links Reeth with Richmond and villages westward
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Travel North - 65: "Little Said, Nothing Done", at the Very First Stockton & Darlington Meeting
Not often can a committee claim by doing nothing and saying little they achieved their goal. In 1820 the formative Stockton & Darlington Railway's committee meeting in the commercial room of the George & Dragon Hotel on Yarm's High Street did just that. Later that year the S&DR's Act was passed
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Travel North - 64: Grassington Walkabout
A pleasant, leisurely late spring to early autumn walk in the Dales most of the family can tackle at the weekend. Sights to see, ancient history along the way, why not call a halt on this eight mile jaunt at any one of several points? .
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Travel North - 63: Wharfedale Circular via Bolton Abbey
At around eight miles, this not too strenuous Wharfedale walk route should delight most, with its vistas, sights and sites of regional and national interest. One of the shorter walks in this series, a pleasant afternoon can be spent, taking time for short detours, with as many breaks as you please
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Travel North - 62: Walk from Richmond to Marske in Swaledale
It can be a leisurely walk, and it can be a hike - it's your choice. What it is without quibble is scenic. Woodland in plentiful supply, some climbing, a river walk there and back along the Swale. And there are watering places both in Richmond and en route. What more can you ask for?
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Travel North - 61: Yorkshire's Three Peaks Hike
A word of warning: don't tackle this route in bad weather. Some parts are boggy at the best of times and the weather up this way - bordering on the 'wet side' of England - isn't that predictable. There are great days, not so great... and diabolical days. Check the forecast first.
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Storyline - 29: "The Usual Suspects" - A Life in a Day on a Police Line-up
Ever been in a police line-up, at a police station. It can be unnerving. You've never laid eyes on the little old lady with a nasty looking old black brolly (umbrella) that she waves around like a kid with a lump of Blackpool rock (candy-stick)... and points it at you. What to do - what CAN you do?
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Storyline - 28: Cemetery Road... Locked In!
It's one thing to join a group of partygoers you don't know very well. It's something else altogether to find your drink's been spiked - and for a prank you've been left the wrong side of a big old cast iron gate when the gatekeeper's left for home...
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Heritage - 60: The Stony Path to Conversion - Reformation See-Saw in North Yorkshire
The Reformation in England followed a stony path. Henry VIII, dubbed 'Defender of Faith' by the Pontiff, upturned the kingdom when his divorce from Catherine of Aragon was denied. The Reformation was dealt a body blow by Mary Tudor, with Anglicans burnt at the stake. Some would not go quietly...
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Heritage - 59: Northern Rising Crushed - a Young Queen Elizabeth Tudor's Resolve Is Sore-Tested
Just a decade after Elizabeth I's accession, after the harsh regime of 'Bloody Mary' Tudor, came the first trial of the young queen 's resolve. She was not found lacking in that direction, the would-be insurgents learned. Thomas Percy should have known better. His father fared no better with hers.
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Heritage - 58: The Road to Nowhere - Dunwich, a Tale of Woe and Ground Lost to the Sea
Around the east coast of England the sea has made inroads on low cliffs of soft rock. Each winter storms turn the land to something like apple crumble. One historic town in Suffolk bares its soul to the world, losing acres since the time of king Edward I with each spring tide, each north wind...
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 32: Convert a Proprietary Hopper Wagon Model, Make It Look Realistic
I've told you about mineral hoppers, how they were deployed on coal and other mined or quarried product traffic. I've showed images of mine and other modellers' achievements. This time I'll take you through the stages of making a standard railway hopper wagon model look like the real thing.
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Travel North - 60: Nidderdale Highs and Lows By Road
No matter what age you are, a ride out in the open countryside, fresh air when you stop for a look around and a game of "I spy". Upper Nidderdale stretches for miles and there's scenery all along to whet the appetite for discovery. With views to bring sighs and "Oohs!" the area never disappoints
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Heritage - 57: Bikers in the Forest - Early 20th Century British Speedway Trials at High Beech
Mentioned in passing in earlier pages, The 'Original Tea Hut, 1930' off Cross Road/Fairmead Road merits a page to itself. Its history goes back almost 90 years to when motorcycle racing was staged in the forest, and its popularity has never waned. It's been given a new lease of life...
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Heritage - 56: High Beech In All Its Autumn Glory
All the seasons have their attractions - even winter - but for colour autumn tops the rest. Trees flame into life before their winter doldrums, the air seems special. What better than to ascend the gradual incline of the Epping New Road to the car park at High Beech, leave your car behind...
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Heritage - 55: Tracking Anew Into Epping Forest's Summertime Hues
In 'Heritage - 54: Fresh Trails..." I took you around the area south of the Original Tea Hut near the Robin Hood roundabout in midwinter. This time I'll spread my wings and take you further north, to High Beech (marked on maps as 'High Beach') in spring and summer. Got your walking boots?
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Heritage - 54: Fresh Trails (on Well Worn Tracks)
Let me take you on a wander through the seasons in a part of Epping Forest I've criss-crossed over the years, on bridle paths, deer tracks, through thickly forested areas and open spaces with views across the Lea Valley. It can be bracing, exhilarating, romantic, trying at times. Always interesting
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Travel North - 59: Another Side of York - Tour the Walls
You've been to York any number of times, you've seen it all... Have you? Maybe. I'd be willing to bet there's some parts you haven't been to or seen and they're right under your nose. Chances are you 'earmarked' them for another time and never got round to a closer look
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Travel North - 58: Wilson Worsdell's Wonder, North Eastern Class O 0-4-4 Tank Engines
None were preserved in British Railways' mad rush to finish with steam. Many classic North Eastern locomotives were quickly dealt with at scrap yards inthe region. A company in Shildon near Darlington seeks to redress the folly with a new-build NER Class O, LNER/BR Class G5. Follow their progress...
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Heritage - 53: London & North Eastern Railway, Twenty-Four Years From Inception to Nationalisation
'Child of the 20th Century', the London & North Eastern Railway, along with the other three new UK mainland railway companies came about as a result of post- World War I politics. Government felt safety was an issue with pre-War companies who might not be able to cope with technological progress
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Heritage - 52: London & North Eastern Railway at War (2) Side Effects & Heroism, Material Damage Aside...
Aside from bomb damage, material losses, fatalities and casualties arising from the 'Blitz', the LNER found itself at times floundering to find suitable motive power for heavy trains. Gresley's penchant for passenger power could have cost the LNER heavily, relying too much on pre-Grouping engines
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Heritage - 51: London & North Eastern Railway at War - (1) Railway Gets Thrashed With No Help From Government
Hostilities began 'officially' on 3rd September, 1939. This was the 'Phoney War', although by no means could preparations by the railways be seen as 'phoney'. The threat of bombing was real, recent memories of Zeppelin raids still foremost in the minds of parents who had lived through it...
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Travel North - 57: Unwind in a Less Visible Corner of the Dales - Upper Swaledale
A quiet corner of the Yorkshire Dales above Richmond, green fields and hillsides, fresh air in your lungs and an appetite for dinner you haven't experienced for a while. You won't have trouble finding sheep to count, although sleeping is not an option with the scenery at hand!
