Local Books

 

The Cotswolds

isbn: 9781874192794

 

These glorious hills, rightly described as an area of outstanding natural beauty, contain a treasure trove of spectacular views, along with flowers and wildlife just asking to be photographed. In the following pages I take you through the seasons, offering just a taste of what can be seen, in the hope that it will tempt you to explore this wonderful countryside for yourselves. From hidden gems like the stone crocodile head on a fresh water spring in Compton Abdale, and fearsome gargoyles staring down at you from ancient churches, to the grandeur of castles and the splendour of stately homes, I hope to bring the Cotswolds alive for you with the help of my camera. So as not to spoil the images with excess wording I have let the pictures speak for theirselves but at the back of the book you will find a page-by-page explanation of the photographs, along with the locations. This book was made possible by the help and kindness shown to me by the various attractions, allowing me to roam freely over their properties in search of interesting views, fascinating artefacts and plentiful wildlife. Lastly I wish to thank my wife, Sally, who encouraged me to take up photography and so made this book possible

 

 

The Haunted Cotswold

Isbn: 9781874192831

 

An illustrated collection Of ghost stories covering the Cotswolds by Bob Meredith. And as Bob says: There still lingers in those pockets of the mind where shadows are turned into demons and where things go bump in the night, a flutter of the heart when the clock strikes twelve and a yearning for the firelight hearths where children listen to ghost stories on long, cold winter nights".

The ghost story is not just a part of history. It is history!

 

 

The Illustrated Cotswold Guide

isbn: 9781874192718

 

An A - Z illustrated guide to what you can see in the Cotswolds, with word and pen the Author describes this wonderful part of England. From the strange sounding Cotswold towns and villages such as Acton Turville and Wyck Rissington with this guide you will be shown sides of the Cotswolds that the average visitor often misses, the text is brought to life with well over 100 pen and ink sketches of Gargoyles and Hobbit like church entrances, Public monuments to medieval punishment tools, Castles to Magic stones, a life time of local knowledge has gone into this book. This book is dedicated to the memory of a great Cotswold artist "Peter Reardon" Many people will remember seeing Peter's work not only in many Cotswold books, but also as regular features in local newspapers. The poem on the back cover The Cotswolds" is a special creation for us by Cotswold poet and family friend Alfred King This book is not only a great guide to the Cotswolds, but a real product of this wonderful part of England, as it has been written, illustrated, designed, printed and published all within the Cotswold area. The Cotswolds The beauty of the Cotswolds is not new. It is not something that has just come about recently. It is, you might even say, as old as the hills themselves. To the visitor from other parts, it has a unique splendour all it's own. To those fortunate enough to live here, it is seen in a different way. Through the ages this beauty has been captured by the artist's brush, the pen of the writer and in more recent times, the camera lens of the photographer. There are many fine paintings in existence of the great country houses in wonderful settings, and much has been written of the towns and villages of the Cotswolds. But it is not only beauty to be found in these hills, they are rich in history also. The Romans came, stayed a while and then left. They were about the first to leave us monuments of their advanced way of life that we can understand today. Then came the Saxons, the Danes and the Normans. Each left something by which to remember them. In more recent times great houses have been built and are there for all to see, each giving something to history and in particular, the Cotswolds. Some of these features have been included in this book, so that you can be acquainted in words and pictures, with but a few of the details that make up the wonderful story of these hills. The Cotswolds intriguing, majestic, even cruel in its own way. There is a bigness that is breathtaking, especially during the summer, a loneliness that can be frightening during the winter, but always a grandeur, as powerful as an exciting tale that not one little bit must be missed. Perhaps early man found the excitement of these hills a good reason for settling in them. They offered a natural fortification in many instances for settlements, often with views over the valley of the Severn, where animals could be hunted and fish caught in the river. There were also numerous small rivers which offered fish, water and game. It is hoped that your visit to the Cotswolds will be most enjoyable, and if, with the help of these pages, more memorable, then the object of this publication will have been achieved.

