Three North Devon Towns

Three interesting towns on the North Devon coast, Barnstaple, Appledore and Ilfracombe are all worth a visit if you in this beautiful region of England. Barnstaple was a significant town before the Norman conquest of Britain and even had its own mint, you could try visiting in September when it holds its ancient Barnstaple Fair. Appledore is perhaps best known for its shipyards and shipbuilding, although there is only one remaining shipyard today. Appledore is situated where the River Torridge reaches the sea, on your trip, try visiting the North Devon Maritime Museum which is located in the village, and outlines the areas long shipbuilding history. Ilfracombe, with its pretty little harbour is very popular with holidaymakers, it is also an ideal spot to try a bit of sea fishing, with many wrecks lying off this dangerous coast. Devon Map.

Bude and North Cornwall

The beautiful area of North Cornwall has some wonderful places to visit and holidaymakers will no doubt return time and time again to take in the sights as they will surely not be able to take it all in on one trip. Beach lovers will likely head for Bude, a popular coastal resort on the north coast. Bude has two fine beaches and the surrounding coastline is an area of extreme natural beauty. A little south of Bude finds you at 2 interesting little villages – Boscastle and Tintagel. Boscastle, a pretty village hidden in a valley has a harbour situated in a natural inlet, formerly a significant port but these days relying more on tourism for its survival. Tourism is of course also big in Tintagel, with its associations with the Legend of King Arthur, the ruined Tintagel Castle is located on a nearby island, and the timeless story attracts thousands of visitors to Tintagel. Still further to the south-west be sure to drop in at Port Isaac, another Cornish fishing village with much to commend it, this charming place was previously important for exporting coal, stone and pottery, though fishing and tourism are the order of the day in modern times, Port Isaac village centre has some fine examples of 18th and 19th century cottages. Places of interest in Cornwall are not confined to the coast and for something a little different you could set your sights on the ancient market town of Liskeard, a place of importance since the 13th century, when it was granted its license to hold a weekly market, which it has done ever since. If you would like to experience the market atmosphere, visit on a Thursday.

Hastings Eastbourne and Brighton East Sussex

Three of the biggest resorts along the East Sussex coastline are the towns of Hastings, Brighton and Eastbourne, all attract many thousands of visitors each year and in fact Brighton receives over 8 million visitors, with its many events and attractions. Hastings famous for its battle during the Norman conquest of Britain, which actually took place 8 miles away at Senlac Hill, has been an important fishing town over many centuries, and still has the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe. Eastbourne, well known haunt of Britain’s elderly (many choose to buy retirement homes there) is a busy town and borough which depends mostly on tourism for its survival, Eastbourne also hosts a number of popular annual events. Brighton, a former fishing village, became a fashionable resort during the 18th century, visited by royalty its famous pavilion was commissioned by the Prince Regent (later George IV). Brighton Map.

Padstow and Cornwall’s North Coast

The north coast of Cornwall is dotted with many pretty coastal towns and villages and is also an area noted for its surfing, one of the best know being at Polzeath, just north of Padstow, where high rollers crash in from the Atlantic Ocean. In 2007, some 300 surfers arrived in Polzeath in an attempt to set a world record for the highest number of surfers to ride one wave. High rollers and dangerous sand bars also make this area tricky for ships and many have been wrecked on the approach to Padstow harbour, the notorious Doom Bar being the most dangerous. Five miles up the River Camel, things are a little quieter and the town of Wadebridge has been a successful market town since the early 14th century, the town did however see action during the English Civil War, when even Oliver Cromwell though it important enough to take control of the bridge. Some way south of Padstow and Wadebridge the village of St Agnes attracts hikers, artists and holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the beautiful coastline and countryside and the fine beaches of which there are at least 5 in the immediate area. Part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, St Agnes was an important tin mining area in days past.