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Travel North - 56: Whitby & Pickering Railway, 2. "Breathing New Life" , the Trust Re-Opens the Line From Grosmont
Continuing the story of the Whitby & Pickering Railway from British Railways' closure of the line. Local enterprise proves Big Players can be wrong when they put their hearts - and guts - into the effort to show a profit where they've been told it's unprofitable... 50 years on it's still running...
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Travel North - 55: Whitby & Pickering Railway, 1. Trials and Tribulations of Enterprise
A venture that saw lasting results from surprisingly shaky beginnings, the Whitby & Pickering Railway metamorphosed into part of George Hudson's York & North Midland Railway, then part of George Leeman's North Eastern Railway. Closed by British Railways in 1965 it rose like Phoenix from the ashes
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Travel North - 54: Reap the Whirlwind, "Tornado" Coming Your Way - Watch Out!
"Tornado" was the first Pacific Class locomotive built since Arthur Peppercorn's last Class A1 rolled off the production line in the early 1950s. None of the class was preserved for posterity, so a group of people let their intention be known, to build from scratch at Darlington, County Durham .
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 31: Let Me Introduce You to Ainthorpe Junction
This page serves as a complement to the erstwhile 'Thoraldby' layout (RITES OF PASSAGE - 18), although not replace it in the context of this series where I've 'charted the route' of an imaginary modeller who's worked through from the research and planning to the nitty-gritty of a layout. Read on...
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Life on the Fringe - 22: Picts - Picti - 'Painted People' from the far north of Britain
As if the Celts were not enigmatic enough, we have another tribe who settled in the far north of Britain,whose origins are unclear. A warlike, yet cultured people the Picts left artefacts and an even more enigmatic alphabet. Scholars are still working on Ogham, still scratching around in the dark...
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Travel North - 53: North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group, Work Undertaken in Steam Preservation
Steam Preservation has reached almost industrial levels in the UK, some organisations specialising in railway locomotives of a particular area or region. NELPG is such an organisation that has taken several locomotives that share a background in the last years of steam in the North East of England
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Heritage - 50: Orchard Place (Leamouth), London E14, Trinity Buoy Wharf and the Goodluck Hope
Across the Thames from the Millennium Dome or O2 Arena a little-known piece of London's history awaits. This is where once the first iron-hulled ships were built, trade flourished for the East India Company, and the whole gamut of crafts flourished under the broad umbrella of Trinity House...
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Heritage - 49: In Memoriam, Another Visit to the City of London Cemetery
There are aspects of the City of London Cemetery not covered in HERITAGE - 32: REST IN PEACE. It's a subject that can't be 'bottled' in measurable quantities. Here we'll look at a few 'collective' memorials - you'll see what I mean on looking through the page - and the effects of time and neglect
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Heritage - 48: Wren's Tribute, Post-1666 Fire Churches & Monuments in London's Square Mile
A different sort of tour of London. Know about the Great Fire of London,in 1666, that began in a bakery in Pudding Lane and raged west to Pie Corner? Christopher Wren was engaged to design and build replacement churches, including st Paul's, for which he was knighted by Charles II. Let's visit some.
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Heritage 47: "Dales in Her Veins", a Celebration of the Life of Hannah Hauxwell, Dales Farmer Without Equal
Born in the North Riding of Yorkshire in 1926 to a farming couple, Hannah Hauxwell would experience the seasonal extremes of life in the Northern Pennines. Bereft of first her father then mother and uncle, she was faced with making do with no mod cons to ease a harsh existence from the age of 35
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Meet the Writer: Alancaster149 Alias Alan R Lancaster - Persistence Pays, Eventually
In retrospect it wasn't that boring, it's like looking the wrong way through a pair of second-hand binoculars. Bear with me as you trawl down through the years from pre-history to when I wrote this... This ain't yer usual 'Solomon Grundy' story, it's not over yet. Still waiting for the fat lady...
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Heritage - 46: Grounds Fit for Heroes, a Walk Through Manor Park Cemetery in London E12...
With the City of London Cemetery, Manor Park Cemetery in London E12 occupies a sizeable plot of land ringed by housing. One interesting feature is its share of young heroes from war and peacetime.
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Storyline - 27: I'll Tell You a Funny Story - Well, Not so Much Funny as Downright Odd
A friend's accumulator bet makes him a target, especially being on the home team losing. A hurried escape and near capture leads to a shopping centre, and a school friend offering a job. It's a dream.
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Travel North - 52: Middleham, Carlton-in-Coverdale, Kettlewell, Drive or Walk the Dale in a Day
Starting at historic Middleham in Wensleydale, venture south-westward through quiet Coverdale via Coverham, Carlton and Horsehouse on undulating and twisting roads to Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale
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![Storyline 26: Dead Cert, a Soldier's Story [2], the Big Fish Hooked](https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/13648216_f248.jpg)
Storyline 26: Dead Cert, a Soldier's Story [2], the Big Fish Hooked
Rush makes his aims obvious to the sniper who has hunted him and his squad. He takes his quarry to home turf, for him to make his move. Burns wrote, 'the best laid plans of mice and men...'
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![Storyline - 25: Dead Cert, a Soldier's Story - [1] the Chase Is On](https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/13641328_f248.jpg)
Storyline - 25: Dead Cert, a Soldier's Story - [1] the Chase Is On
An angry encounter somewhere in the hills of Afghanistan begins a Taliban sniper's manhunt for British soldiers in the United Kingdom. The one man he really wants will lead him on a merry dance!
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![Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 30: Non Locomotive Operations [2] Horses for Courses*](https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/t_share/MTc2NDY0NzY1MjQ4ODA4OTIy/rites-of-passage-for-a-model-railway-30-non-locomotive-operations-2-horses-for-courses.jpg "Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 30: Non Locomotive Operations [2] Horses for Courses*")
Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 30: Non Locomotive Operations [2] Horses for Courses*
In Part 26 I raised non-locomotive operations on rope-worked and self-acting inclines such as at Ingleby. The theme now is horse-shunting and delivery and replacements, tractors and mechanical horses.
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Heritage - 45: Under One Banner, Number Three Company of the Rifles Regiment From Its Beginnings
The British Army has been in existence since after the Civil War. The Rifles goes back to the Napoleonic Wars, when the Duke of Wellington took his army to Spain. The Rifles excelled in their role
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 29: Wheels of Industry, N.E. Docks, Heavy Industry & Mining Links
A mainly pictorial appendix to ROPFAMR - 1: North Eastern Research, a comprehensive overview of rail traffic generated by industry in the region fairly common to other industrial regions in the UK
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Storyline - 24: Greener Grass (Madison Avenue Reaches out to Pastures New)
What's new in advertising? A bagel baker wants a new image. Who does he go to and how does the agency solve his problem? The Ad Production Executive has a brainwave, if the client wants to take it on
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Travel North - 51: Pickering Round Trip, a Look Back Into the Town's Railway Past
We've covered the background and present-day North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Now we look in detail at Pickering itself, the destination of George Hudson's Whitby & Pickering Railway in 1836
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Storyline - 23: The Samurai Sword, a Salutary Saga of Sweet Success
An ancestral Japanese sword, an heirloom goes missing in the aftermath of Word War II. No-one knows where it went - or do they? A winning bid is made at an auction long after, the sword goes astray...