 

 A School in the Country

Isbn: 9781874192527

 

 SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY Didbrook School in the Parish of Stanway, in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England by Jillian R Mann This history of a rural school in the Cotswolds in the County of Gloucestershire records how the education of children in England evolved from the early 19th century to the present day, with particular reference to the features, advantages and problems of country schools. Using abundant anecdotes of past pupils and staff, descriptions of the geographical, political and social circumstances within which the school operated, and many colourful photographs, the book provides a vibrant record of how the life of rural children in England changed over two centuries. Summary This is a history of Didbrook School, a rural school in the Cotswolds. It is situated within the Parish of Stanway, in north Gloucestershire, England. The book encompasses the period extending from the early 19th century to the present day. It describes not only how the education of children in England evolved from the early 19th into the 21st centuries, but also illustrates the particular features, advantages and problems of country schools. Using abundant anecdotes of past pupils and staff and descriptions of the geographical, political and social circumstances within which the school operated, and many colourful illustrations, the book provides a vibrant record of how the life of children living in the country has changed over two centuries. Contents Foreword by the Earl of Wemyss & March Introduction This begins with a brief history, from AD 597 until the beginning of the 19th century, of the education of children in England and Wales, and the pertinent legislation. (For the rest of the 19th century up to the present day these topics are covered in subsequent chapters.) The location of Didbrook School and the geography of Stanway Parish are described, illustrating their relative isolation from urban areas, particularly before the railway line from Honeybourne to Cheltenham was opened in 1906. The demographic changes in Didbrook and the surrounding villages over two centuries are described, and their socio-economic evolution. There is also a section on the author's personal recollections of the school. She, like her parents and siblings, were pupils there. Chapter 1.The History of Didbrook School This chapter describes the day and Sunday schools in Didbrook and Hailes which existed before the present school was built in Didbrook by the 3rd Baron Sudeley in 1870. From 1879 the development of Didbrook School was recorded in detail by successive head teachers, whose records (Log Books) provide much of the subsequent information. Children came by foot from many neighbouring villages and hamlets, up to 3 miles away. The ownership of the school transferred to the Earls of Wemyss in 1890, following an exchange of land between the Stanway and Toddington Estates in 1890. In 1921 Didbrook School was amalgamated with Stanway School on the Didbrook site and continued to educate children of all ages up to 15 years until the Secondary Modern School opened in Winchcombe in 1952. Thereafter, Didbrook School became a primary School. In the 1960s and 1970s Didbrook School absorbed the work of the schools in Stanton and Laverton villages when they closed, but nevertheless by the 1990s falling rolls threatened Didbrook School's future. The causes included falling birth rates, and the use of many cottages as second homes in some of the villages outside Stanway Parish. Closure of Didbrook School and of its nearest neighbour, Toddington School, was fended off in 2008 by their amalgamation as Isbourne Valley School. Chapter 2. The History of Stanway School This chapter describes the education which was supported financially by Viscountess Hereford, the then owner of Stanway Estate, before in 1857 the Earl of Wemyss provided a stone built school, incorporating accommodation for its teacher. The principal sources of its subsequent history were the two Log Books kept by the head teachers from 1863 until the school was amalgamated with Stanway School in 1921. Chapter 3. Teachers at Didbrook School All the head and other teachers identified from the school's records are listed, together with some of the monitors, who acted as assistant teachers. There were three particularly notable head teachers, who between them held the post for 98 years, Mrs Alcock, Mrs Holdsworth and Mr Sanders. Their lives and careers are described in some detail, with many anecdotes about their pupils. Shorter biographies are given of most of the other head teachers in the 20th and 21st centuries. A much loved