This book offers a wide-ranging exploration of the character and landscape of Derbyshire and its surrounds. It is fully illustrated with photographs that capture the atmosphere of the County. History is all around us. The past haunts the present, shaping our customs, architecture, landscape and community life. In a series of informative, well-illustrated chapters this book vividly brings to life aspects of bygone times from misty Celtic twilight to more modern times. Many of the topics covered are expanded from features contributed to BBC Radio Derby or from articles that have appeared in "Derby Evening Telegraph's" Yesterday Today supplement, "Derbyshire Life" and other publications. Together with brand new items they add up to a collection of widespread appeal. Meet medieval England's architect-in-chief, a man whose real life rags to riches story rivals that of his contemporary Dick Whittington. Find out how Derbyshire's farmers led a rural revolution. Tread the packhorse trail. Hear strange reports of tree climbing rabbits and of pigs decked out in ribbons and bows. Discover the achievements of a Derbyshire man with a claim to being Britain's finest sculptor.
Saints and sinners, hermits and heroes, faith, folly, fonts, crinkle-crankle walls, 'secret' forests, sundials, postboxes, and the humble country stile all feature in this wide-ranging exploration of the character and landscape of Derbyshire and its immediate surrounds. This is serious history with the lightest of touches that will be enjoyed by anyone who takes more than a passing interest in local history.
Author Biography
Richard Stone worked as a civil servant and management consultant before taking up writing and now indulges a lifelong interest in history and the countryside as a freelance writer and broadcaster. He has deep roots in Derbyshire (at least eight generations) and a strong sense of place. Writing enables him to share his enthusiasm for the area's rich and varied heritage. Previous books include Moats, Boats and other notes (1999), Hidden Derbyshire (2001), A Stone's Throw of Burton (2002), Tamworth: A History (2003), Burton upon Trent: A History (2004), The River Trent (2005), Rich Pickings (2007), and The Collieries and Coalminers of Staffordshire (2007).