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Viking - 42: Magnus in Focus - Two Kings and an Earl Make Their Mark
From the mid-11th Century the name Magnus became a 'must' for sons in West Norse royal and noble circles. Yet their reputations and achievements would vary widely. The first ruled half Scandinavia...
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Storyline - 22: Up the Swannee - Life Could Be Sweet on Sunny, Tropical, Screwed-up Lumbago ...if Only...
Booking a West Indies holiday didn't seem that hard to do for Tony Meakin. He and girlfriend Angie looked forward to ten days lounging in the sun. Things didn't start that well though. It turned into something like the Bay of Pigs landing on Cuba...
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Godwin's Clan - 13: Harold's Daughter Weds a Prince - Gytha's New Life in Koenungagard With Valdemar
Having safely reached Koenungagard (Kiev), Gytha was in another world. The culture was new to her, as was the language and the attire. At least Valdemar spoke Danish - as she had learned in Roskilde
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Godwin's Clan - 12: Invasion aftermath - Wulfnoth, the Siege of Exeter, and the next generation
With the deaths of Harold, Gyrth, Leofwin and Tostig (?), it was down to the next generation of Godwin's clan to try and save something of their reputation. One member would see a brighter future...
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 28: Scope and Skills Limitations, How Far Can You Take Your Hobby?
With DCC, Sound, smoke and multi-lever controls at your disposal, how far do you take your hobby? Are you a rivet-head perfectionist, measuring everything or are you happy just running your trains?
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Conquest - 31: William's Final Curtain - His Horse Shies at Mantes When Flames Consume the Town
After little over two decades rule in England, a corpulent William raided in his liege lord's lands at Mantes. His errand was to punish those who raided in Normandy with Philip's blessing. However...
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Heritage - 44: Yorkshire Dialect (3), Maister Class (Stick Wi' It Ahsumivver* It Goes!)
Full marks, you've graduated this far! Before long you'll qualify for your Yorksher Citizenship, so keep it up. This is the final leg of your pilgrimage, so enjoy. The only test will be real life...
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Heritage - 43: Yorkshire Dialect (2), How It Works... 'Summat Lahk It, Any Road'
Yorkshire dialect, English but almost as mysterious as that of the Inuits. A language that needs translating into Standard English. Welcome to the Practical Aspect of understanding 'Tyke' (Yorkshire)
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Heritage - 42: Yorkshire Dialect, a Tapestry of Dialect From God's Own Country (1), Historical Profile
Further to my survey of English Dialect, a specialist look at one particular dialect. Yorkshire has a broad tapestry of history, with it a varied array of historic dialect from the three Ridings
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Viking - 43: Jorvik Viking Festival for Winter Cheer and Colour, Saturday 15th-Sunday 23rd February, 2020
Appearances are deceptive. Those who take part in costume share their love of York's Viking Age, welcome all comers to learn of the crafts and skills involved. Moreover, they want you to enjoy it!
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Heritage - 41: Understanding English, a Language Still Unfolding - Like a Rose
Here's an analogy: The English Language is a timeless, living being that has developed over the past fifteen hundred years. It is a breathing, feeling creature that nurtures our minds with new ideas
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Heritage - 40: Wise After the Event - the Real 'Third Man', Kim Philby & 'the Cambridge Circus' Spy Ring Exposed
How is it so often, that it's the privileged who turn against the class and system that nurtured them? Here's a tale of four such young men, recruited to a cause dedicated to defeating their peers...
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 27: Thorpe Carr, a Space-Saving Mini Layout in Progress
A compact layout you can build on your own, to fit across the back seats in your car? Let's go through the drill: frame, 'ground level' and scenic forme, laying out the track, best options, underlay
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Storyline - 21: "What's That Sticking up Through the Floorboards? It's a Tail - a Rat's Tail!"
In the City office of Messrs. Allcock & Bull, solicitors and conveyancers to the gentry, something's amiss in Records. The mail's gone awry, Lord Hawtrey's will has turned up on Mrs Bunn's tea trolley
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Heritage - 39: Line Blocked! the Real Story Behind the Stories*
Peter Semmens was on hand in February 1963 to witness the scene, when the first trains passed through after extensive snow drifts blocked the Eskdale line to Whitby. Further falls blocked it again...
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Conquest - 30: William's Kindred, Alan 'Rufus', Breton Lord of Richmond
Count Alan 'Rufus' came to these shores with Duke William fitzRobert. For his part in the fighting on Caldbec Hill against Harold he was awarded with land overlooking the River Swale in Yorkshire...
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Heritage - 38: What Price Treason? Selling Sea-Borne Warfare Secrets to a Potential Enemy
Treason is serious crime against your own country. When that crime is committed by a peer of the realm with rank and privilege, the deed or deeds ought to be severely dealt with - but are they always?
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Travel North - 50: Mine Line, Rosedale's Iron Ore Outlet; 2. Operating the Branch and Ingleby Incline
Further along Rosedale's history we see how the branch was operated and by whom. We see also how those who lived here survived the harsh winters, and the final years to mine closures. There's more...
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Travel North - 49: The Mine Line, Rosedale's Iron Ore Outlet - 1. South-East, High Up From Battersby Junction
Set away from the main and branch railway lines, the Rosedale ironstone mines were not best located. They were only accessed with difficulty in winter, with deep drifts that filled several cuttings
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Travel North - 48: A Railway Artery, Extending Eastward - 2. Commondale-Grosmont, to Link up With Whitby
The North Yorkshire & Cleveland Railway had reached Kildale by 1861. Now part of the North Eastern Railway, eastward extension would be completed to Grosmont on the Whitby & Pickering Railway by 1865
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Travel North - 47: A Railway Artery, Countryside Route for Industry & Commerce - 1. Picton-Kildale
In the mid-19th Century a meeting was held to open a railway to connect two others and move the lifeblood of the area: ironstone was the key, agricultural products, passengers and commerce incidental
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Northumbria - 5: Flaming Afresh - With a New King on England's Throne, Northumbria's Geatness is Restored as an Earldom
Its days gone as a kingdom in its own right, Northumbria saw a new role as an earldom under Knut. With an heir of Uhtred of Bamburgh north of the Tees, Norseman Eirik was appointed to hold Yorkshire
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Northumbria - 4: A New Flame - Jorvik, the Light Stifled by Wessex' Ambition
Northumbria, spent by fighting neighbours and incoming Danes would see out the 9th Century as two kingdoms. Raided by Halvdan and his Danes, Bernicia was isolated from Mercia by the Kingdom of Jorvik
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Travel North - 46: Battle of the Railways - Stockton & Darlington Railway Tries to Bully Smaller Rivals
In 1860 rivalry between the Stockton & Darlington Railway and West Hartlepool Harbour & Railway Co. erupted into violence on the southern foreshore of the River Tees east of Middlesbrough. Read on...