Newquay, St Austell and Mevagissey Cornwall

The most populated town in Cornwall, St Austell is also a good base for exploring the county, being close to such well known attractions as the Eden Project, the St Austell Brewery and Mevagissey’s Lost Gardens of Heligan. St Austell itself has a long history, though it was not mentioned in the Domesday Book, and it certainly had a church in Norman times, as remains can still be seen, the present Trinity Church however dates from the 15th century. As with many Cornwall towns, St Austell was much involved in the mining industry, especially copper and tin, but unlike others, this was replaced by clay mining as it became an important centre for the China Clay industry. These days tourism is more significant and the beautiful surrounding coastline is a big attraction with such pretty fishing villages as Mevagissey being an obvious place to visit. To the west of St Austell on Cornwall’s northern coast, the surfing resort of Newquay is a popular destination with miles of sandy beaches and ideal surfing conditions. Newquay is also well known for its nightlife, which is very lively, especially during the summer months. St Austell Map.

A Brief History of Leatherhead

A small market town in Surrey, with a very interesting history is Leatherhead, located 4 miles south of Epsom. Though probably seeing human habitation as far back as the Neolithic Era, and certainly known to the Romans (Stane Street passes nearby), the first mention of Leatherhead was in Anglo-Saxon times, appearing in King Alfred’s will and being bequeathed to his son Edward. Later appearing in the Domeday Book as Leret, it was held by Osbert de Ow, and even this far back had a church. Its position on a crossroads and on a ford of the River Mole, led it to becoming a market town and Henry III granted Leatherhead the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair. The Running Horse pub which still stands in Leatherhead today dates from 1403 and has been mentioned in poems and writings over the centuries. The Swan Hotel was a popular coaching station beside the River Mole, it declined only after the arrival of the railway in the 19th century. Leatherhead’s charming old centre was mostly ruined in the 1970’s and 1980’s as it was developed as a pedestrianised area with little thought for the history of this charming town. Map of Leatherhead.

Towns of Surrey UK

One of the south-east of England’s Home Counties, Surrey has borders with Hampshire, Kent, West Sussex, Berkshire, East Sussex and Greater London, it has just over 1 million inhabitants. Before the Roman invasion of Britain, the area which now forms Surrey was settled by a tribe called the Atrebates, who were allies of Rome, it later became part of the Brittania Prima region. The county town of Surrey is Guildford, a historic town which dates from a Saxon settlement on the River Wey, its name probably comes from the Saxon Gyldeford (“Gold Ford”). Guildford Castle dates from these ancient Saxon times and was renovated in 2003. Modern day Guildford is a busy English market town and has been voted among the top 10 best places to live in England. Not far from Guildford is another large town called Woking, a popular commuter town for those working in central London. Woking was made famous by HG Wells, as the place where the Martians first landed in his book “War of the Worlds”. Woking however has a long history and probably developed around an 8th century monastery, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, Woking was named as Wochinges at that time. Modern day Woking mostly developed around the railway station built during the mid-nineteenth century. Another of Surrey’s larger towns, Camberley is a more recent development, growing up around Sandhurst’s Military Academy during the 19th century, the area was formerly part of Bagshot Heath, a favourite haunt of highwaymen. The first town was called Cambridge Town, but was later changed to Camberley as the Post Office often got the mail confused with that bound for Cambridge. A smaller Surrey town situated on the River Mole, Leatherhead has a history that goes back much further than that of Camberley, way back in fact, to Anglo-Saxon times, when a settlement was founded in around 880 AD. Named in the Domesday Book as Leret, Leatherhead had a parish church during the 11th century. One of the oldest surviving buildings is the Running Horse pub which was originally built in 1403. South of Leatherhead is the small but charming town of Dorking, well known for its large number of antique shops and dealers. Dorking’s history goes back even further as it originally developed along the Roman road Stane Street, which carried travellers from London to Chichester, it later became a coaching post for those heading to Brighton during the 18th century. To the north of Dorking and Leatherhead is another famous Surrey town – Epsom, renowned for its running of the English Derby horse race since 1780. Epsom is an affluent town which also has a long history and was formerly called Evesham at the time of the Domesday Book in the eleventh century.

