David Dunford

Zeppelins were the biggest aircraft ever built and Germany led the way in their use as a weapon of war. In 1915 the German Kaiser authorised air attacks against Britain and Essex found itself in the firing line. Not only were its towns targets in their own right but it also lay on one of the main air routes to London and Zeppelins who failed to reach the capital often jettisoned their bombs on its population as they returned to base. The raids were greeted with a mixture of fear and fascination. Despite official warnings and the risk of death or injury, as bombing began crowds thronged the streets to witness the unfolding drama. High above them Zeppelin crews battled lack of oxygen and intense cold. Flying without parachutes, if they were shot down they faced a terrible decision as their airship plunged to earth in flames – should they jump or burn? Many jumped. This book tells the incredible story of the World War I Zeppelin raids on Essex, illustrated with contemporary photographs and other images from the time.

Essex as a county is more than 1000 years old. Its origins date back to the time before William the Conqueror. The county borders remained more or less unchanged until 1965 when the part of Essex, that in the main was located between the River Lea and todays M25 orbital road, was absorbed into London. On April 1st 1965, following an act of Parliament, five new London Boroughs were created from terrirory that was once part of Essex. The county of Essex was founded as the Eastern Kingdom of the Saxons.Its name derives from the Old English East Seaxe and today the county of Essex bears three seaxes on its coat of arms. The Saxon Kingdom may also have included parts of modern Hertfordshire and the now defunct ancient county of Middlesex. Also as a result of the change the London wide administrative body, the London County Council (the LCC), was replaced by the Greater London Council (the GLC). The GLC (now the GLA) has responsibility for 32 new London Boroughs. Apart from Essex the new authority also took territory from Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. The River Lea border that separated Essex and London and had been in place for 1000 years ceased to exist. In a series of chapters set in more or less chronological order, Once in Essex Now in London offers the reader a rich and diverse history where the authors focus on events, places and personalities going back over a thousand years. With over 70 illustrations, Once in Essex Now in London is essential readings for anyone with an interest in London and Essex.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the highlight of the social calendar in many Essex towns and villages was the local horse race meeting. Of these Chelmsford Races, held on Galleywood Common, were by far the most successful. They were so popular that in 1770s the local gentry raised money for a permanent grandstand on the common where they could watch safely isolated from the lower classes. As well as the races the wealthy also enjoyed balls, dinners and concerts organised in the town to coincide with them. The races had something for everyone. Those too poor to attend the glittering social occasions could enjoy a wonderful day out on the common with the racecourse crammed with fairground attractions as well as many beer tents. The nature of racing changed towards the end of the eighteenth century as it became more professional and better organized. Despite this, Chelmsford's popularity waned and around 1880 the course was converted to steeplechasing. There was a brief resurgence after the First World War but it didn't last and racing at Galleywood ended in 1935. But that wasn't then end of the story and today the cheers of punters still ring out across the Essex countryside - this time at the new Chelmsford City Racecourse at Great Leighs.

This attractive and cleverly structured guide gives walkers ten of the finest short, circular, themed walks to curious and unusual places in the Peak District National Park in a popular pocketable format. With clear information, an overview and introduction for each walk, expertly written numbered directions, large scale Ordnance Survey maps, superb eye-grabbing panoramic photographs, and interpretation of points of interest along the way, these guides set a new standard in clarity and ease-of-use. Featured walks include: Robin Hood's Picking Rods, Robin Hood's Cave, Eyam - 'Plague village', Gardom's and Birchen Edges, Solomon's Temple, Lud's Church, Cratcliff Hermitage, Thor's Cave, Thorpe & Fenny Bentley tombs, Halter Devil Chap

Discover Cheshire’s beautiful countryside with this pocket-sized guide to some of the best walks in the county. There are 20 circular routes here, varying in length from 2 to 6½ miles. At the heart of each walk is a renowned local pub, recommended for their good food and warm welcome. Explore the The Wirral and Frodsham areas in the west with their wooded hills and stirring views over the mighty estuaries of the Dee and Mersey; the memorable medieval churches at Marton, Bunbury, Tarvin and Chadkirk; and monuments to the Industrial Age at Acton Bridge, Styal and High Lane. Along the way you’ll uncover rugged countryside, tranquil water meadows, historic villages, ancient hillforts and the spectacular views that make Cheshire such a great place for walking.

These attractive and cleverly structured guides will give walkers ten of the best themed short circular walks to Cheshire's finest pubs.

20 WALKS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR DOG AND GREAT PUBS WHERE THEY'RE WELCOME!This collection of tried-and-tested circular walks, all between 1 and 5 1/2 miles, has been written specifically for dogs and their owners, allowing for maximum off-lead time.

Buffalo Bill was one of the most famous men in the world. For nearly twenty years he toured America, Britain and Europe with his own Wild West show. This was no circus - the cowboys were real cowboys, the Indians real Indians and the soldiers real soldiers. It was the world's first reality show, fulfilling Buffalo Bill's dream of bringing the excitement of the American frontier to mass audiences. It was a huge undertaking - three special trains were needed to transport it and the portable arena could seat more than 12,000 people. This book tells the extraordinary story of Buffalo Bill, his Wild West show and what happened when theyvisited several Essex towns in the early 1900s.