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Heritage - 37: October 14th, 1066 a Day to Think Back, 953 Years on We Still Mark Harold's Stand on Caldbec Hill
A pictorial essay that marks the 950th year since Harold's last gamble ended in tragedy for many. This was the re-enactment that took place on Saturday and Sunday, October 15th and 16th, 2016
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Travel North - 45: What Changed a Peaceful County Town to Busy Railway Hub? Northallerton's Story
Until the mid-19th Century Northallerton was the North Riding's county town, a market town close to the Great North Road with coaching inns for long-distance travellers. Then came the railway builders
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Conquest - the Series Issues Forth, Thirty-One Pages on the Normans in England From 1066
On Saturday, 9 am on October 14th a day-long struggle began in which thousands fell on a gore-drenched hill inland from Hastings. Some see this as the end of the beginning. The struggle had only begun
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Danelaw Years: An Introduction to a Ten Part Series on an Era of War, Trade & Prosperity in England From AD 865-1042
From Aelle's imprisonment of Ragnar Lothbrok with the serpents at Bamburgh, we were fated to be linked with the Danes. Here's a taster to guide you through a common history, kings and culture.
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Viking - Let Me Take You Through the Pages - Choose From the Themes & Aspects of the Series
"Viking!" A thousand years ago the word spread terror. In WWII years it was misused by certain parties, shunned by academics. These days the subject fascinates many, yet is still cloaked in mystery
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - Introducing the Series, Themes and Aspects
An introduction to the series, to familiarise yourself with the contents of each of the pages. From deciding on the region you wish to model, era, locomotives, stock, signals... to running, and how.
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 26: Non-Locomotive Operations, Double and Single-Track Self-Acting Incline
There was another one after all! Self-Acting Inclines, where a pair of cable drums takes over from locomotives. There were many around quarrying and mining where steep hills needed to be negotiated
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Heritage - 36: 1st August, It's Yorkshire Day Lads'n'lasses, Wear Your White Rose With Pride
August 1st is Yorkshire Day! Let's celebrate with a good old march-past, some cricket - how about a slap-up meal with ale, cheese for afters? And to think it dates back to 1759 with a battle!
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Heritage - 35: Market Garden Mired, How Well Planned Was This Thrust to Bypass the German Siegfried Line?
In September 1944 a thrust was planned by Field Marshall Montgomery to bypass the Siegfried Line and isolate Germany from its industrial heart. It went down as a heroic failure. Why did it fail?
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Model Railway Motive Power Depots
This article covers model railway motive power depots (MPDs), including many variations. Railways had large and small MPDs.
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Heritage - 34: London Bridge, Far From Falling Down - a History From Roman Times to the Present
"London Bridge is falling down... My fair Lady" - remember the song? Comes from a poem written after Olaf Haraldsson pulled down the one that linked the old city with Southwark. "Read all abaht it!"
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Heritage - 33: Now You See It, Now You Don't - "It's All Done With Mirrors" [All's Fair in Magic and War]
That British magician Jasper Maskelyne claimed his work had contributed to victory in North Africa was later ridiculed by historians. Military Intelligence let him take the plaudits at the time...
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Heritage - 32: Rest in Peace, Silent Memorials Call Out Across the Years in the City of London Cemetery
Walk through the City of London Cemetery on the outskirts of East London. Have coffee or tea in the cafe near the main gate and set out to discover the eerie and the monumental, the forlorn and trite
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Heritage - 31: Why Do We Call England England? More Thoughts on the Concept of a Nation
We think of being English as anywhere within the boundaries of the kingdom marked on the map as ENGLAND. Is that all there is to it? There is more. If you have the time to read, I'll take you there -
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Northumbria - 3: The Beacon Dims - Decline, and Danes
The days of expansion, glory and power are gone, the luminati faded. Only the echo of greater things is left in the air - then in AD 793 Lindisfarne falls to a Norse raid... Before the Danes come
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Northumbria - 2: The Beacon Flares - Second Conversion, Oswald and Oswy to Aeldfrith
After Eadwin's slaying and martyrdom comes Oswald's at Maserfield by Penda. In an about-turn of fortune Penda falls foul of his gods through greed and Oswy's foresight. Aeldfrith's rule was peaceful
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Northumbria - 1: Early Days, Lighting the Beacon - From Ida 'the Flame-Bearer' to Eadwin
The Aengle crossed the North Sea about the same time as the Seaxne, after the Jutae settled in Kent, the Isle of Wight and near the Itchen. The Aengle established Mierca and Northanhymbra. Early days...
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Storyline - 20: Saga Nightmare, 'Wasteland - Twilight of the Gods'
Maybe it was the Welsh rarebit I ate before bed, I don't know. What I know is I woke in a wilderness, my hands and feet were freezing and I needed warmth as never before. I saw a man gathering wood...
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Age of Heroes - 11: Fool's Gold - the Chase Is on, to Bring Penda to Book
Penda and his Welsh allies are greedy for gold, Oswy knows. To save his kingdom from the Mercians and Welsh he offers the wealth gathered at his stronghold in Bamburgh. When the Welsh leave Penda...
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Heritage - 30: Whitby Cats and Yorkshire Cobles - Seagoing Barques and Inshore Fishing Vessels Along Yorkshire's Coast
During Cook's seagoing career with the Royal Navy he chose the Whitby Collier or 'Cat' for exploration; the Yorkshire 'Coble' has undergone many changes over the years as an inshore fishing vessel
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Heritage - 29: Death on the Foreshore, Captain James Cook's Last Hours on Hawaii
Captain Cook and his men aboard Resolution and Discovery wore out their welcome on Hawaii, natives taking him for their god Orono. When he came back to repair a fore top-mast things began to unravel
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Heritage - 28: "Dirty War" Massacre Prompts a Search for Nazi War Criminals (1945-1948)
'Operation Loyton' involved an SAS drop into the Vosges Mountains, N E France. Only to be there a short time to cause disturbance, the men were dropped among the Panzers and were there a lot longer
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Heritage - 27: A Hammer to Crack a Nut, the Allies Assault Monte Cassino
The push north through Italy gave the Allies an almost impossible task in taking on Kesselring's Gustav Line. High numbers of casualties meant issuing a highly controversial order to the USAAF!
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Heritage 26 - Radar Hit at Pourville, Flight Sergeant Jack Nissenthall's Hazardous Mission
Dieppe, 19th August 1942 wasn't just a cover for an Enigma 'Pinch'. RAF radar technician, Flight Sergeant Jack Nissenthall had the task of rendering German Freya radar system at Pourville unusable
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Heritage - 25 the 'Pinch' That Went Wrong, Along With Cover Operation 'Jubilee', Dieppe 19th August 1942
Far from 'testing the water' for a European second front, 'Operation Jubilee' covered a 'pinch-raid' to take one of the new 4-barrel Enigma machines and code books - there was another task in hand...
