Compton Verney in Warwickshire is one of my favourite places; an elegant Georgian house set in a glorious landscape. A visit here and a walk through the Capability Brown parklands always gives me a feeling of bliss and tranquility. Capability Brown knew what he was up to when he rode through the grounds of theseContinue reading “A Visit to Compton Verney, Warwickshire, in December 2021”
Tag Archives: Warwickshire
Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Compton Verney is one of my favourite places in Warwickshire, and it features in my current WIP, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire. A gracious Georgian mansion set in a Capability Brown landscape with a tranquil lake, it has a fascinating history. During the course of the twentieth century, this brought it through a variety of owners,Continue reading “Compton Verney, Warwickshire”
A Walk in Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa to Lift the Spirits
We are lucky to have many beautiful places to walk, in Leamington Spa Warwick and Kenilworth, with gardens, rivers, castles, historical houses and parklands. Each time I walk in Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, I see new delights. Throughout this pandemic, the natural world has upheld the spirits of so many – and the imagination, hardContinue reading “A Walk in Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa to Lift the Spirits”
Snow in Warwickshire
Many of us love the arrival of snow – as long as it doesn’t last too long or lie too heavy or cause too much disruption… When snow falls it creates an immediate transformation. We see the familar scenes in a different light. And many also associate it with fun – snowmen, toboggans, slides andContinue reading “Snow in Warwickshire”
Warwickshire Lockdown Walks
Curious how when we are instructed by the government to stay at home and only venture out for a very few clearly defined purposes, those of us who didn’t do enough walking prior to the pandemic suddenly find ourselves seizing the opportunity to get out every day. And I am one of those. Living inContinue reading “Warwickshire Lockdown Walks”
Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire
I have heard, but not believed, The spirits of the dead May walk again William Shakespeare So says William Shakespeare, through the lips of Antigonus in Act 3 Scene 3 of The Winter’s Tale. Did Shakespeare believe in ghosts and spirits? Opinions are divided; Herbert, Shakespearean actor, who led us around Stratford-upon-Avon one evening onContinue reading “Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire”
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”
#covid19walks #socialdistancing – A Strange New Name for Local Walks in the Springtime
A strange new title for local walks in the springtime has emerged. Steering clear of other walkers, whilst wandering along in the balmy spring afternoon, seems dreamlike…
I’m pleased to announce that I have signed a contract
I’m pleased to announced that I have signed a contract with history publishers Amberley Publishing for a book about Warwickshire to be published in June 2020. This will be a highly illustrated book full of stories arranged under themes from Shakespeare’s ghosts and spirits. The book will explore some of the supernatural and spiritual storiesContinue reading “I’m pleased to announce that I have signed a contract”
The Season of Christmas Craft Fairs and Giving Books for Christmas
I always love getting out to meet readers and potential new readers – either by giving Author Talks, or by leading Creative Writing Workshops or by appearing at Craft Fairs to sell signed copies of my books. Remember – books are a great choice when it comes to choosing a gift for a keen readerContinue reading “The Season of Christmas Craft Fairs and Giving Books for Christmas”
scskillman.com 