The extraordinary story of the two early collieries at Neston, in west Cheshire, has been largely overlooked by historians. Yet, for a time the main coal mine, Ness Colliery, was more successful than most of its contemporaries in nearby south-west Lancashire and North Wales. It was the first large industrial site in west Cheshire and introduced the area’s earliest steam engine.
Remarkable events included devastating acts of sabotage committed by Ness Colliery’s owners on the neighbouring works, and the introduction of underground canals to haul coals deep under the Dee Estuary where most of the mining occurred. Figures as diverse as the engineer George Stephenson and Nelson’s future mistress Emma, Lady Hamilton are part of the mines’ story.
Around 1,100 years ago a group of Vikings arrived in Wirral from Ireland which began an influx of Vikings into the area. These settlers established their own community and this comprehensively updated book explores the history of these people and their legacy.
Presenting over 20 walks in Wirral, this title discovers the best of the local landscape, with sights spanning thousands of years of history, from ancient tracks to remnants of industrial past - from woodland heath to an expansive saltmarsh.
9th edition, 2019. A comprehensive list of books, articles, theses and other material covering the brass band movement, its history, instruments and musicology; together with other related topics (originally issued in book form in January 2009)
Till the researches of modern historians proved the contrary, a widespread belief existed in this country that the accession of Elizabeth was hailed by the majority of the nation as the deliverance of an enthralled and coerced people from the bondage of Home. In view, however, of known facts, even hostile critics are forced to admit that the final establishment of the tenets of the Heformation ill England was the outcome of a slow process of evolution-assisted, it is true, by a protestant legislature and several favorable local circumstances, but still an evolution-which lasted the greater part of a century. At the outset, little if anything presaged the ultimate and mighty change. The Queen received the congratulations of the episcopate with approbation and caused Masses to be duly sung for her sister's soul. In her own domestic chapel she continued to be present at the angnst sacrifice of the Catholic Church, frequently availed herself of Confession, manifested respect for sacred images and pictures, and was I indulgent to the affectionate practice of praying for the souls of the departed.' In a word, she showed by her whole demeanour her resolution of abiding by her solemn oath to the late Queen' to live and die a true Roman Catholic.'
