Jacqueline Cameron

Often claimed to be J. R. R. Tolkien's inspiration for the Shire in his Lord of the Rings trilogy, Worcestershire nestles right at the heart of the English countryside. Bordered by the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills, the county formed part of the Kingdom of Mercia in the seventh century, and Worcester itself was the site of the final battle of the Civil War between Charles II and Oliver Cromwell. Glimpses of its history can still be found in the county's market towns and villages. Despite its largely rural nature, Worcestershire was also historically a centre of industry, the home of Worcestershire sauce and Royal Porcelain. Jacqueline Cameron demonstrates the contrasts and changes that have made Worcestershire what it is today. Featuring local landmarks and lesser-known sights, Worcestershire Through Time will awaken nostalgic memories in residents, and pique the interest of those less familiar with this historic county.

Warwickshire is popularly known as the Heart of England, and there are many jewels that can claim as its own. The elegant spa town of Royal Leamington Spa, with its lovely Pump Rooms and Jephson Gardens, its grand Parade and its beautiful Victorian town hall, is a delight. Historic Warwick is the county town, with its medieval castle and delightful grounds where peacocks roost in the trees at night, and Kenilworth's majestic ruined castle attracts tourists from far and wide. Meanwhile, Stratford upon Avon is of course famous worldwide as the birthplace of Shakespeare and the home of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. There are also countless smaller yet equally attractive villages and towns, and the beautiful rolling countryside of the north Cotswolds and the Forest of Arden. Explore this most attractive and historic of counties in all its glory in this magnificent collection of images old and new.

The market town of Banbury is a civil parish in Cherwell, the northernmost district of Oxford. Referred to as 'Banburyshire' by the locals, it is a centre of manufacturing; products including car components, plastics and electrical goods. It is also home to Kraft Foods' coffee-processing facility. Author Jackie Cameron has been visiting Banbury since childhood, and now offers her unique perspective on the town and its denizens.As well as the famous Banbury cakes, the local cuisine boasts Banbury rock and even Banbury cheese - which Shakespeare thought worthy of a mention in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Famous for the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross' - which refers to one of the crosses destroyed by Puritans in 1600 - Banbury is a town full of history and charm.

Rugby as we know it today dates back some 2,000 years. At one time a small settlement, victim of invasions by Romans, Saxons, Danes and even Normans; and later best known for the invention Rugby football attributed to William Webb Ellis who 'caught the ball and ran with it' and, of course, the famous Rugby school. This intriguing collection of images reveals the history of this iconic area. In this book the author has tried to capture some of the spirit of the town, giving the reader a glimpse of its past. Such interesting figures as Rupert Brooke, the authors of Tom Brown's School Days and Alice in Wonderland are associated with its history. Rugby is a town of many parts and Jacqueline Cameron has captured some of its charisma and success in Rugby Through Time.

Coventry remembers the night of the Blitz, when many people lost their lives, lovely old buildings were destroyed, and the magnificent St Michael's, Coventry's cathedral, was burnt to the ground. Jacqueline Cameron shows, through old and new photographs, just how this iconic city has risen from these ashes. This full colour book is a fascinating journey around the area, illustrating the changes that have taken place. Consider the beautiful new cathedral, and the revitalised city and you will realize that Coventry might have suffered badly in the Second World War but its spirit had not been killed, the heart of the city beats as strong as ever. It is hoped that, with Coventry Through Time, the readers can see for themselves just how the planners have given the people of Coventry a city to be proud of.

Kenilworth is a very special historic Warwickshire town. Most people pass through it on the main route to Warwick, Leamington Spa and Coventry. However, it is steeped in history, from the dramatic castle and abbey ruins, to the old town area, centred on Bridge Street and High Street north of the Abbey Fields. Using old postcards and photographs, accompanied by modern views, this is a visual tour of the area and the changes it has witnessed. Packed with information by local historian Jacqueline Cameron, it is essential reading for residents, visitors and anyone with an interest in this famous Midlands town.

In the first half of the twentieth century, and in the years following the Second World War, Leamington and Warwick flourished as industrial centres. This book is a nostalgic return to this golden era when industry was at the very heart of urban identity and community spirit. It was an era when profits were high, competition was strong, and men and women were proud to work for their employers. Contrary to popular belief, forty or fifty years ago there were more applicants for job vacancies than there are today; certainly in my own case I was one of forty applicants! In those days you were usually trained for the job you were applying for and would have got your qualifications through night school or apprenticeships. There was a great camaraderie in the workplace at this time, and friendships made here usually lasted a lifetime. Sadly, times changed, companies became hard-pressed, and a way of life was lost but not forgotten. Leamington and Warwick Disappearing Industries reflects the charisma and the pride of working for the companies which contributed so much to the industrial history of the towns. I hope you enjoy the happy memories.

Warwick Through Time contains 180 photographs of Warwick, of which 90 are old photographs. Some printed in a sepia tone and some printed in full colour. These photographs are printed along side a contemporary full colour photograph which illustrates the same scene. The contrasting illustrations show how the area has changed and developed during the last 100 years. The photographs illustrate shops, schools, garages, churches, houses and street scenes, each photograph is captioned and the book has an introduction which gives a brief overview of the history of the town. As you browse through the photographs, you will notice the increase in the number of vehicles on the road, shops that once sold new goods are now estate agents or charity shops. Green fields have been transformed into industrial estates, houses or ring roads.

This book is part of the Images of England series, which uses old photographs and archived images to show the history of various local areas in England, through their streets, shops, pubs, and people.