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Heritage - 24: Whipps Cross, Leyton Flatts and Hollow Ponds - Epping Forest Branches Out
The south-western corner of Epping Forest in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, boating lake, walking, running, picnic areas and car parking. Bounded by roads, the area still feels like countryside
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Hunding's Saga - 52: Cornered by Harald, Trapped at the Mouth of the Lovat
Hunding's meeting with Prince Svyatopolk of Holmgard went well enough. Eirik Lifingsson, if anything, seemed too happy to meet him and his crew. They were well looked after in their stay... However
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Heritage - 22: From Being Rearguard on Crete, 'Layforce' Assume New Identity in North Africa
After British and Commonwealth troops withdrew from mainland Greece the Germans launched 'Operation Mercury', the invasion of Crete. Brigadier Laycock's commandos were ordered in to cover the retreat
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Heritage - 21: Lightning Strike, Withdrawal Fiasco on Crete, May 1941
British and Commonwealth forces were sent to Greece to bolster the Greek Army under attack from the Germans in 1941. The subsequent withdrawal to Crete was fraught - no more than defending the island
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Viking - 41: Grimnir Foresees a King's Downfall, and the Gotar Gain an Able Young King
A man who calls himself Grimnir comes into King Geirrod's hall. Geirrod sees there is something odd about the fellow and wants him to tell him something about himself. But Grimnir will not talk...
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Storyline - 19: The Blue Mountain Case - *D.C.I. Champion Tracks Down the Truth Behind the Beulah Cane Mystery
A man dies suddenly on the street for no reason; a walking cane with an occult head is found beside a coffee house chair. Is there a link between the two? Can DCI Champion see it before it's too late?
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Heritage - 20: Unlikely Hero, Suicidal Vagrant Comes up Trumps as a War Hero
A wartime gamble taken by the Allies made possible by a corpse washed up on a Spanish beach in 1943. Read how a Welsh itinerant was linked to British Naval Intelligence and plans for an invasion
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Hunding's Saga - 51: The Prince, Hunding's Crew Welcomed Anew in Holmgard
What has Eirik Lifingsson in store for his father's old enemy? Remember, Lifing tried to incriminate Hunding with the theft of a crown. They fought a holmgang, Lifing lost. How does Eirik see it?
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 24: Autocars, Autocoaches and Railmotors
Autocars, Autocoaches and Railmotors this time. As on many railways around the world, the British companies sought to curtail unnecessary spending on branch lines - here are a few solutions to model
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Travel North - 42: A Retrospective Drive North - Looking Back on Recent Past Trips Over Moors and Dales
This is a personal account of a trip I took north in early July, 2015 to see family and friends as well as look over old haunts and catch some news. ('Harking Back' refers to TN pages in the series).
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 23: Snow Ploughs, Clearing the Permanent Way in Winter
Snow ploughs, we do without them for much of the year and then we're stuck in the white stuff up to our armpits. We could do without them on our railway layouts, but then there's atmosphere missing...
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Storyline - 18: Country Lane, a Leisurely Walk Through the Woods Leads to Recalled Memories
Another answer to another challenge. This is to accept Linda's Challenge as seen on Lawrence01.hubpages.com/hub/My-country-road-the-challenge: "imagine you're on a country lane, you see something... "
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Travel North - 41: Look Around York, Tread Softly in the Footsteps of Constantine and Eirik 'Blood-Axe'
York, literally a fount of history. Constantine was made emperor here, the Danes made it their power base and trading hub, two castles were built here by William I, Richard III made it his capital
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Heritage - 19: Epping Forest, Above Loughton - Walk Deeper Into the Woods, off the Footpaths
Remember 'A Walk In The Woods'? This takes you away from the roads, bridle paths and footpaths, in the area of the woods not far from - in places within sight of - the main A104 Woodford-Epping road
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Storyline - 17: Tall, Forgotten, Alone, Like a Sentinel Amid the Tall Trees in the Lower Dale
Another reply to a Bill Holland challenge: A mining accident is the last straw for a lead working on its chinstraps. The owners sell up, the smelt mill, chimney and hushes are abandoned. But then...
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Storyline - 16: Through the Door to Where? A Pair of Tyke* Tourists Investigate the Unexplained
Ever have the feeling that what you see isn't what it seems, or that it might not even be there? It can be the stuff of nightmares to explain...
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 22: Complete the Scenery, Make Your Railway's Surroundings Look Right
You've built your layout, laid track, signalled the line, sited station(s) and railway buildings as well as those nearby incidental structures. The locomotive fleet, wagons and carriages... Scenery?
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Viking - 40: Rurik and the Rus - Russia, a Norseman Founds a Dynasty and a Super-State
Over a thousand years ago Svear Norsemen, Rhos or Rus, went east and set up a trading colony. Warriors with them became the 'policemen' of the region. Rurik was the legend, Russia is now the reality
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Storyline - 14: A Winter Story - Moorland Bus Adventure in Freak Weather
The 1962-63 UK winter can be summed up easily: too much snow, too cold and too long. I had to cross the North York Moors in my first year at Scarborough Art School - impossible more than once...
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Storyline - 13: Women on a Mountain, Lakeland Walks Lead to Close Encounters
A couple of short essays, 1. In response to Bill's challenge on Hub-pages. I've brought him and wife Beverley over 'the Pond'; 2. Walking in the the Lake District leads to a ghostly encounter.
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Rites of Passage for a Model Railway - 21: Kirk Rigg, One I Made Earlier
In true Blue Peter tradition, here's the 'story' of a short model railway I built for son Robert when he was eight (his birthday comes four weeks after Christmas). It's downstairs now, he's in Germany
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Heritage - 18: A Tale of Two Civvies (3) Completion and Opening of the Hull & Barnsley Line From Coalfield to Port
Difficulties are on the whole overcome, although snags still dog the project. Then at last early in 1884 the line opens throughout for the Press. Estimate discrepancies arise and trouble brews...
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Heritage - 17: A Tale of Two Civvies - (2) Construction Begins, Problems Arise and Funds Are Stretched
William Shelford and James Abernethy take on their respective contracts on the Hull & Barnsley Railway (H&BR), engineers for each of four sections are appointed. Problems arise almost from the onset
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Heritage - 16: A Walk in the Woods, 2. Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats
Another part of Epping Forest, the southern end of the Essex Forest. Later the site of a Palladian Mansion subsequently demolished due to financial embarrassment, the land became a public park
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Heritage - 15: A Walk in the Woods, 1.Epping Forest Trail Via High Beech to Loughton
A walk in the woods, like the label says. Enjoy this pleasant, hour-long walk along footpaths through part of Epping Forest with refreshment stops, starting and ending at Loughton Central Line Station
- 2
Hunding's Saga - 50: Eastward, on Course Again to the Mouth of the Volkhov, and to Holmgard
Hunding takes Ivar and Osbeorn through the Eastern Sea to Holmgard along the Amber Coast. There are those there still who know him from before - Lifing's son Eirik has the ear of Iziaslav, the ruler
- 4
Hunding's Saga - 49: Uncanny Meeting of Minds - Gauti Greets a Surly Young Ivar
Hunding's son Ivar still believes he is Jarl Ulf's son and Hunding is powerless to tell him otherwise. Gauti may be able to help, but would he - and would Ivar understand what he was being told?
