Tag: Wales

Visiting the home of Edward Adrian Wilson – a forgotten hero who died with Captain Scott of the Antarctic.

Every now and then I write a post not quite realising the scope it will take on, perhaps once or twice a year I investigate something and it gives me something to reflect on all year and this is what happened this time. There is a house on Stanmore Hill that I’ve always liked and… Continue reading Visiting the home of Edward Adrian Wilson – a forgotten hero who died with Captain Scott of the Antarctic.

The Welsh street that’s been newly crowned the steepest in the world!

My Grandma lived on one of the steepest streets in Britain, the sort that makes you wonder if you car will make it to the top or if you slip on the pavements, if you will avoid skidding and rolling hundreds of feet to the bottom.  So as a person with interest in such oddball… Continue reading The Welsh street that’s been newly crowned the steepest in the world!

The tragic tale of Gelert the trusted hound of King Llwelyn The Great

These days people travel to Snowdonia in North West Wales for the incredible old castles and villages and particularly the rugged, wild landscapes and outdoor pursuits. It was a lot different in the thirteen-century when as with much of Britain and indeed the world, anywhere outside the city walls was seen to be a devilishly… Continue reading The tragic tale of Gelert the trusted hound of King Llwelyn The Great

How the last invasion of Britain was foiled by a lady with a pitch-fork.

This week sees the anniversary of the last attempted invasion of Britain.  Most people will have heard of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the last time these islands were conquered.  There were a few invasions before that occupied various parts of the country from the Romans in the south to the Vikings in the… Continue reading How the last invasion of Britain was foiled by a lady with a pitch-fork.

Found! The Lost Welsh City Of Trellech

Many people have their heroes, people that they might want to imitate.  Maybe a film star, entrepreneur or scientist.  Until now, I didn’t really have anyone… at least not alive but now I have in the unassuming form of Stuart Wilson.  10 years ago we were both pretty similar and we both had just over… Continue reading Found! The Lost Welsh City Of Trellech

The Aberfan Disaster Remembered 50 Years On

Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of one of the worst post-war disasters in Britain when on an ordinary October day, a quiet village in South Wales literally had the world fall in on them. The village of Aberfan sat beneath the spoil tips of the Merthyr Vale Colliery.   Throughout the 20th century coal had been dumped… Continue reading The Aberfan Disaster Remembered 50 Years On

The tragedy of Smalls Lighthouse

There have been lighthouses around the coasts and islands of Great Britain almost as far back there have been people travelling by ship.  A fine Roman lighthouse of nearly 2,000 years is still standing tall within the walls of Dover Castle.  The history of lighthouse keepers are as fascinating and treacherous as the often rough… Continue reading The tragedy of Smalls Lighthouse