Bøker i S.E.C.R.E.T-serien

A new town established in the 1800s, Colwyn Bay thrived with the coming of the railway, growing over the last century into one of the largest communities in North Wales. In Secret Colwyn Bay, local author Graham Roberts takes the reader off the beaten track and into the less well-known episodes of the town's history. From tales of famous and infamous characters, strange events and hidden architectural gems, this new book will prove to be a must-have for everyone's bookshelf, appealing not only to local residents with a keen interest in the history of Colwyn Bay but also to the many visitors and holidaymakers who wish to learn more about this fascinating and historical corner of north Wales.

In these days of ubiquitous, non-stop media and information you would think that there were few secrets anywhere left to reveal, but when it comes to Chatham there remain a surprising number of facts and idiosyncrasies that, over the years, have remained obscure. Secret Chatham is a journey through the past of this former Royal Dockyard home, unearthing many fascinating and little-known details about the Medway town that will entertain, inform and horrify visitors as well as its current inhabitants in equal measure, many of whom probably thought they knew it all. The book gives a unique perspective on the many less-obvious aspects of Chatham's history and will go a long way to explaining why today's town is as it is, and how it may develop in the future.

Explore the secret history of St Andrews through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Secret Penrith goes behind the facades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known aspects of the town's fascinating past. Penrith has many secrets, and as you walk along the streets, you are walking through history. There are clear reminders of the town's past everywhere, waiting for you to stop, look and listen to their intriguing stories. Join author Andrew Graham Stables on a journey through this beautiful town and its history. You may think you know Penrith, but take another look around and you will find more than you could possibly imagine.

Dr Philip MacDougall, local historian, takes you on a journey through the City of Chichester revealing much of its lesser-known history. Here you will find the story behind the city's nineteenth-century banking crisis, the activities of a London mob of criminals who targeted the Goodwood races, a fascinating collection of letters written during the First World War and even how local politicians once bribed potential voters with lashings of beer. Blending the serious and the not so serious and drawing heavily on primary sources, including newspapers and original documents, Secret Chichester gives a fascinating look at this city's past with images from long ago and today.

In these days of ubiquitous, non-stop media and information you would think that there were few secrets anywhere left to reveal: but when it comes to Harrogate there remain a surprising number of facts and idiosyncrasies which, over the years, have remained obscure, to say the least. Secret Harrogate is an historical journey through one of England's most visited towns, unearthing nuggets of its early history and spectacular development into one of Europe's foremost spas. This book reveals and unravels scores of fascinating and little-known details about Harrogate that will fascinate and inform its many visitors as well as its current inhabitants, many of whom probably thought they knew it all. The book gives a unique perspective on the many less-obvious aspects of Harrogate's history and will go a long way to explaining why today's Harrogate is as it is, and how it may develop in the future.

Oxford is identified with its university, and the university has certainly played a huge role in shaping the town. But the history of Oxford is much more than just a footnote to its colleges. The town was already old when the first scholars gathered there, and it has seen many major non-academic milestones, such as the founding of the hugely influential Morris works at Cowley by Lord Nuffield. Secret Oxford explores town and gown, the little-known facts as well as the well-known ones, and directs the reader - tourist or resident - to key locations and visible remains. Each well-illustrated chapter ends with a list of related things that must be seen. There are also a number of self-guided walks to help the reader experience the diverse flavour of the city and its history.

Sheffield is the fourth largest city in England and was where the Industrial Revolution began in earnest. It is renowned for its high-quality steel and fine cutlery, for its two large universities and for having the biggest shopping centre in Europe, yet there is so much more to know about this proud South Yorkshire city. In Secret Sheffield, the authors pull back the carpet of history to reveal what lurks beneath. They delve into Sheffield's murky and mysterious past, its dark secrets and forgotten tales, introducing us to some interesting characters along the way.

The name Chislehurst literally means 'a stony place in the woods'. A somewhat appropriate name to keep in mind as Joanna Friel explores the secrets of Chislehurst. Evidence of Chislehurst's rich heritage can be seen embedded throughout the streets of this district, highlighting that Chislehurst remains a special place of distinctive character. It is, indeed, no ordinary suburb. Using vast knowledge of the area, Joanna Friel provides her readers with a brilliant look into the secrets of the area. From visually obvious fragments of the past that still exist to those lesser-known facts. For instance, did you know that an ingenious communication system erected on the town's highest hill supposedly prevented an invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte, or that a local death sparked the ruin of a leader of the Irish Home Rule Movement? From locals looking for a nostalgic look back into their district to touring visitors, this book provides an excellent alternative view into the covert aspects of Chislehurst.

