Latest news with #EnglishCivilWar
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Mysterious' UK island with 'tiny' population, no cars and a dark past
This island has a population of around 28 people, making it one of the UK's least densely populated islands. Tucked away off the UK coast lies a little-known island that feels like a step back in time. With no cars, a handful of residents, and an atmosphere of untouched charm, this hidden gem has earned a spot on Wanderlust Magazine's must-visit list for summer. Ranking amongst the top 30 of Britain's secret places to visit, Laundy Island in Devon stands out for its captivating appeal. The travel experts wrote: "This island feels like a lump of the Hebrides mysteriously dumped in the south-west. "It is a wild, beautiful and almost treeless place, with a tiny resident population, no cars, a lot of sheep, cattle and ponies, and kilometres of footpaths. The chief attraction is the cliffside breeding puffins (best seen from April to July), but the chance to get away from it all ensures that few visitors only come here once." Why visit? If you're looking for peace and serenity, this is the place to visit. Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel, located 12 miles off the coast of Devon, England. The secluded island boasts an average residential population of 28 people, including a warden, an island manager, a farmer, a shopkeeper, maintenance and housekeeping staff, and a kitchen team in the Marisco Tavern, reported Bideford Council. The Landmark Trust said: "Just off the coast of Devon, surrounded by the clear waters of the Atlantic, Lundy Island is a world apart. "A haven for divers, climbers and birdwatchers, Lundy is an island of contrasts with spectacular coastal scenery and sheltered valleys, rich in wildflowers and wildlife. And at the end of the day, swap tales of your adventures in the friendly Marisco Tavern." Lundy Island's dark history This seemingly quiet island is rich in history and has a turbulent past, once serving as a haven for rebels and pirates. In 1235, nobleman William de Marisco was linked to the murder of a royal messenger, and three years later, a failed assassination attempt on King Henry III was traced to his family. William sought refuge on Lundy Island, where he constructed a stronghold at the site now known as Bulls' Paradise. In 1242, he was seized along with 16 of his followers, transported to London, and executed for treason. By 1250, King Henry III reinforced the island's importance by building a castle there. Fast forward a few centuries to 1627, and Barbary pirates, also known as the Salé Rovers, took control of Lundy, utilising it as a base to plunder ships and coastal towns, kidnapping locals for ransom or enslavement. Five years later, under the reign of King Charles I, the Royal Navy regained control of the island. During the English Civil War, Lundy was the last Royalist stronghold, surrendering in 1647. How to visit There are only two modes of transport that can get you to Lundy Island. From April to October, visitors can reach the island via the Landmark Trust's own ship, the MS Oldenburg. The ship departs from both Bideford and Ilfracombe around three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with an extra day added on Wednesday during July and August, reported Bideford council. According to Lundy Trust, return tickets for the 2025 period cost: £97 for adults £51 for children under 16 £23 for infants under four Day return tickets are cheaper: £54 for adults £28 for children under 16 Infants under four travel free of charge. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £125. However, the MS Oldenburg is out of service during the winter months. Between October and March, a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point provides access to the island. Tickets cost £174 for adults, £96 for children under 16, and £26 for infants under two. Flights operate on Mondays and Fridays between 12 noon and 2pm, departing from a field near the Beacon at the top of Hartland Point. Visitors have the option to stay overnight in one of the 23 different accommodations available. Prices start at £168 for a four-night stay in a small cottage or you can opt to stay in the Lundy Vestry, which was constructed by Reverend Hudson Heaven in 1896. A four-night stay in the St Helens church will set you back just over £300.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Rockingham Castle Civil War day postponed due to thunder warning
An English Civil War Day has been postponed after a yellow weather warning for intense thundery downpours was issued for much of Castle, near Corby in Northamptonshire, said it was disappointed the event on Sunday would have to be held another time. "The safety of our visitors, performers, horses, and staff is of paramount importance," it said. The Met Office predicted up to 90mm (3.5in) of torrential rain could fall in the space of just a few hours, with the risk of flash flooding. A castle spokesperson said: "While our events continue in all but the worst conditions, given the nature of the event, we are unable to safely continue."We share in your disappointment and will share the new date for the event as soon as we can."All ticket holders would receive a refund, they added. The castle was built by William the Conqueror and has been the home of the Watson family for more than 500 years. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
The battle that reshaped the course of English history
It has been 380 years since the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalists at the Battle of Langport, paving the way for one of the biggest changes in England's Somerset battle effectively ended Royalist control in the West Country, a key strategic region. This boosted Parliamentarian morale and crippled their opponents forces in one morning of believe that the battle of July 1645, fought during the English Civil War, marked a turning point that ultimately led to the execution of King Charles I and the abolition of the Julian Humphrys, of the Battlefields Trust, said: "This battle really was the beginning of the end for the Royalists." Lord Goring led the Royalists for King Charles I, while Sir Thomas Fairfax headed the Parliamentarian's New Model Army, known as the Roundheads, who were a skilled, disciplined Humphrys said the Royalist army was different."They weren't the finest of troops you could say… a bunch of boozers really and their discipline was poor, they didn't have much money."They weren't being payed and they lived by nicking things off the local population who didn't like them in the slightest," he added. Lord Goring was holding an area about one mile east of Langport towards the village of Huish Royalists wanted to buy time so their army could pull back to Bridgwater. They planted musket troops along the hedges, with a few guns to protect the ford was then that the Parliamentarians came in with "a bold attack", said Mr cleared the hedges of Royalists at what is now Picts Hill by sending musketeers meant their cavalry could "splash across the crossing and drive the Royalists back".The Royalist troops did not put up much of a fight after the Roundheads crossed the water and were driven back quickly, he Humphrys added that metal detectors are stilling unearthing musket balls and pistol shots from the action. Some local people who were being affected by the war armed themselves and were known as "clubmen".They would defend their area from the army pillaging their homes using things like cudgels and pitchforks."The reality for the people of the time was disrupted trade, the armies were never very healthy so they spread disease, they damaged buildings, they took people's 1645, the people of Somerset were "very fed up of the war", Mr Humphrys added. Oliver Cromwell Mr Humphrys said Oliver Cromwell, the most famous Roundhead, detailed that he was actually there at the time, but "he was more of a second-in-command"."He was a fairly minor east Anglian MP, but it was these victories which got him promoted gradually over time."This led to him eventually commanding the whole of Parliament's army," Mr Humphrys added. When it comes to commemorating the Civil War, Mr Humphrys said "we need to remember these people were our ancestors"."Many of the ordinary soldiers had very little say of whether they fought or not and the cost of a civil war is a huge tragedy wherever it happens.""A greater percentage of the population died from this civil war than in World War One," he said.
