The House of Hannover Hannoverian Kings of Great Britain and Sophia Electress of Hanover   If you’re British you’ll probably know about the House of Hannover (German: Hanover) from school history lessons or elsewhere but, if you’re like me, you may only have a vague notion of why and how we...

Rozel Bay Whenever I’m asked what my favourite travel book is, I always give the same answer; ‘My Family and Other Animals’ by Gerald Durrell. I first read it as child, having been introduced to Durrell via his fascinating TV series including ‘Two in the Bush’ and ‘Catch me a Colobus’....

“Before you feel even slightly patronised, I do use this for everybody. In fact, a whole load of Post-Graduate Archaeology people from Oxford University were subjected to this a few weeks ago.”  Stonehenge guide Pat Shelley started his talk with these words. ‘This’ referred to The Amazing POP-UP Stonehenge, a children’s book that...

In the latest article in the World Travel Blogger series, archaeologist and travel writer Thomas Dowson, takes us to the historic city of Caen, in northern France. William’s Ducal Chateau in Caen From the walls of the imposing castle in the centre of Caen you have a vast view over...

There are hundreds of interesting, historic, vibrant villages, towns and cities in Italy. Their very names resonate in our shared cultural knowledge – Rome, Venice, Florence, Bologna and so many more. Here are five other fascinating places to add to your list of ‘must-see’ cities in which to enjoy a...

Salisbury Cathedral Chapter House displays Magna Carta Now how to put this diplomatically? One doesn’t want to offend, but at the same time, one doesn’t want to eulogise without meaning it … The truth is, when I finally got to see the best-preserved copy of the most significant document in...

 The pale face is marked by age and sadness, chipped and peeling, the hands are clasped in supplication and birds sing merry songs. The Garden of English Martyrs is tranquil, overlooking an ancient gateway and arches of a Victorian viaduct. Behind the Presbytery a crucifix is lit up by spring sunshine...