Secret Bexhill-on-Sea explores the little-known and often colourful history of the East Sussex town of Bexhill-on-Sea through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explores Bedford's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore the secret history of Frome and the surrounding area through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore the secret history of Ripon through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore Southport secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore the Peak District's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Explore Peebles' secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

The third book about Bude by Dawn Robinson is a little different to the first two. Certainly, it contains historical and contemporary images; however, its focus is very much on the facts, fiction, people and places you may know little about in this friendly seaside town. Bude has little by way of ancient history but it has plenty of tales to be told. Home to fascinating characters and events, Bude is an enthralling community. For example, did you know that Bude was home to a survivor of the Titanic? Or that the creator of the artwork of a famous tarot deck died in Bude? That Tennyson was known to have visited? Or that a story very akin to Romeo & Juliet actually occurred nearby? Additionally, there are plentiful tales of shipwrecks, piracy and even smuggling along Bude's rocky shores. With much to capture your interest, this book walks you along some lesser-known paths of Bude's history, including an astonishing fictional Cornish tale of murder, plus many places and spaces which few people are aware of. If visiting Bude, get the inside story of what to look out for, and where to go to get a true feel of the town's history.

A fascinating exploration of the hidden and lesser-known heritage of Hexham and Corbridge in Northumberland.

Explore Haywards Heath's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Secret Great Yarmouth & Gorleston explores the lesser-known history of the Norfolk coastal town of Great Yarmouth through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Durham City is a remarkable place, a priceless historical gem and, deservedly, a World Heritage Site. Over 1,000 years Durham's great beauty and history has inspired many architectural descriptions and guides. This book follows in their footsteps but then takes a different path. Wandering through the cathedral's darkened cloisters, the city's narrow medieval streets and the river's winding pathways, Secret City of Durham is one man's view of this famed peninsula - an occasionally quirky tour through history that looks beyond the iconic architecture and behind the fascinating jumble of city buildings. The author peels back their facades to reveal the bewildering changes and on the way points out the lesser-known facts and characters associated with them. What points the way to Durham Cathedral and St Cuthbert's tomb and where can it be found? Who lived in Windy Gap? Why St Mary-the-'Less'? Secret City of Durham answers these fascinating questions and many more in a modern pilgrimage through the city.

Secret Dover explores the lesser-known history of the Kent town of Dover through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Secret Lincoln explores the lesser-known history of the cathedral city of Lincoln through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Explore Blackpool's secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Secret Romsey explores the lesser-known history of the Hampshire town of Romsey through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

During the 1,000-year history of Bury St Edmunds, the town has acquired a mix of unexpected, weird and wonderful examples of buildings and the people associated with them. The old adage of looking up when going round any town is as true to Bury St Edmunds as with anywhere; for it is 'up' where many interesting gems of architecture, embellishments and ornamentations will be found. While buildings are obviously a link to the past and the people connected with them, retelling some of their stories brings history to life. Secret Bury St Edmunds goes behind the faades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known stories of Bury St Edmunds' fascinating past, brought to life through revealing images of the past and the present.

Where were Cut Throat Alley and Heathen Street?How many could be hanged at one time and where?Who won the battle of the town undertakers?Secret Kingston upon Thames goes behind the faades of the familiar to discover the lesser-known aspects of the town's fascinating past. Kingston upon Thames has many secrets, and as you walk along the streets you are walking through history. There are clear reminders of the town's past everywhere, waiting for you to stop, look and listen to their intriguing stories. On a journey through this ancient town, local tour guide Julian McCarthy tells these forgotten or untold tales. You may think that you know Kingston upon Thames, but take another look around and you will find more than you could possibly imagine.

Secret Forest of Dean explores the lesser-known history of Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, at the lowest bridging point, Newcastle is generally regarded as the capital of the north-eastern region of the United Kingdom. Initially a Roman settlement, Pons Aellius, the city grew to become an important site during the expansion of the wool trade in the fourteenth century and later played an integral role in the nation's booming coal industry. Today the city hosts the Great North Run and boasts numerous icons, among which are its famous Newcastle Brown Ale and successful Premier League team, Newcastle United FC. Evidence of Newcastle's past can be seen in its streets. The city's Roman origins are represented by remaining sections of Hadrian's Wall, and its industrial heritage is evident in its quayside and warehouses. In addition to these more visually obvious fragments of the past exist little-known passages, buildings, tunnels and other secret places that reveal more of Newcastle than meets the eye. Join author Ken Hutchinson in exploring the more clandestine aspects of the city's long and varied history.

Guernsey is small - only 25 square miles - but it holds a depth of history and intrigue far greater than its size. Early prehistoric beginnings allied to a Norman French heritage and a long period of loyalty to the English Crown have produced a unique culture - a melting pot of religious, political and economic activity. The islanders' stories can be found everywhere - from the sea-swept coast and rural country lanes, to the bustle of St Peter Port, in buildings, churches and charming quaint, granite houses. Take a journey through this familiar landscape to find what lies beneath - stories of the unusual, the intriguing or the plain odd. From serial duellists to romantic poets; confusing road names to land reclamation; mysterious stones to pagan offerings, Secret Guernsey is filled with unexpected tales of island life and history, and invites you to explore the island for yourself and uncover more unfound treasures through stunning colour photographs.