infant teacher, Miss Last, who was a pupil, monitor and then teacher for 42 years is also highlighted. Chapter 4. Patronage and Governance Both Didbrook and Stanway Schools were 'Estate Schools' and the support and influence of their owners and patrons, the Tracy and Charteris families are described, with many examples. Although it is now a state school, Lord Wemyss still owns Didbrook School and is an active Governor. Many school events have been held over the years in Stanway House and its grounds and other properties, and some are illustrated. Didbrook School was originally run as a Church School and was jointly managed by the Lord of the Manor (or his agent/steward) and the vicar (or his curate) with the help of the school managers. In more recent years the influence of the Church has somewhat diminished, although not disappeared, and governors have replaced managers. All those managers and governors whose names were recorded in the Log Books and other records are listed. Chapter 5. Curriculum and Achievements Against a background of the national trends and legislation on education, which are described, their implementation in Didbrook School is recorded. In the 19th century the teacher was generally single- handed and had large classes, and other problems arose. For example, the itinerant nature of many agricultural workers, who often were hired annually at the Michaelmas fairs, resulted each autumn in a number of children leaving to go with their parents to other villages, while other children would come into the class, whose fathers had been newly hired. Also, many families were very poor and their children would arrive at school inadequately clothed and hungry, and often soaked through from rain. Nevertheless, the head, Mrs Alcock, was usually able to satisfy Her Majesty's Inspectors with the standards achieved in the 'Three Rs' and she and her successors gradually introduced many other subjects, including a wide range of sports. In the 1920s the opportunity arose, because of the introduction of scholarships, for poor rural children to progress to the Grammar Schools and Technical College in Cheltenham (and later in Chipping Campden and elsewhere). Didbrook School has a creditable record of many scholarship successes among its pupils, who are listed. Examples are given of the subsequent careers of a number of them. Chapter 6. Didbrook School in Wartime The effects on the children and their families of the 2nd Boer War and World Wars I and II are highlighted, together with how the wars impinged on the curriculum and other activities. Seventeen men of Didbrook and 12 of Stanway were killed in WWI, and 3 died in WWII; many were former pupils of the school. Therefore, many of the school's pupils lost fathers or other relatives. The children assisted the war effort in a number of ways, particularly by helping with the harvest and gathering fruit. Especially during WWI, older boys took on the agricultural work that normally would have been done by men. In WWII some 70 children of school age were evacuated to the Parish and attended Didbrook School; these are listed. Chapter 7. Child Health and Welfare The laws relating to school attendance and child welfare are summarised and the various impediments to implementing them in a rural setting are described. These included children acting as beaters for pheasant shoots and following the local fox hunt instead of going to school! Also, child labour was required by the local economy and to supplement family income in the 19th and early 20th centuries, so this affected school attendance too. In the 19th and early 20thcenturies infant and child mortality was high, particularly from infectious diseases, which also led to significant school absence. These problems were much reduced after the immunisations, which are routine today, were introduced and antibiotics became available. It is notable that vaccination against smallpox had been introduced in the Parish in the 19th century, so not a single child caught this deadly illness when there was an epidemic of smallpox in the workers on the new railway line in 1904. The introduction of other aspects of preventive medicine, through the school nurse, doctor and dentist is also described. 'Industrial' accidents to children working on the farms were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries and these are chronicled, as well as other accidents and injuries. The effects on children of poverty, or of death of a parent are also illustrated. Chapter 8. Isbourne Valley School This chapter describes the amalgamation of Didbrook and Toddington Schools in 2008, when they became Isbourne Valley School, up to its first and successful OFSTED inspection in 2010.

