This is the fifth in my series of glimpses into the pages of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. St Mary’s Church Warwick stands close to Warwick Castle, at the heart of England’s history. The church foundations date back 900 years, and it is believedContinue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 5: St Mary’s Church Warwick”
Tag Archives: English history
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 2: Warwick Castle
This is the second in my series of glimpses into the subject of my new book, Paranormal Warwickshire, which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. Here is the classic view of Warwick Castle, seen from the town bridge as you enter Warwick from the south. This magnificent medieval fortress makes aContinue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 2: Warwick Castle”
The Museum of London, Docklands: a Beguiling Talk About the Social History of the English Pub
The English pub is such a well-loved institution. I know when I lived in Australia for four years, this wonderful institution was much prized for its almost legendary status amongst the Australians, even if they did think we British are a bit weird to go around drinking warm beer all the time. And at theContinue reading “The Museum of London, Docklands: a Beguiling Talk About the Social History of the English Pub”
A Special Place in Warwickshire to Reflect Upon Our Wills and Fates: St Peter’s Church Wootton Wawen – Saxon Sanctuary
Our wills and fates do so contrary run That our devices still are overthrown; Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own. Shakespeare: Hamlet, III, 2, 602 Surely the best places to reflect upon the universal truths that lie behind Shakespeare’s words above, are the many historical sites to be found in hisContinue reading “A Special Place in Warwickshire to Reflect Upon Our Wills and Fates: St Peter’s Church Wootton Wawen – Saxon Sanctuary”
Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick
Rising up before you as you approach Warwick from the south, along the Banbury road, you will see a spectacular sight: that of Warwick Castle, perfectly preserved ancient fortress, later transformed into a stately residence. The south-east side of the castle commands a cliff on the opposite bank of the River Avon, as you enterContinue reading “Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick”
Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London
A family trip to the Tower of London at the weekend reminded me once again of how much I love visiting English castles. at the Tower of London (photo credit SC Skillman) I was trying to account for this in one of my previous posts, but a fellow-writer put it beautifully; when you go roundContinue reading “Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London”
Inspiration From the Parapet at the Top of the Tower of St Mary’s Church Warwick
As I sit here typing these words I gaze over the trees to the top of the tower of St Mary’s Church Warwick. The decorated parapet at the top of this tower is the highest place you can be in Warwick (which is this year celebrating its 1100th anniversary). I’ve climbed to that platform and gazed downContinue reading “Inspiration From the Parapet at the Top of the Tower of St Mary’s Church Warwick”
Historical Novels versus History Books, and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall: The Power To Make You Feel You’re An Insider in the World of Henry VIII
Hilary Mantel’s success in winning the Man Booker Prize for her novel “Bring Up the Bodies” has provoked many varying opinions of her work. For my part, I look forward to reading this second book in her Tudor Trilogy. The other day I had a conversation with a keen reader who said, “I don’t likeContinue reading “Historical Novels versus History Books, and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall: The Power To Make You Feel You’re An Insider in the World of Henry VIII”
Elizabeth, Dudley and Happy Times in Ruined Castles
Castles always make me happy. I’m lucky to live within a short distance of two of the country’s greatest – Kenilworth and Warwick. I’ve visited both many times but it’s Kenilworth that most captures my imagination. Is this because it lies in ruins whereas Warwick is still intact and has a Tussauds exhibition in it? WhenContinue reading “Elizabeth, Dudley and Happy Times in Ruined Castles”
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