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Hunding's Saga - 48: Gytha's Welcome for Ivar, and Hunding's Silence
Bidding Ivar farewell at Bosanham after leaving him with Gytha and Earl Godwin, Hunding leaves for Jorvik with a deep ache in his heart. Should he have told the lad he was his real father?
- 4
Viking - 39: Rigsthula, the Tale of Heimdall's Deeds on Midgard as 'Rig'
Heimdall, all-seeing guardian of Bifroest, the Rainbow Bridge, goes out into the world as Rig. Beginning with slaves and working folk begets the first of each class of men up to noblemen and kings
- 18
Heritage - 14: Enigma Initiative: Impasse Breached in the War on the U-Boats
What do the names Fasson, Grazier and Brown mean to you? On their own they mean little of importance. Why should they? Together they mark a historic point in the history of WWII and the Allied cause.
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Heritage - 13: Roger Bushell, 'Big X', His Role in the Real Great Escape
You've seen it before, the Bank Holiday war movie favourite, 'The Great Escape' brought out and dusted off for your delectation and delight. Christmas, Easter, whenever viewing figures take a dip...
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Travel North - 43: High Spy With My Little Eye - Strike out for the Northern Lake District
High in the Central Lakes with Buttermere to the west, Derwent Water to north and Thirlmere in the east is your starting point at Rosthwaite village. There's a bit of a climb ahead, are you up to it?
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Heritage - 12: 'I Can See for Miles and Miles...!' Charting the Rise of The Who to Rock Stardom
Remember that ear-piercing scream in the mike as Roger gets steamed up, Pete revs up his amps, John 'the Ox' curls your toes up with his bass line and Keith brings down his sticks with all his power?
- 2
Conquest - 28: William's Kindred - William FitzOsbern, Earl of Hereford, a Close Friend From Childhood
A familiar face to the young duke from early days, William fitzOsbern was a trusted friend, son of his guardian Osbern 'Pentecost', slain protecting his ward, an ally in times of danger and triumph.
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Conquest - 29: Norman Offspring - Richard FitzGilbert De Clare, 'Strongbow' Crosses to Ireland
Richard fitzGilbert de Clare - heard of him? He was nicknamed 'Strongbow' in deference to his being lord of Striguil (Chepstow) in the Welsh Marches, where the Welshmen were famed for their longbows.
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Viking - 38: Baldur's Dream - the Young God's Death Hastens the Dawn of Ragnaroek
The 'White God' Baldur sees himself in a nightmare and the Allfather looks for a meaning for his son's troubles. Calling himself Vegtam the Wanderer, Odin asks Hel for her thoughts on Baldur's dream
- 8
Viking - 37: Who Stole Idun's Apples? Asgard Almost Laid Low Single-handedly by Scheming Loki
Asgard is in a whirr! Their whole world will crumble to dust with the theft of goddess Idun's enchanted apples. If the apples are not found, the gods of the Aesir and the Vanir will age and wither!
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Conquest - 26: William's Kindred, Half-Brother Robert Count of Mortain
Duke William's older half-brother through Herleve, Robert was the son of Herluin de Conteville, older brother of Odo who became Bishop of Bayeux. Unlike Odo, Robert was a stalwart of his duke-king
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Travel North - 44: View to the River South Tyne - Former Railway Byway in Rural Northumberland
A leisurely walk over eight miles - 13 km - through the valley of the South Tyne centred on Lambley and its handsome railway viaduct. Follow the South Tyne Trail around Lambley, where the railway ran
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Travel North - 40: Guisborough Railway Circular - 3. Mines and Access Lines
This time we look around the links to ironstone mine workings that dotted the landscape around late 19th-early 20th Century Guisborough, a quiet old market town that was an unlikely industrial hub.
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Travel North - 39: Guisborough Railway Circular, 2: Stations, Junctions, Lineside Features
Here we look at the stations, as they were and as they are now, whatever's left of them - where they are and how they fit in. We also look at other features of the permanent way and the lineside
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Travel North - 38: Guisborough Railway Circular - 1. Why Were These Railways Built, and Who Built Them?
A walk around lifted railway lines in Cleveland in North Yorkshire, looking at once busy mineral, goods and passenger routes between Nunthorpe Junction and mining centres near historic Guisborough.
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 21: Twilight - Gods and Heroes, the Final Curtain
Gael deities and heroes use their powers for good and evil - Lugh, god of light; Macha the seer; Mail Duin pursues raiders; Miodchaoin on his hill; Ronan had his son killed; Ruadh's interesting voyage
- 3
Life on the Fringe - 20: Conversion - Chronicles, Kells, Kings and Knights
A famous Irish work of illumination begun on Iona, a pair of legendary kings who trumped their rivals, the Celtic origin of knights and a short history of warlike migration to Ireland's shores
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Life on the Fringe - 19: More Gaelic Myths, Immortals and a Look at the Isle of Man
Here's a brief glimpse at a few more Gaelic gods and legends, and a view of the Celtic influence on the Isle of Man before the Norsemen showed. Steeped in mystery, shrouded in the mists of time
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 18: A Harp's Air - Sounding Celtic Christianity in the Far West
A short history of the Irish harp, a history of the Christian settlements of Columba on Iona and Celtic Christian culture on the Isle of Islay - and a weird little tale of the discovery of 'Brazil'...
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Life on the Fringe - 17: More Darkness in the Emerald Isle, Betrayal, Horror and Sorcery!
Otherworldly beings war on one another and attack humankind; a hero is asked to help. Heroes and champions betray one another; an early race of migrants is sent packing. This is the world of legend!
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Life on the Fringe - 16: Legendary Gael Giants - Fergus Mac Roth, Findabar and Fionn Mac Cumhaill
A look at three greats of the Gaelic world, characters with a lot of punch - a king, a daughter of a scheming king and queen, and a hero who caught the Salmon of Knowledge and was born again as Mongan
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 15: Drawing on Heroes - a Panoply of Gaelic Worthies
No capricious god, Daghda was a father figure; Deoca asked the impossible; Devorgilla would have been a slave but for Cuchulainn; Dian Cecht was a healing god; Donn Cuailgne was plain bullish
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Life on the Fringe - 14: Canny Cuchulainn, the Warrior 'Watch-Dog'
Cuchulainn the warrior-god, the invincible... or so he thought until he saw the goddess of the fallen wash his armour in a nearby river before his battle against Erc.