 

 

Amina Chatwin

Isbn: 9781901037722

 

The life and times of Amena Chatwin. Toured the country with the renowned puppeteer Olive Blackham using hand-crafted wooden marionettes, many of which Amina made herself. Acknowledged expert in British iron working and smithing, well known to many blacksmiths around the world. Awarded the Companionship of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in recognition of her contributions to the craft of blacksmithing. Chairman of the Historical Metallurgy Society President to the Gloucester Society for Industrial Archaeology and author of articles on local history and archaeology Author 'Into the New Iron Age: Modern British Blacksmiths' - "It is impossible to overstate the importance of this book in the history of our craft: without it, there would be no comprehensive, accessible public record of the remarkable revival of artistic blacksmithing in the last quarter of the 20th century" Author of Cheltenham's Ornamental Ironwork

 

Rivers villages and valleys

Isbn: 9781873877418

 

This guide follows the River Avon from Bristol city centre to Bath, and then on to Bradford-on-Avon. It then traces its main southern tributaries, and visits some of England's most historic countryside.

 

 

Discovering Bath

Isbn:  9781873877265

 

This guide features a hand-drawn guide to Bath, with the author taking the reader round the key areas of the historical town

 

Railway Walks

Isbn: 9781873877616

 

England used to enjoy one of the most comprehensive railway networks in Europe. By the last decade of the 19th century there was hardly a hamlet in the land which could not be reached by train itself or after a brief ride in a pony and trap from the nearest station. However, the improved reliability and sheer convenience of internal combustion engined road vehicles brought competition to the railways which caused a steady and persistent decline in freight and passengers throughout the second half of the 20th century. By then the railways, initially funded by private enterprise, had been nationalized as a state asset. This left the state paying for trains which ran at a loss for lack of goods and people to fill them. During the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, successive governments sought to staunch this outflow of funds by closing thousands of miles of railway lines and hundreds of stations.Many of these were branch lines, that is a track leaving the main line to serve a specific place but going no further. At a stroke, large parts of the huge 19th-century civil engineering effort which went into building the network were redundant and, once any salvage of value was removed, duly abandoned. By and large, it was not economic to reinstate the cuttings, embankments and bridges built to give the most straight and level route possible for each line.What is left of these abandoned lines can offer rewarding walks through the heart of the countryside, away from roads and traffic, rich in flora and fauna and littered with dramatic examples of Victorian civil engineering. In short, there is something to the taste of the routine walker and the railway enthusiast. For either type they are best done twice, once in summer and once in winter. The summer will show what grows where the plow and the sprayer to not go, while the winter will show the detail of what was built, well over a century ago. This book features 12 of these walks throughout Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

 

 

Cotswold River walks

Isbn: 9781873877050

 

Contains circular walks in the Cotswold countryside. Each one in this guide offers a chance to view the daily life of the riverbank animals, birds and fish. Another title from the Cotswold publisher

  

Exploring the history of North Staffordshire

Isbn: 9781873877760

 

"Exploring the History of North Staffordshire" is the wonderful creation of Staffordshire artist, Paul Snowdon. It is a masterpiece of illustration and map drawing. In eight short walks interspersed with seven pictorial features, the book explores areas of North Staffordshire's remarkable history, from the medieval origins of Trentham Gardens through village and canal walks, to the great engineering challenges of the industrial Potteries. Everything in this magnificent book is by hand-illustrations, portraits, maps and the text which runs through the pages like a thread. "Exploring the History of North Staffordshire" is an expression of one artist's love of this fascinating area, as well as a useful practical and informative guide. Every part of this book is hand drawn by Staffordshire artist Paul Snowdon; in over 100 illustrations, portraits and maps with explanatory hand written text, we are guided through a series of experiences reflecting he many facets of North Staffordshire's rich history. Eight short walks form the backbone of the book, exploring a diverse range of themes from village walks (Barlaston/Wedgwood and Cheddleton), historic urban walks (Stoke and Burslem), rural strolls (the Caldon Canal above Endon), and exploration of great engineering feats (Kidsgrove and the Harecastle Tunnels, Knypersley and Head of the Trent), and a remarkable history stroll linking green spaces between Etruria and Hanley Park. Features also cover diverse subjects, from the medieval origins of Trentham Gardens, and Ford Green Hall, through historic rural spaces such as Apedale Country Park, Greenway Bank Country Park, Mow Cop Castle and Rudyard Lake, to the Potteries Railway Loop, now largely transformed into a greenway.

