10 episodes · 7th October 2003
Work started on the construction of the airfield in 1942 and by the middle of 1943 East Kirkby's runways were operational and 57 Squadron, equipped with Lancasters, arrived. During November 1943, 630 Squadron was formed and also remained at East Kirkby for the duration of the war. The number of servicemen and women stationed at East Kirkby soon exceeded the 2,000 level. East Kirkby's aircraft suffered losses in the Berlin and Nuremberg raids, but its worst night was 21 June 1944 when 11 aircraft were lost in an attack. Towards the end of the war, in April 1945, a Lancaster caught fire while being bombed up, resulting in a huge explosion which set off further bombs. Four people were killed, six Lancasters totally destroyed, and a further fourteen damaged. In the post-war period, the airfield was used for trials and for a short time during the mid-1950s it was occupied by United States Air Force. Eventually closing in 1958, the RAF finally disposed of the site in 1970. In recent years du
Overlooking the Cumbrian fells, Moresby Hall has been home to many noble families since the 12th Century - it is the oldest residence in the Copeland borough (West Cumbria) and a Grade I listed building. The name Moresby is likely to have derived from a connection with a settler (probably called Morisceby, Mawriceby or Moricebi) as early as 1150. The Moresby family were notorious in the medieval times, and aquired large estates through conquest and marriage. One of the most famous, Christopher de Moresby, fought at Agincourt and was honoured on the field with other knights by King Henry. Four generations of de Moresby later, Anne, Sir Christopher's great grand-daughter was sole heiress. She married Sir Francis Weston, who was executed by King Henry VIII, along with Queen Anne Boleyn and another of her alleged paramours. Anne finally sold Moresby Hall to a well-to-do merchant from Cockermouth - William Fletcher. The Fletchers were also a powerful family and owned Moresby Hall for 250 y
Edinburgh's South Bridge was built in 1785-88 to cross the valley between the High Street and George Square. Beneath the 19 enormous stone arches, a series of floors and walls were constructed to create a series of underground vaults. These were used by local shops and businesses as workshops and storage space. They also provided family accommodation – but it was far from luxurious. Groups of ten or more people lived together in small, dark, dank rooms. They had no ventilation and with the stench of fish oil lamps, stale rubbish and the contents of chamber pots emptied into the streets, living conditions must have been almost intolerable. It wasn't long before the vaults also became the worldly haunt of a collection of the city's rogues, villains, prostitutes – and murderers. The vaults were sealed off and completely abandoned in 1815 and weren't rediscovered until 1985 - and since then, numerous ghostly sightings and experiences have been reported. Several people have reported a young
James Leith built the first tower of what was to become known as Leith Hall in 1650. Since then subsequent Lairds have added to it so that now it is one of the finest examples of the ‘chateau' style castles in Scotland. It also boasts some of the finest gardens in Scotland within the 113 ha estate. The Hall is also one of the few Scottish castles to stay in the same family as it has been passed from father to son. The family itself had very strong military connections and the hall was a major stronghold in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745-1746 with close ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie. On the eve of the fateful Battle of Cullodon, the Laird, Andrew Hays, was presented with a writing case by the Prince which is still in the museum. The museum also contains the only pardon ever given to a Jacobite by the English after the battle. In keeping with the Hall's military background, it was converted into an army hospital during The Great War. Tragedy struck in 1939 when the last two Lairds were k
During the Middle Ages, the area around Aberglasney was the centre for bloody battles, including a particularly violent offensive in 1257. Nearby fields still carry the memories with names such as Cae Tranc (field of vengeance) and Cae'r Ochain (groaning field). Until the fifteenth century we depend on tradition for our knowledge of the people who owned Aberglasney. From that point onwards the property was sold to a different family roughly at the start of each new century and a strange seesaw pattern of wealth alternating with misfortune emerging. The documents are missing, but Bishop Rudd is generally thought to have acquired the Aberglasney estate sometime around 1600. The house stayed in the family until 1710 when accumulated debts forced Sir Rice, the Bishop's grandson, to sell the estate to Robert Dyer. His grandson Robert Archer Dyer inherited in 1752 but already Aberglasney was once again draining the family coffers and finally Aberglasney was put up for sale in 1798. In 1803 T