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Life on the Fringe - 13: Irish Legends of the West - Connacht, Connlai, Cormac and Da Derga's Hostel
A brief look at the kingdom of Connacht, Cuchulainn's son Connlai and his death, Cormac mac Airt is portrayed and we finish this brief glimpse into Irish myth with a tale of dark warning
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Life on the Fringe - 12: Anguish and Heartbreak - Caer to Conchobar Mac Nessa in the Emerald Isle
Another look into the myriad Gaelic lore, beginning with a die-hard romantic's search for the woman of his dreams; warriors, kings, demons and monsters abound as usual - ending with a gruesome warning
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Life on the Fringe - 11: A Colourful Pageant of Gaelic Gods, Goddesses and Heroic Legend
Goddesses and other colourful characters in Ireland's mythical past - the talent was in the telling.The bard who created a memory that lasted won his audience. More insights into Gaelic legend
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Life on the Fringe - 10: The Stuff of Bad Dreams - Ailill, Amhairghin, Aoife and More Legend From the Emerald Isle
Tales of the Gaels: children turned into swans, jealousy and fighting he supernatural. With tall stories like these you can only be in Ireland (they didn't need to kiss the Blarney Stone)!
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Life on the Fringe - 9: West From Offa's Dyke Into Cymcru - More Gallic Demons and Heroes
Hafgan the dueller, Hefeydd Hen, Hwychdwn and Hydwn - and a few others to keep you going as well as Helena, daughter of King Coel. More characters from the British panoply before we take on the Gaels
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 8: A Handful of Welsh Heroes - Galahad, Gilfaethwy, Gofannon, Goibniu and Goleudydd
The notion of a quest like Galahad's was ingrained in the Celtic psyche, as it was for Gilfaethwy. Goleudydd on the other hand was a soul possessed, a sad creature beset by her demons...
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 7: Cymru - Wales, Demons, Heroes and Villains in the Valleys
Into deep waters now. The first of several pages about characters from Welsh mythology - pour yourself a drink and sail into the dim distant past for this voyage into the unknown
- 3
Life on the Fringe - 6: Mortality, Immortality - Celt and Roman Beliefs on the Afterlife, Gerald of Wales and More
See how the Celts saw death. An insight into the way the Celts did. Also, Infant interment, Wales after the Conquest, the Celts in Italy, how the Greeks saw them and a brief look at knot work
- 6
Life on the Fringe - 5: Gallic Origins - Ever Wondered, Where the Name 'January' Stems From?
This time we look at Gaulish gods, another region on the Continent colonised by the Romans and Boudicca's Iceni tribe in the east of Britannia Major. And 'January'? Well, hang on and keep reading.
- 2
Life on the Fringe - 4: British Isles - High Crosses, Hill Forts and Hwicca
The Celts of Cymru brought Christianity to the Barbarian Germanic migrants to Britain in the Dark Ages - they were also regarded by the Saxons as being masters of the 'dark arts', the 'hwicce'.
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Life on the Fringe - 3: Heartlands - Celts Around Central and Western Europe
You know about Hallow E'en, but have you heard of Habren, the 'Hag of Hell' and Hallstatt? Settle yourself and keep your eyes and ears open as you follow this piece on what goes bump in the night...
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Life on the Fringe - 2: More on Celtic North-Western Europe, From Epona the Goddess of Horses to the Gundestrup Cauldron
Further on the Celts on the western edge of civilisation, from goddesses with links to the animal world to Knotwork designs - get a coffee and settle down to travelling into the dim distant past...
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Life on the Fringe - 1: The Celts, Migrants to Britain, Western and North-Western Europe
We know the Celts mainly from contemporary Roman sources, their hierarchy and society largely unknown. What do you know of the Celts beyond Boudicca and her defeat at the hands of Suetonius Paulinus?
- 2
Viking - 36: Odin's Unasked Guest - Loddfafnir Looks in on the Allfather at Asgard
Midwinter, a time for telling and sharing. In a Midgard dwelling a man tells of how, when he paid his respects to the Allfather, he was given wise counsel on how to live his life and prosper...
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Viking - 35: Binding Fenrir - War God Tyr Loses a Hand in the Struggle to Fetter Loki's Troublesome Son
Shape-Shifter Loki has been up to his tricks again, and Tyr pays with his hand to get one of the Sly One's 'little monsters' under control!
- 2
Viking - 34: Freyja Craves the Brisingamen Necklace - Loki Humbles a Goddess
In the underworld Freyja visits the dark elves in their cave, sees the newly forged treasure known as the Brisingamen Necklace. To gain the necklace she has to 'lie for one night' with each dwarf...
- 8
Heritage - 5: Some Guy* They Caught in the Westminster Cellar - What's Behind the Story of November 5th?
'Remember, Remember the Fifth of November...' What do you know about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605? What was behind a meeting held in the Home Counties to remove the head of state?
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Hunding's Saga - 47: Hunding's Errand, Ivar Is Taken to Bosanham for Safe-Keeping
Hunding's saga does not end here, taking young Ivar to join kinfolk - his aunt Gytha and her husband Earl Godwin. He also meets Godwin's sons Svein, Harold and Tostig who befriend him. There is more
- 15
Storyline - 3: Batesmania - a Limey's Introduction to Washington State (Fiction)
Not just the language divides us - there's a pond between us. A salutary tale of a Tyke across 'the Pond', so far west you nearly fall into a proper sea. Written for billybuc's writing competition**.
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Travel North - 37: Walk on the Wild Side, Test Your Mettle Across the High Moors to the Coast
The Lyke Wake Walk, an infamously arduous route between Osmotherley on the western edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Ravenscar (Peak) on the North Sea coast... Would you be up to it?
- 2
The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 9: Skuld's Yuletide Attack, and the Final Reckoning
Queen Skuld and Hjorvard give battle in mid-winter and, just as Hrolf seems to be winning Hjalti awakens Bodvar 'Bjarki' from his slumbers. When Skuld brings her sorcery into play fortunes change...
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Hunding's Saga - 46: Ivar Leaves Roskilde With Hunding for Aengla Land
Reluctantly Knut agrees young Ivar must leave Roskilde for Earl Godwin's home, to stay with his aunt Gytha. His nobles are rebellious as the boy proclaims himself as treasonous Jarl Ulf's son.
- 2
The Saga of Hrolf Kraki - 8: The Chase, King and Heroes Discard the Treasure Under Pursuit
With King Adhils humbled on the battlefield, Hrolf and his champions return to Hleidargard. On the way they are met by Hrani who offers weapons and a mailcoat seen by Hrolf as low quality and refuses.
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The Saga of Hrolf Kraki - 7: Pressing the Claim, Adhils Uses Sorcery to Make Ready for His Caller
Before being tested by Adhils' sorcery, King Hrolf's men are tested by Hrani (Odin). With his champions, Hrolf enters Adhils' stronghold. It is now the Svear king's turn to test step-son Hrolf...
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Hunding's Saga - 45: Hunding Befriends Ivar - Knut's Fear for His Nephew's Safety Sees Ivar Leaving Roskilde for England
Hunding is asked by Knut to befriend Ivar, but to hold back from letting the lad know he is his real father. Ivar thinks he is Jarl Ulf's son and wishes to be known as such.
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Travel North - 36: Kielder Wildlife Park, Woodland Wonderland in Northumberland
Walk or cycle in England's most peaceful beauty spot by Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in northern Northumberland. Watch out for red squirrels by day, go star-gazing at night.