 

Along the Severn from Source to Sea

Isbn 9781873877319

The River Severn is Britain's longest river. The author of this book traces the river from its source to the sea, following the route taken by M. Lanchester in 1915, noting the changes made since his visit and describing his own journey. Another title from the Cotswold publisher, 

A Cotswold way of Life

Isbn: 9781873877739

 

This is "A Cotswold Way of Life" by Edward Jewell ISBN 1873877730 ISBN-13 9781873877739. Many people have walked the famous Cotswold Way without knowing of the lives of those who live in these wonderful Cotswold hills and make the Cotswolds what they are today an area of outstanding natural beauty and charm. As you walk by the ploughed fields and through the peaceful woodlands, who ploughs that field you see? Looks after those trees that gives the welcome shade on a hot walk or protection from the chill winds? Within this book, we can follow the life of a country boy, his playmates and life long friends and family as he lives a Cotswold Way of Life from the 1930s to the present day.

 

The Donnington Way

Isbn:  9781874192640

 

The Donnington Way a History of Donnington Brewery and walk between the Donnington Inns. Donnington Mill was perhaps one of the Mills of Broadwell Manor, which dated back to 1291. In the 16th century it was used as a Cloth Mill which the Lord of the Manor of Donnington rebuilt and converted into two Corn Mills circa 1580. However, early in the 17th century, the Mill became a separate freehold estate, and in 1827 the buildings were bought by Thomas Arkell, whose descendant Richard Arkell started a Brewery there in 1865. The Brewery flourishes today and has been owned and run by the Arkell family ever since. Claude Arkell, the grandson of the founder, passed away in 2007 after 50 years at the Brewery. Today it is owned and run by James Arkell. Some of the neighbouring land is owned by the family and, until the mid-1960's, it provided barley for use in the brewing process. However, since that time malt has been supplied by Norfolk maltings together with hops obtained locally from Worcestershire. Today the Millhouse is still there in splendid condition, and operates as part of the Brewery. Even the mill wheel. is still used to drive small pumps and machines. The end product, Donnington's traditional beers, are still produced by much the same recipe that has always been in use. The basic requirement, that is water or, in brewing terms "liquor", is drawn from a strong spring beside the mill pond and has proved to be satisfactory for use in the brewing process in its natural state. Two regular draught beers are brewed; 'BB' 3.6% abv and 'SBA' 4.4% abv Double Donn is also a regular bottled beer. Special ales are now occasionally brewed; Founders Ale, Diamond Queen and Donnington Gold. Of the Brewery itself, the setting and the architecture can only be described as idyllic, with beautiful Cotswold buildings, carefully tended lawns and paths leading down to the mill pond at the head of which is a Trout Farm. Unfortunately, the brewing process is not a subject that lends itself to the spectator, and Donnington would soon become over-run if it were open to the public, so very reluctantly Mr Arkell cannot entertain visitors. However, dropping in to purchase beer by car is always acceptable. Donnington Brewery brews real ale in the heart of the Cotswolds and maintains 15 inns in arguably the country's ideal location. For many, the name of Donnington means more than good beer; it's a whole way of life. Now, the pleasure that is Donnington is opened to the rambler in the form of a 62-mile circular walk appropriately called 'The Donnington Way'. You can join the walk at any point in its 15 pub-to-pub sections. Some Donnington Inns offer bed and breakfast facilities, enabling you to walk distances of your choice. Almost 90% of the walk is in Gloucestershire, although parts of the way pass through Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. All rights of way listed have been walked to establish their existence on the ground, following wherever possible public footpaths and bridleways. To help you along the way maps have been drawn for each of the 15 sections but for greater detail consult OS Outdoor Leisure 45 'The Cotswolds' map which covers the entire route. The Donnington Way is a true Cotswold delight for the rambler who thrives on well-kept countryside and hidden villages. The charm of rural Gloucestershire is treasured by many a walker and the Donnington Way offers an opportunity for that treasure chest to be open to all.