Review of Bude Cornwall

A small but very popular seaside resort in the county of Cornwall, United Kingdom, Bude is surrounded by spectacular cliffs and some wonderful scenery. Dangerous waters off the coast of Bude have claimed many victims over the years, with shipwrecks common and smuggling rife. These days it is a renowned beach holiday destination with some of the best beaches in Cornwall to be found in the area, the main beaches that serve the town are Summerleaze and Crooklets beach, further south you will find Widemouth Bay, with miles of fine sandy beaches. With the beaches facing west towards the Atlantic Ocean, seas are high and attract surfers who enjoy the favourable conditions for their sport.

Suffolk Towns – Bury St Edmonds and Nearby

One of East Anglia’s most historic towns, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk was considered a royal town by the Saxons and would certainly have been known by the Romans long before this. A monastery was built in Bury St Edmunds in around 633 by order of the King of the East Angles (Sigebert) and it was here that King Edmund was buried in 903 AD. The town grew around the abbey which later became the meeting place of the Barons of England as they formulated the Magna Carta. Much later during the 17th century the infamous Bury St Edmunds witch trials were held there. There are still remains of the abbey close to the town centre, though it was mostly destroyed during the 16th century. To the north-west of Bury St Edmunds is the small market town of Mildenhall, which has held a regular market since the 15th century, Mildenhall made big news in the nineteen forties when a large haul of Roman silver was found there, it is probably best known as the home of the air base RAF Mildenhall. To the south of Bury St Edmunds, sitting beside the River Stour, Sudbury is another historic Saxon town, recorded in the Saxon Chronicles of 799 AD. Sudbury later grew prosperous through the wool and silk trade, it was also a well known haunt of famous artists such as John Constable who painted scenes of the area. A village which also benefited from the wool trade is Long Melford (located to the north of Sudbury), the proportions of its Holy Trinity Church attest to this, built with ‘wool’ money, it appears more like a cathedral. Two stately homes in the village of Long Melford, also built with ‘wool’ money, are Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall.

Essex History – Braintree, Clacton and Billericay

Three of the larger towns in Essex, Braintree, Billericay and Clacton on Sea all have interesting histories, in different ways from each other. Braintree, located some 10 miles from Chelmsford, has a population of around 42,000, somewhat more than 4,000 years ago when it was a tiny village, as it still was when the Romans invaded Britain and built two roads, at the junction of which the settlement grew (though later abandoned). Recorded as Branchetreu in the Domesday Book, the present name is thought not to have come from the River Brain, but rather, the other way round. A famous son of Braintree, naturalist John Ray, was actually born in the village of Black Notley, two miles south of the town. Billericay was possibly settled even longer ago than Braintree, with evidence of burial mounds found in Norsey Wood, dating from the Iron and Bronze Ages. The Romans also knew about Billericay and built a fort close to the town at Blunts Well. Due to later settlement being centred around Great Burstead, Billericay doesn’t get a mention in the Domesday Book, though by the 13th and 14th centuries it was attracting pilgrims heading south for Canterbury. Clacton on Sea is a relative ‘baby’ compared to these ancient towns, only founded in 1871 as a seaside resort. Clacton reached its height of popularity during the 1960’s and 1970’s, the town’s famous pier being a major draw. Clacton and Great Clacton were however still settled in ancient times, with Celts being in the area in around 100BC, the original village was also named in the Domesday Book as Clachintuna.

Cowes Isle of Wight Flat

Superb ground floor flat for sale in a quiet part of Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom. One of a block of four apartments this excellent property has its own entrance, allocated parking space, shares a communal garden and is currently vacant and ready to move into. Perfect for first time buyers this Cowes property would be ideal for someone wishing to get on the property ladder on the Isle of Wight, it offers entrance hallway, one bedroom, one bathroom, lounge, kitchen and gas central heating. Cowes is situated in the north of the Isle of Wight and is a sizeable town and seaport, it has ferry links with Southampton and road links with Newport, Cowes is renowned for its yearly sailing regatta, which attracts thousands of visitors to the town, which means this property could also be a good investment for rental purposes. The employment situation on the island is reasonable and Isle of Wight jobs are generally plentiful, especially during the summer season. The island benefits from a good climate and Isle of Wight weather is generally better than mainland England, making it a popular holiday destination. The current asking price for this fine Cowes flat is a very attractive 100,000 pounds sterling. Isle of Wight Map.