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Travel North - 35: Bamburgh Round Trip - From the Castle to Holy Island, and Grace Darling's Story
An easy tour of Bamburgh, castle, Budle Point and Bay, and the burial place of lifeboat heroine Grace Darling. Suitable for all ages. Views to the Farne Islands, plentiful birdlife and sandy beaches.
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The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 6: Hott's New Friend Bodvar Checks the King's Berserkers
Having shunned a kingship in his own land, Bodvar seeks the court of King Hrolf. He raises the son of a poor couple from being a target to being a true champion and humbles Hrolf's berserkers.
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Travel North - 34: Walking Roman Remains, Hadrian's Wall, Mile Forts and a Volcanic Plate
Stand on the Roman Wall, look over the northern hills, a view beheld by foederati from as far off as Asia Minor. Walk Steel Rigg to Housesteads on paths trodden by home-sick, shivering legionaries!
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Travel North - 33: Upper Wharfedale Walkabout - Wandering the Middle Dales
Back in the Dales, this time the top of Wharfedale adjoining Langstrothdale. A nice, leisurely family trip with flora and fauna in abundance, pleasant country inns. All within seven and a half miles.
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Hunding's Saga - 44: Yuletide Endgame With Jarl Ulf Checked by Knut - King Wins by Knight Sacrifice?
At the Yule feast Jarl Ulf loses to Knut at chess, and hints that Knut has cheated. The moment passes, the feasting goes on but Ulf is uneasy. Knut makes a show of letting matters rest - has he?
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Travel North - 32: A Mediaeval Legend and Consett's 'Ironopolis' - Central County Durham's Historical & Recent Past
Cycle or walk from Gateshead Metro Centre via Consett to Chester-le-Street on the former Consett & Sunderland Railway route, legendary home of the Lambton Worm, a monster fished from the Derwent.
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The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 5: Thorir 'Hounds-Foot', King of the Gautar
Brothers Elk-Frodhi, Thorir hounds-foot and Bodvar are briefly reunited and a new hero seeks out King Hrolf at Hleidargard after first dealing with King Hring's queen, the witch Hvit...
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The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 4: A Meeting of Souls, One-Eyed Svipdag and Bodvar 'Bjarki' Reach King Hrolf's Mead Hall
When Svipdag arrives at the king's hall at Hleidargard, Hrolf does not seem overjoyed at Adhils' men wishing to join him. Yet he welcomes them, although Svipdag almost clashes with his berserkers.
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Travel North - 31: East Cleveland Cliffs and Wykes* - Port Mulgrave, Staithes, Runswick and Saint Hilda's Well
Walk the coast from Hinderwell to Port Mulgrave, Staithes and Runswick Bay with a brief history of the area and past industry. High cliffs, small fishing harbours and an early mediaeval miracle.
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Heritage - 6: Joseph Mallord William Turner - 'Master of Light and Air, Father of Impressionism'
How do you see late Turner? Blurred daubs, early Impressionism? Turner's career began under the tutelage of masters. His father exhibited early works in his Covent Garden shop alongside bespoke wigs.
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The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 3: A Flawed Love Match
Queen Olof tells Yrsa that Helgi is her father, and she - Olof - is her real mother. Yrsa is then wedded to the grasping Yngling king Adhils of the Svear, the only king rash enough to take her.
- 2
The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' - 2: On Frodhi's Death, Helgi and Hroar Share the Kingship
Rid of their uncle Frodhi, Helgi and Hroar part company. Hroar sails to Northumbria. Queen Olof humbles Helgi. Jarl Hrok demands the ring of the Skjoldungs.
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The Saga of Hrolf Kraki - 1: Frodhi's Greed, Downfall of a Usurper
The first part of the Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki' in which his father Helgi and uncle Hroar flee from their uncle, King Frodhi after the killing of their father Halfdan at Hleidargard.
- 2
Danelaw Years - 10: Hrolf 'Kraki', Fated and Feted Warrior King - Origins of the Saga
The Saga of Hrolf 'Kraki', parallels and links with 'Beowulf', mythical background attached to the Danish Skjoldung dynasty in its neighbourly struggle. Background and pagan connotations...
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Hunding's Saga - 43: Bad Tidings Shared, of Gunnlaug's Passing
Hunding sees son Ivar for the first time, but must think of him as his nephew. Only Knut, Eirik of Hladir and Astrid know the truth of Ivar's birth - and only they can be allowed to know... For now.
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Travel North - 30: Mountain Bike Trekking Around Malham, Taking in Nearby Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn
Walking in the western Dales above Malham, with a couple of diversions. Visit Pen y Gent Cafe at Horton near Settle, with its views of Pen y Gent. Nearby are Ingleborough and Great Whernside.
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Travel North - 29: Sightseeing Made Easy, Eastward to the Sea on Yorkshire's* Eskdale Line
Let the train take the strain - from industrial Middlesbrough to Whitby over the northern Moors and down through Eskdale. Rural idyll brought to life by way of picturesque country stations to the seaside.
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Travel North - 28: Keep Your Head on 'the Head'! Walk Flamborough's Cliffs Near Filey
Walk along the clifftop of one of Yorkshire's great natural landmarks, Flamborough Head. Scenery includes lighthouses, fishing 'cobles', cliffs with nesting gulls, caves carved out by the North Sea.
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Travel North - 27: Follow the Nidd, From Source Near How Stean Caves and Through Upper Nidderdale
Visit Upper Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales. Start at How Stean Gorge, follow country tracks to Scar House, taking in the scenery. Finish at The Crown, Lofthouse with a pleasant meal and drink.
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Heritage - 3: Danish Made Simple, Just Add English and a 'Tweak' in Pronunciation
Danish-English, English-Danish - aside from the spelling, much of the time you wouldn't know which was which when spoken. A brief introduction to one of the easiest languages in Europe!
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Travel North - 26: Palm Sunday Slaughter, Walk Towton Field in the Footsteps of Edward of York's Army
Stride the fields between Towton and Saxton, where Yorkist met Lancastrian on Palm Sunday, 1461. Although outnumbered, Edward IV's army won the day. Henry VI fled with his queen to Scotland.
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Travel North - 25: Mother Shipton's Home Turf - Lower Nidd Valley Knaresborough Walk
An easy four and a half mile walk along the River Nidd at Knaresborough, via mediaeval soothsayer Ursula Southill's (Mother Shipton's) Cave, with a stroll below the castle opposite.
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Travel North - 24: Catch Santa on the Chevin Run (Anybody Seen My Christmas Tree? It's Run off With the Treetop Fairy!)
Fancy running off the turkey and pud near Otley, (Leeds, West Yorkshire)? Views away as far as the Kilburn White Horse near Thirsk. See the hilarious Chevin Chase run on Boxing Day, 26th December.
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Travel North - 23: Summer Wine Country, Keep Step With Compo, Cleggy and Foggy Around Holmfirth's Green Acres
Remember that lovable rogue 'Compo' Simmonite, his friends 'Cleggy' and 'Foggy'? Walk the byways around Holmfirth, take in the smell of late August's new-mown hay, sheep bleating in the Dales...