Chained Libraries in England It took a large investment of time, labor, and funding to produce books before the development of the printing press. Locking books in chests, housing them in private collections, and protecting with supernatural curses written into the book were some of the many methods of theft protection in the Middle Ages. When other protective measures failed, a medieval book ... Read Full Article
The Nottingham Robin Hood Trail: Follow in the Footsteps of the Famous Outlaw
The Nottingham Robin Hood Trail Many sites in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, ranging from the historical to the legendary, are associated with the adventures of Robin Hood and his band of merry men. There are various interpretations of what to see on the Nottingham Robin Hood Trail, which includes dozens of locations and covers a 100-mile span of territory. The following 10 suggestions offer the ... Read Full Article
Secret Destinations in Cornwall
Secret Destinations in Cornwall One of the gems of the UK, Cornwall, alongside Devon, is one of the most visited areas of the UK. Summer holidays have been popular here for years and the area continues to attract visitors throughout the year. Quaint coastal villages, historical attractions, and stunning beaches can be found throughout the county. From the likes of Padstow and Newquay in the north ... Read Full Article
Six Nations’ Rugby Championship
An American’s Guide to Six Nations’ Rugby Attending a sporting event while you travel is a great way to experience a country's culture and connect with locals. Rugby can be a fun choice, because it is similar to Football, yet a little exotic at the same time. One of the biggest events is the Six Nations' Rugby Championship, which began 4 February 2017. Whether you watch in person or in a pub, in ... Read Full Article
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
Britain is awash with weird and wonderful customs and ceremonies and one of the longest running has to be The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. This ancient ceremony has been conducted every night for at least the last 700 years and involves the formal locking of the gates of the Tower of London. Whilst visitors have to pay to visit the Tower of London, it’s possible to attend the ... Read Full Article
Shopping at London’s Borough Market
Given the number of perfectly manicured parks across London, indulging in a picnic lunch (weather permitting) is a great way to spend the day. Not only does it allow for a relaxing break, but it also warrants a visit to the city’s bustling Borough Market. The Borough market combines London’s two most appealing aspects - historical landmarks and shopping opportunities – to form one gigantic, ... Read Full Article
Enjoy a Traditional English Tea Service in London
Indulging in afternoon tea is a quintessential experience in England. Not to be confused with “high tea” which is a heartier meal that features more meat dishes and is served in early evening, afternoon tea is a light mid-afternoon snack, served from around 2:30 -5 p.m. Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, is the person credited with making “tea” a daily ritual as opposed to a simple ... Read Full Article
Steam-Training Through Yorkshire’s Bronte Country
Steam-Training Through Yorkshire's Bronte Country The five mile Keighley and Worth Valley Railway starts at Keighley (although you can get on and off at any station on the line) where the traditional preserved line lies alongside the mainline station. Here old steam trains gently chug out of the old station on one side, whilst modern trains zoom off from the platform on the other side, ... Read Full Article
Summer Literary Festivals in the UK
The summer months in the UK are typically the time when festival fever is fully in force. But, as well as the popular music festivals, there are plenty of literary festivals taking place and they offer a great opportunity to meet your favourite authors, discuss books and discover what’s going on in the literary world. Interested? Here are some literature festival highlights worth ... Read Full Article
England’s White Cliffs Country
If gazing out from France across the English Channel to neighboring England, one is met with a wondrous site: a wall of white stretching for miles. These white walls, seemingly painted against the blues and greens of the landscape, are a result of chalk, the primary ingredient in the soil of this part of England. Julius Caesar pointed them out in his description of the Roman invasion of Britain ... Read Full Article