Colchester and Chelmsford Essex

Two of the most ancient towns in the county of Essex, Colchester and Chelmsford are also amongst the oldest in Britain. Colchester, in fact, is claimed to be the oldest Roman Town in the British Isles and was actually the capital of Roman Britain until sacked by the great Boudica in 61AD. The Romans called the town Camulodunum and built a fortress of considerable importance, a later Anglo-Saxon settlement was overrun by Viking forces during the 9th century, and the Vikings remained in control until the area was re-taken by Edward the Elder in 920. Colchester Castle dates from the Norman occupation and was built upon earlier Roman ruins. Chelmsford is the county town of Essex and has a population of over 120,000, Chelmsford was also a significant Roman town, though it has been the site of human settlement since the Neolithic Era. The Romans called the town Caesaromagus and it developed around the fort which was constructed there. Chelmsford later became the seat of the local assize (13th century) and has been recognised as the county town since then. Chelmsford saw some decline in the late 20th century, though the town is now undergoing some rejuvenation.

Aylesbury Bucks Maisonette

Roomy 1st floor, tastefully furnished maisonette currently offered for rent (on a six months contract) in the lovely little town of Aylesbury, in green belt Buckinghamshire, England. Very nice rental property located close to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and comprising 1 large bedroom with built-in pine wardrobes, 1 small child's bedroom, open plan lounge / diner / kitchen, with wood-effect flooring, full bathroom, hallway, fully furnished and equipped, Italian leather suite, breakfast bar, TV, double-glazed, gas central heating. Aylesbury is a bustling town, generally good for employment, with, in normal times a good choice of Aylesbury jobs available for those wishing to settle and work in the town, Aylesbury is also on the main railway line to central London, Marleybone, and has good bus links with High Wycombe, Oxford, Watford and Milton Keynes, so would be ideal for communting. Available to rent from late March 2009 we are inviting enquiries for this Aylesbury maisonette now, at the rate of 500 pounds monthly (One month deposit, one month up-front), all bills to be paid by the tenant (water, electricity, council tax, gas etc). For a location map of Aylesbury you can look here: Aylesbury Map.

Sandown Isle of Wight Cottage

Charming 2 bedroom holiday cottage available for holidays in the Isle of Wight resort of Sandown. Fully equipped cottage sleeps up to 6 people and is set in its own private garden and has private parking. The cottage has gas central heating and has all bed linen provided for your holidays in the resort. Sandown together with its neighbour Shanklin is one of the most popular areas of the Isle of Wight, a superb holiday destination for the UK it benefits from a fine climate with the weather in the Isle of Wight as good as anywhere in England. This Isle of Wight cottage is offered for holidays from just £300 to £600 per week. Isle of Wight Map.

Hertfordshire – The Eastern Towns

The county of Hertfordshire lies to the north of Greater London and many of its towns serve as commuter towns for the great city itself. Among these towns are the county town Hertford, a historic town with a population of around 30,000 inhabitants. The name of the town derives from the Anglo-Saxon for a ford visited by harts (or stags). Remains of Hertford Castle date from 1463, when it was rebuilt by King Edward IV, later the English Parliament moved to the town temporarily when London was hit by the Great Plague. Another nearby town, Ware, has a history going back even further, as settlements in the area date back some 6,000 years. The Romans also established a settlement in Ware and it was situated on the important road Ermine Street. To the south-east of Hertford and Ware, the town of Hoddesdon grew around a coaching station, which was a popular stopping off point for travellers between Cambridge and London, the coaching trade reached its height in the 18th century. South of Hoddesdon lies the town of Cheshunt, mostly famous as the location of the death of Richard Cromwell (Lord Protector of the Commonwealth) in the year 1712. Cheshunt these days is a sizeable town with a population of over 50,000. Hertfordshire Map.

