Originally published in 1982, and based on extensive research in estates’ archives, this book outlines the changing fate of the 500 largest estates in England over the centuries. It examines estates in their heyday and looks at their changing role as they declined in the twentieth century, showing how some estates have survived and describing the differing uses to which country houses have been put.

Is a famous queen of Britain really bured beneath platform 10 at King's Cross station in London? What is the telephone number of the National Theatre? what is the best place to eat in Worcester? Where is the National Bagpipe Museum? (Hint: not in Scotland) Was Pointius Pilate born in Pitlochry? The answers to these questions and literally thousands more are to be found in David Kemp's fascinating guidebook, The Pleasures and Treasures of Britain. Nowhere else will the discerning traveller find so much diverse and essential information about British culture gathered together in one volume. With the author as your witty and knowledgeable guide, take a tour through nearly fifty cities, from Penzance to Perth, from London to Cardiff and Belfast. Each city section begins with a concise, readable history and a guided walk around the town, planned to take in as many of the significant local sights as can comfortably be included. Next are exhaustive listings, including telephone numbers and addresses, of everything a culturally curious visitor might want to seek out: theatre, art galleries, museums, antique markets, antiquarian and other bookstores, restaurants, lcoal fairs and festivals and more. Finally, under the headings of Artistic Associations and Ephemera, each section concludes with an entertaining collection of local lore, gossip, legend and anecdote.

Whether you're after a stroll through the woods in springtime, a canoe safari on the Norfolk Broads, a day at the caber-tossing Highland Games or afternoon tea at a fancy hotel, this book will lead you to the best holiday destinations and experiences Great Britain and Ireland have to offer. Its easy-to-use season-by-season format and six themes - History and Heritage; Wildlife and Landscape; Cities, Towns and Villages; Outdoor Activities; Family Getaways; and Festivals and Events - make planning your time on these beautiful isles easier than ever.

This unique and important directory incorporates some 3,200 entries. It covers all types and sizes of museums; galleries of paintings, sculpture and photography; and buildings and sites of particular historic interest. It also provides an extensive index listing over 3,200 subjects. The directory covers national collections and major buildings, but also the more unusual, less well-known and local exhibits and sites. The Directory of Museums, Galleries and Buildings of Historic Interest in the United Kingdom is an indispensable reference source for any library, an ideal companion for researcher and enthusiast alike, and an essential purchase for anyone with an interest in the cultural and historical collections of the UK. Features include: * Alphabetically listed entries, which are also indexed by subject for ease of reference * Entries include the name and address of the organization, telephone and fax numbers, email and internet addresses, a point of contact, times of opening and facilities for visitors * A breakdown of the collections held by each organization, giving a broad overview of the main collection as a whole * Details of special collections are provided and include the period covered as well as the number of items held.

Challenging the prevailing view of a modern English culture besotted with its history and aristocracy, Mandler portrays instead a continuously changing society where both intellectual and popular attitudes have only recently turned to admiration.

Retirement is a time of immense opportunity. Without the routine demands of working life, new ambitions can be realized and new experiences enjoyed. Yet with so much to consider, people are often unsure how best to plan for their future. Furthermore, with rising retirement ages, the closure of many final pension salary schemes and uncertainty regarding universal benefits, the scope for concern and confusion is now even greater. The Good Non Retirement Guide is essential reading for all those looking forward to making the most of their retirement, and offers clear and concise suggestions and advice on a broad range of retirement-related subjects, including pensions, tax, leisure activities, voluntary work and health.

An authoritative and extensive resource for British and Irish history Quickly access basic information on the history of the British Isles from this reliable resource. A Dictionary of British and Irish History provides concise information covering all periods of prehistory and history for every part of the British Isles. Within this one book, you’ll find summary accounts of events, biographies, definitions of terms, and far more. Using alphabetically organized headwords, readers will easily locate the content and details they seek. A Dictionary of British and Irish History not only serves as a reference tool, but also stimulates broader learning. Entries are interrelated and cross-referenced to help you expand your knowledge of different areas of history. Discover comparable entries on England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales See overviews of major topics and historical events Get facts instantly or browse entries Use the Dictionary as an information source or a launch point for expanding knowledge This reference book will become an essential resource for students of British and Irish history as well as for professionals, journalists, teachers, and those who use historical information in their work. Further, anyone wanting to establish the basics of the history of the British Isles will find this a valuable addition to their library.