Bøker i S.E.C.R.E.T-serien

Secret Clerkenwell and Islington explores the lesser-known history of Clerkenwell and Islington in London through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Discover the lesser-known heritage of the town of Warrington from across the centuries in this illustrated book.

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

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

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

Through much of its history the Cheshire town of Northwich was little more than 6 statutory acres. This modest settlement was surrounded by other small townships, which it gradually absorbed over time. The bonds between central Northwich and its surrounding villages and settlements have been very strong for centuries. The long industrial history of parts of Northwich - famous for its salt, soda ash and shipbuilding - contrast with the semi-rural character of areas such as Davenham and Hartford. In Secret Northwich & Around, local authors Adrian and Dawn L. Bridge delve beneath the surface of the area's fascinating history and focus upon aspects of its past that are lesser known, but of considerable significance. Among the subjects highlighted is the massive impact that slave trade money had on the local economy. Other chapters look at local industries, people, power and controversy and Victorian politics. The authors also explore hidden aspects of the locality's past, which include topics ranging from law and order to public health, poverty and wartime. Illustrated throughout, with colour and archive images, this book will be of interest to local residents, visitors and all those with connections to the area.

Cirencester is one of the most remarkable towns in Britain. From its Roman beginnings around AD 75, when it was classed second only in importance to London, to its current status as the 'Capital of the Cotswolds', it has always punched well above its weight. The 'A-side' of its history as a small market town which developed at the centre of the Cotswold wool trade is well documented, but what about its ' ip-side'? Much of the town's fascinating history has either been overlooked or lies hidden below the surface. Well-known local author David Elder delves deep into Cirencester's lost, forgotten and hidden histories, recounting some remarkable stories. Learn, for example, about some of Cirencester's minor celebrities and local characters, including the Victorian female astronomer who became a national expert in sunspots and solar eclipses. He also unearths fascinating facts, celebrating, for example, the town's accolade of having the UK's oldest public outdoor swimming pool in continuous use, and explaining why it was important for passengers travelling on the railways around the mid-nineteenth century to understand that Cirencester time was 7 1/2 minutes earlier than London time. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Cirencester will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Gloucestershire.

On the picturesque banks of the River Thames in Berkshire lies Windsor, over owing with rich royal history and dominated by its castle. Across the iron bridge on the opposite bank is Eton, often named as the prettiest town in England, where the majestic spires of Eton College act as a magnet for tourists as they make their way along the mile-long High Street. Both towns rely on tourism for their economy, therefore you would think that, with so many people making this one of the most famous destinations in the country, everything in the area would have been discovered and signposted. However, there is much heritage here of which the residents and regular visitors are unaware. In this book, author Yvonne Moxley delves deep into the history of both towns to uncover some lesser-known stories and exciting finds that are hidden from view. Discover the stories behind the bridges that span the River Thames here, the history and traditions at Eton College, and the royal ceremonies and customs. From churches and chapels to inns and taverns, readers will gain a fascinating insight into the secret, and often surprising, heritage of both towns. Illustrated throughout, Secret Windsor & Eton will be of interest to residents and visitors alike.

St Albans has a long and fascinating history from its pre-Roman settlement as Verlamion, through the Roman municipium of Verulamium, the Benedictine monastery dedicated to Alban, the first British Christian martyr, to the charter borough and market created by Edward VI in 1553 and the city designated by royal edict in 1877. The town's location on the ancient Watling Street linking London with the Midlands and the North West has ensured its significance in each of these periods. In this book, local author Kate Morris portrays episodes in the social life of the charter borough and market, when the town gained in popularity with City merchants and professional folk, often as their 'second home'. Morris reveals lesser-known events and characters of the Early Modern period of the town's history. Some of the tales and happenings revealed are not untypical of those in other English towns, but their telling in this context will appeal to all those with an interest in St Albans and its history, and the book's period illustrations and modern photography will delight.

The ancient Suffolk market town of Beccles has a history of more than a thousand years, which saw it flourish as one of the principal trading communities in the county. Situated on the River Waveney, it is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Southern Broads'. In Secret Beccles, local author Barry Darch sets out to discover the lesser-known and hidden aspects of the town's heritage. At its heart lie two large marketplaces, the newer one (dating from the fourteenth century) still very much in use for a weekly market and for special events. A number of nearby buildings also have large cellars with interesting architectural features. Many buildings have had several changes of use; for instance, the late Anglo-Saxon St Peter's Church became a tannery and later a restaurant. A Georgian theatre that became a corn hall now lies hidden behind a branch of Lloyds Bank. Part of the town's hidden past rests in the names of its streets and paths, such as Shipwreck Alley and Hungate, the street of the dogs. As well as the places and locations, the book will also uncover stories of those significant townsfolk across the ages, ranging from the heroes to the villains. The author also looks at gravestones and memorials and seeks out what secrets are revealed about the town in publications including books, newspapers, maps and letters. Featuring archive and contemporary images, Secret Beccles includes a wealth of little-known or previously unpublished material, which will be of interest to residents, visitors and anyone with connections to the town.

What happens when a girl is invited to an elite club that allows her inner desires to come to life without exposing who she is? What happens when a guy wants a girl but doesn't know who she is? Follow Nora and Ace as they navigate the complicated mess of their desires, intimacy, and feelings. This is book one of the Secret Series. Each book can be read alone or as part of the series.