Hayle Penwith

Located in the Penwith district of Cornwall in the United Kingdom, the small town and parish of Hayle was previously a significant cargo port, importing coal for the smelting of tin and exporting the resulting tin and ore. Lying close to the coastal towns of Carbis Bay and St Ives, Hayle today has a population of just over 8,000 and is growing in popularity as a tourist destination, with visitors attracted to the fine scenery and the 3 miles of golden sand which is ideal for family holidays. Hayle is situated beside the A30 road between Penzance and Camborne, it is about 6 miles from Penzance. Hayle Map.

Hotel Burlington Margate Kent

You can be sure that a warm welcome awaits you at friendly family run Burlington Hotel in Margate. Established in 1977 the Burlington Hotel is handily situated close to Margate town centre, near to the beach and within easy walking distance of the railway station. The hotel has 12 rooms available all having a high standard of cleanliness. Freshly cooked home breakfasts await you as you arise to enjoy a day in one of England’s finest seaside resorts, hoping for some fine Margate weather and maybe an hour or two on the beach, you are sure to enjoy your stay in this super little hotel. Located at 8 Buenos Ayres, Margate, Kent, England. Margate Map

Harpenden Hertfordshire – A Short History

A small town in the county of Hertfordshire, Harpenden is within the district of St Albans and has an interesting history. Roman remains discovered in areas around Harpenden suggest of settlements in the centuries BC, however the original village of Harpenden developed as woodland was cleared under Edward the Confessor during the eleventh century, to make room for farming around Wheathamstead Manor, the first church to be built was the St Nicholas church (1217). Somewhat later during the Wars of the Roses, a common close to Harpenden was the site of the Second Battle of St Albans. During the early 19th century, Harpenden was the location of the 1st annually run steeplechase race, and was a popular location for horse racing throughout the century. The face of Harpenden changed forever with the arrival of the railway, as farms were replaced with residential development. During WW2 the town was used for the evacuation of children from bomb torn London. Harpenden today is mostly a commuter town, which enjoys excellent road and rail links with London. Harpenden Map.

Tring and Berkhamsted

Two small towns located in the county of Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Tring and Berkhamsted have populations of 11,000 and 16,000 respectively. Both have long and interesting histories and both were mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1089. Berkhamsted in fact was the site of Edgar Aetheling’s surrender to William of Normandy (who thus became William the Conqueror), Berkhamsted’s stone castle was built on the site of a former wooden Saxon fortification in the 1080’s until finally abandoned in the late fifteenth century, in the 14th century Edward the Black Prince spent his honeymoon there. Tring Manor was once owned by the great grandfather of George Washington (U.S president), and later by the Rothschild family who founded the well known Natural History Museum in the town. The four Tring reservoirs were built to supply water to the Grand Union canal, which runs north of the town. Tring Map.

Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire

A bustling town within the UK county of Hertfordshire, Hemel Hempstead was possibly settled as long ago as the Roman times, with remains of a Roman villa being found in nearby Boxmoor. The first records mentioning the town date from the 8th century and its name drived from the Anglo-Saxon Hean-Hempsted (or High Hempstead), in the Domesday Book it was named as Hamelamesede. The Norman conquest saw its land owned by Robert, Count of Mortain, it was later controlled by Thomas Becket, it was later granted a Royal Charter by Henry 8th. The town has mostly grown however since WW2 as it was developed as a ‘new town’, it now has a population of around 81,000. Map of Hemel Hempstead.

The Attractions of Sevenoaks Kent

An attractive little town located in the west of Kent, Sevenoaks is a charming place to visit if you are in the region this year. Deriving its name from a chapel sat beside seven oak trees in Knole Park, Sevenoaks has a history going back to Anglo-Saxon times. Despite its early beginnings, there is little written about its history before the 13th century at which time it became a market town, later 2 hospitals were founded in the town by religious orders to help the sick and elderly. The famous Sevenoaks School was founded in 1432 and is generally considered to be the oldest secular school in England. These days Sevenoaks has a population of around 20,000 and there are several interesting places to visit around the town. Close to the villages of Chipstead and Dunton Green you will find the Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve, run by the Kent Wildlife Trust, to the south east of the town you will find the huge Knole Park, where the story of Sevenoaks began, part of the National Trust, this is one of the oldest surviving deer parks in England, Knole House was built by Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier between 1456 and 1486. Sevenoaks is easily accessed from the M25 or M26.