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Tiny English market town is home to one of UK's steepest funicular railways
And the English wine train that goes through the 'Garden of England' GOING UP Tiny English market town is home to one of UK's steepest funicular railways Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRIDGNORTH Cliff Railway is one of the few funicular railways left in the UK. The Shropshire railway has been transporting people from Low Town to High Town since 1892 with a steep gradient of 33 degrees. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bridgnorth is home to one of the steepest funicular railways in the country Credit: Alamy 5 The railway transports people between the High and Low Town Credit: Alamy The market town in Shropshire is split into two parts thanks to the River Severn. The Bridgnorth Railway has been giving people an option not to take the 200 steps up to the top of the town for over 100 years. The funicular railway works by cables pulling two counterbalanced carriages up and down a steep slope. The carriages are permanently attached to opposite ends of the cable. Originally water-powered, the system is now electrically operated. The railway operates on two parallel tracks; it's 111 feet high with a 33.5 degree incline and is 201 feet long. It remains a popular attraction and a mode of transport for locals and visitors. One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Great views from car as you slowly climb the cliff. The car is original and has lovely wood panels. "It's definitely not the only way to get to high town, but it's definitely the most relaxing." Another said: "I have never heard of a cliff rail much less been on one so it was fun and interesting to see how it works. The bonus is it saves walking the hill." Tickets to use the railway cost £2.50 for a return, and single tickets are not available. Children under 6 ride for free. Underrated towns you need to visit 5 The River Severn separates Bridgnorth in two Credit: Alamy 5 Tickets for the railway cost £2.50 for a return journey Credit: Alamy Bridgnorth has ruins from a castle first built in 1101. Any visitors to the castle will note that it is leaning - which was a result of damage during the English Civil War. The town has a market that's open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The market includes a Charter Market with 23 pitches and also a Sunday Handmade Market where art and vintage items are sold. Bridgnorth is also known for serving very tasty scotch eggs. At The White Lion pub in town, the scotch eggs are known for being enormous with one visitor saying it was the "best ever". As for other funicular railways, the steepest in the UK is in East Hill Cliff Railway in Hastings, East Sussex with a 38 per cent incline. Others around the country include the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Plus, the UK train line that was bizarrely named among top places to visit in world this year - and our experts' favourite places on the route. And the English wine train that goes through the 'Garden of England' with free booze and onboard canapes.
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Tiny English market town is home to one of UK's steepest funicular railways
BRIDGNORTH Cliff Railway is one of the few funicular railways left in the UK. The 5 Bridgnorth is home to one of the steepest funicular railways in the country Credit: Alamy 5 The railway transports people between the High and Low Town Credit: Alamy The market town in Shropshire is split into two parts thanks to the The Bridgnorth Railway has been giving people an option not to take the 200 steps up to the top of the town for over 100 years. The funicular The carriages are permanently attached to opposite ends of the cable. Originally water-powered, the system is now electrically operated. Read More on Railways The railway operates on two parallel tracks; it's 111 feet high with a 33.5 degree incline and is 201 feet long. It remains a popular attraction and a mode of transport for locals and visitors. One person wrote on "It's definitely not the only way to get to high town, but it's definitely the most relaxing." Most read in News Travel Another said: "I have never heard of a cliff rail much less been on one so it was fun and interesting to see how it works. The bonus is it saves walking the hill." Tickets to use the railway cost £2.50 for a return, and single tickets are not available. Children under 6 ride for free. Underrated towns you need to visit 5 The River Severn separates Bridgnorth in two Credit: Alamy 5 Tickets for the railway cost £2.50 for a return journey Credit: Alamy Bridgnorth has ruins from a Any visitors to the castle will note that it is leaning - which was a result of damage during the English Civil War. The town has a market that's open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The market includes a Charter Market with 23 pitches and also a Sunday Handmade Market where art and vintage items are sold. Bridgnorth is also known for serving very tasty scotch eggs. At The White Lion pub in town, the scotch eggs are known for being enormous with one visitor saying it was the "best ever". As for other funicular railways, the steepest in the UK is in East Hill Cliff Railway in Hastings, East Sussex with a 38 per cent incline. Others around the country include the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway and the Plus, the And the 5 Bridgnorth is home to a steep funicular railway Credit: Alamy