Tamworth Castle is a typical Norman motte and bailey castle thought to date from the 1180's. Since then numerous additions and alterations have been made to the Castle by succeeding generations of owners. The oldest surviving section within the Shell-Keep, apart from the Tower itself, is the north wing. The Banqueting Hall added in the early 15th century, and the Warder's Lodge at the entrance to the Courtyard is Tudor. Unfortunately the Castle was much neglected in the 18th century, but between 1783 and 1811 extensive alterations were made. There has been some confusion over the identity of the castle's first Lord. There is evidence that it was held by both Robert de Despencer and Robert Marmion. Robert de Despencer evidently left no male heir so either a daughter or a niece married into the Marmion family. But as the name Despencer means Steward it is now believed that they may have been the same person. Marmion had performed the office of Champion to William the Conqueror and the gi
Situated in the heart of rural Shropshire and overlooking the River Severn, Fitz Manor, an Elizabethan Grade II listed building, has a rich and varied history. The existing building dates from 1450 but the original structure is thought to have been a Saxon Hall. he first written records date from the 12th Century where it was recorded in the Domesday Book. It was also recorded in the Charter of Henry I. The Manor also has a rich ecclesiastical connection; significantly, it has its own church and was once owned by the Bishop of Shrewsbury. Since the 18th Century the Manor has been in the hands of the Baly family who now run it as a successful bed and breakfast. The Manor itself is a hotbed of spiritual activity. A priest is rumoured to have been crucified in the dining room for being homosexual, and groans and sobs have been heard here. Additionally, a figure of a lady has been seen many times in the Red bedroom. She is also reputed to haunt the graveyard and church yard. Reputedly,
The Schooner Hotel is situated in Alnmouth, a small village on the coast of Northumberland. The village lies at the mouth of the river Aln and was once a thriving seaport. It was to this harbour that ships from across the globe would come carrying cargoes of grain and coal. Schooners themselves were fast and handy vessels used for either fishing or trading, mainly with the Baltic States. As well as a legitimate trading port, it was also a haven for smugglers and vagabonds. Such was the reputation of Alnmouth that John Wesley, the founder of The Methodist Church, commented that it was ""a small seaport town famous for its wickedness"". The Hotel itself is a listed 17th Century Coaching Inn and has been the hub of Alnmouth village for the past 300 years. Notable persons who've stayed in the hotel include Charles Dickens, Basil Rathbone, Douglas Bader and even King George III. The history of the hotel is not well documented but there are many stories of murders, suicides and massacres. Ther
The Muckleborgh Collection stands on the site of Weybourne Camp, a military installation on the North Norfolk Coast. The collection itself was started by Berry Savory, a WW II fighter pilot, in 1988. It is the UK's largest collection of military vehicles still in private hands and consists of more than 120 tanks, vehicles and guns. Included in this are working examples of the famous Sherman tank and the Russian T34. The heart of the museum is based in the old Naafi building, the only surviving original structure. The rest of the older military buildings were demolished in 1986. Weybourne Camp, the site of the collection, was originally used as an Anti-Aircraft Artillery training range. It was the main live firing range for ACK-ACK command during the war. Facing German-occupied Europe during WWII, the Norfolk coastline became a controlled zone by the British forces. This controlled zone extended 10km deep into the North Sea around Norfolk. Weybourne Camp was a vital part of this zone. A
Located in middle of Nottingham's Lace Market, the Grade II Georgian listed building is an unique site in the history of the British legal system. It is the only place in the country where you could be arrested, sentenced and executed all in one place. It has been a court since 1375 and is also where hundreds of prisoners were sentenced to be hanged. This execution took place publicly on the front steps of the building. The magnificent Victorian Civil Courtroom that now dominates the Galleries dates back to 1887, was used up until 1986 and was the home to many famous libel and divorce cases. As well as a court of law there has been a gaol here since 1449. The impressive array of cells, corridors and yards that extend around the building were home to both the condemned and to those who were to be deported to Australia. It is only recently that warrens of medieval tunnels were discovered underneath the building. Today it is an award-winning museum, housing not only the Courtroom and the
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