Ramsgate and Broadstairs 2 Kent Resorts

Two popular seaside resorts located on the Kent coastline of south-eastern England, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are well worth a visit if you are travelling around this area. Once one of the major coastal resorts in England, Ramsgate still relies heavily on tourism though its heady days as a primary holiday destination are long gone. The 1970’s and 1980’s saw millions of the UK’s holidaymakers heading for the guaranteed sun of Spain, Portugal and Greece, leaving behind the damp, unpredictable climate of such previously popular resorts as Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. Among places to visit in Ramsgate these days are the Maritime Museum, in Clock House Pier Yard, the Ramsgate Museum (Guildford Lawn), the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum (Manston), Minster Abbey (Minster) and Pugin’s Grange. Broadstairs, still very popular as a holiday resort and as a place to retire, is perhaps the most pleasant of the Isle of Thanet’s resorts, worth a look in Broadstairs is the Crampton Tower Museum, situated adjacent to the train station, it is dedicated mostly to the work of Thomas Russell Crampton, a famous designer of locomotives and railways, it also features a five inch guage miniature railway, great for the kids. Kent Map.

Attractions in Ashford

If you are visiting the town of Ashford in Kent this year, you may be looking for some interesting places to visit, so here is a brief overview of what you can find in the area. The Rare Breeds Centre is located about 5 miles south of Ashford at the Highlands Farm, Woodchurch and is set amongst 120 acres of beautiful countryside. Godlington House and Gardens is situated just 1 mile west of Ashford and is set in extensive parklands. Leeds Castle is just 12 miles north-west of Ashford and is well worth a visit with an aviary, yew maze and hawk centre amongst other attractions, it is set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside. Finally take a trip to Chilham Park and Castle, situated about 8 miles north of Ashford, featuring extensive parklands, a 12th century castle and a 17th century manor house.

A Short History of Luton Bedfordshire

A large town located in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, Luton dates from a Saxon settlement established on the River Lea during the 6th century. Listed as Loitone in the Domesday Book, Luton developed as a mostly agricultural town. In 1240 the town was called Leueton, though most of the town was later destroyed by a great fire (1336). The arrival of a brick-making industry in the 16th century, led to most of its houses being rebuilt in brick rather than the traditional wood. Luton has for a long time been associated with hat-making and this industry in fact started during the 17th century, but had declined by the early 20th century, being largely replaced by an emerging car manufacturing industry, as Vauxhall Motors opened a new plant in 1905, at the time the largest car manufacturing factory in the UK. Map of Luton.

Hayling Island – Birthplace of Windsurfing

Often known as the birthplace of windsurfing, Hayling Island is also a renowned holiday location within the county of Hampshire, England, UK. A true island, it is reached from the mainland by way of a road bridge, it is situated in Langstone Harbour to the east of Portsmouth. Though originally Hayling Island had sandy beaches, most of the beaches are now comprised of shingle as the beaches were topped up by dredging the surrounding waters to prevent erosion. Attractions on Hayling Island include the Beachlands funfair and the East Hayling Light Railway, it is also the location of the popular Warners Lakeside holiday complex. Map of Hayling Island.

Self-Catering Rentals in Newquay Cornwall

Self-catering Newquay rentals in this popular seaside resort in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. Two, three and four bedroom properties available in the Atlantic Cornwall resort set in the grounds of a medieval Manor House close to Newquay beaches, harbour and town. Lots a facilities in the resort including indoor pool, golf facilities, bars and restaurants. Accommodations are disabled friendly and sleep up to ten people in comfort. Make the most of the super Newquay weather this year and book your holidays in this fine resort which has some of the best amenities and nightlife of any resort in Cornwall or southern England. View a map of Newquay here: Newquay Map.

