The hilltop village church of Great Billing, where the grave of Gervase Elwes, the early 20th century English singer lies in a corner of the churchyard, has a unique and interesting parapet on its tower. Four stone vases.

When we see gravestones in an English churchyard, we may naturally assume that they have been used since the dawn of Christianity. But, in the time-span of the churchyard, they are a relatively new.

The church pulpit, it would be assumed, has always been a feature of the English village church. But, amazingly, they have only been in use for 700 years.

Sanctuary handles can still be found on a number of church doors. A testimony to a type of justice that lasted from Saxon times until the 17th century.

The recycling of paper is not such a new idea as some people might imagine. Read how people in the 1950’s re-used newspaper in many useful ways.

The dramatic story of how a violent storm in 1990 brought an end to 1,400 years of English history.

Driving in winter weather can be a daunting prospect for even the most experienced driver. However, by following a few practical steps, that fear can be overcome, resulting in safer driving.

In the early 20th century Eleanor Mitchell, a young girl from a travelling-fair family, was sent to a secretarial college by her mother to learn a useful skill.
She turned out to be the fastest typist the college had ever produced, going on to achieve fame and fortune in Europe.

Timothy Dexter, who believed that he should be made Emperor of America, made a fortune buying useless foreign currency during the War of Independence, sold warming pans and woollen mittens to the West Indies and even coal to Newcastle.

In the 19th century a bizarre discovery was made in the Northamptonshire village church of Woodford, amid stories of the ghost of a monk being seen by villagers on a number of occasions in the church itself.