Caravan for Rent in Weymouth Dorset

Super 3 bedroom caravan available for holiday rentals on Haven’s, Weymouth Bay Holiday Park in Dorset, England. Luxury 38 foot by 12 foot caravan can accommodate up to 6 people and is fully equipped for family holidays in Weymouth. The caravan has TV, CD, cassette player, radio, microwave etc. Gas and electricity is free with rentals, the site has lots of facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Rentals are offered from £350 per week. Weymouth weather is some of the best in England, so take your holidays closer to home this year and enjoy this fabulous Weymouth caravan in Weymouth Bay Dorset. Weymouth Map.

A Brief History of Helston Cornwall

A small town in the county of Cornwall, England, UK, Helston has a history which stretches back into the mists of time, it was settled by the Saxons as far back as the 6th century and was listed in the Domesday Book as ‘Henliston’. The name of the town is derived from the ancient Cornish Hen Lis (“Old Court”), the ‘ton’ added because it was a Saxon manor. Standing on the banks of the River Cober, Helston was at one time tidal and was in fact an inland port, which received coal and exported tin, the river access was however cut off by a sand bar and the port fell into disuse. Helston has always been connected with mining, with tin and copper mines in the areas around the town. These days Helston is more of a tourist destination, being just a couple of miles from the coast, and an ideal base for touring the western areas of Cornwall. Helston Map.

A Short History of Watford

First mentioned in Anglo Saxon chronicles of 1007, the town of Watford, in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, was never listed in the Domesday Book, and remained a small rural community ruled by a succession of feudal lords for many centuries, becoming a market town during the 18^th century. The Industrial Revolution of the late 18^th and 19^th centuries brought industry to the town, accelerated by the arrival of both the Grand Union Canal and the railway. As the factories and mills fell into ruin and disappeared, Watford became an important commercial centre for the Home Counties. Watford these days has a population of just under 80,000 and is well known for its football club Watford FC, and its chairman musician Elton John who grew up in the area. Watford Map.

Towns of Cornwall – Penzance

The ancient market town and fishing port of Penzance is the main town for the west of Cornwall, situated on the attractive Mount’s Bay, it is about 10 miles from Land’s End in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Deriving its name from the Cornish for “Holy Headland” (Pensans), Penzance has been important over the centuries for fishing, mining and agriculture and received its 1st Royal Charter in 1512. With the decline in the fishing industry during the late 20th century, tourism has become more important for the town, with visitors attracted by the beautiful scenery and the local attractions such as St Michael’s Mount, Land’s End, the ancient tin mines, and Trengwainton Gardens. Penzance is situated just off the A30. Penzance Map.

English Villages - Marhamchurch Cornwall

Located just off the A39 to the south of Bude, in north Cornwall, England, the delightful little village of Marhamchurch is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Boasting some charming thatched cottages, a 14th century church and some other interesting buildings, Marhamchurch Cornwall developed in the 5th century around a hermitage built in honour of Saint Marwenne, one of the offspring of the Celtic King Brychan. During the summer the village celebrates its Marhamchurch Revel, a traditional festival which in which the Revel Queen is chosen from schoolgirls of the village.

Property for Sale in Southampton

Property for Sale in Southampton - A fine 3 bedroom link-detached house currently offered for sale in the West End area of Southampton in the county of Hampshire, England, UK. Nicely located for local schools, shops and amenities this excellent property comprises 3 bedrooms, family bathroom, fitted kitchen, living / dining room, hallway, conservatory, gas central heating, double glazing, garden. Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire, it is a dynamic city and port with plenty of Southampton jobs for those seeking to relocated in the area, the city has excellent transport links, with good road links with London and the rest of the UK, rail links, ferry links and its own airport. The region enjoys a pleasant climate with Southampton weather as affable as almost anywhere in the United Kingdom. This property in Southampton has no chain and the current asking price is just 175,000 pounds sterling. Southampton Map.