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It’s Their Town! Middlesbrough Heroes Celebrate New Book

Out now, Middlesbrough – A Colourful Past is a landmark new book on the history of Middlesbrough. Written and designed by local historian and broadcaster Paul Menzies, the book takes the reader on a journey through the history of Middlesbrough in full colour for the first time. The images in the book have been painstakingly restored, bringing old black and white scenes into vibrant colour, and helping the reader really see and feel what it was like to be there at the...

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A Whisky Tour of Islay

The small Scottish island of Islay is one of the most unique whisky producing regions. Thanks to its isolation, the flavours produced in its whiskies is often different to any others found across Scotland, or in whiskies around the world. Islay’s whiskies are often defined by their peaty, smoky and maritime flavours because of the make-up of the island’s geography and its location in the North Atlantic ocean. Some of these whiskies are considered only palatable by experienced whisky fans, or those with...

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Paul Menzies

Paul Menzies Discusses His New Book on Middlesbrough’s History

Paul Menzies is no stranger to documenting the past. He is the author of numerous books on the local history of Teesside, with tens of thousands of copies sold to date. Now, his latest book on Middlesbrough is set to turn the usual format on its head as he brings the past to life in full colour. Middlesbrough – A Colourful Past, released this month, offers ‘never seen before’ images, many in colour for the very first time, which together with...

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Middlesbrough’s Stations Through Time

There’s great work going on in central Middlesbrough at the moment, with plans to vastly improve the station. The building, which dates from the 1870s, has in recent years been degrading and suffering from lack of love or attention. But now, there are plans to improve the entrances and facades, ticketing areas, platforms, and bring into use disused parts of the building. But, as we see in books like Middlesbrough – A Colourful Past, by Paul Menzies, the history of the railways and...

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The 4 Most Important British Objects from the Victorian Era

In his new book, A History of Britain in 100 Objects, historian Paul Chrystal has uncovered the objects which define the nation’s story. From ancient history right up to the modern day, the case can be made in each of these objects for the way it both shaped and influenced the history of Britain. The Victorian era is one of the most loved of Britain’s past, and marks a time of enormous growth in stature of the country. It saw revolutions in...

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Britain’s Most Important Post-War Objects

In his new book, A History of Britain in 100 Objects, historian Paul Chrystal makes the case for the defining objects which tell the story of Britain and its history. Britain as a nation has gone through many identities and events, and has seen plenty of conflict over the years. The most recent major events were the two World Wars of the early 20th Century. In this article, we’ll look at the most important objects which have appeared in the post-war period and...

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The Beginnings of Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is one of the largest towns in the North East of England. It is a thriving commercial hub, with modern industries and the well-regarded Teesside University. It has also been known in the past as an important industrial town, which experienced tremendous growth through the iron, steel and shipbuilding industries in particular. Yet Middlesbrough is a relatively young town. It only came into existence as a town in the early 1800s, whereas many of the other great towns and cities of the region...

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Paul Menzies and Destinworld Publishing to Add Colour to Middlesbrough’s History

Destinworld Publishing announces Middlesbrough – A Colourful Past, a new book title for Spring 2022 which brings colour to the fascinating history of Middlesbrough for the first time. This ‘never seen before’ work offers a unique selection of images, many in colour for the very first time, which together with detailed insights into the town’s history, provide a landmark contribution to the rich heritage of the region. Paul Menzies, a well-known local author and broadcaster, says: “Having written many books, I was...

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Destinworld Spring Catalogue Available Now

Our Spring 2022 is now available. You can download a copy here This Spring we bring three important new titles, and still offer our comprehensive range of local history, aviation, Christian, travel, pubs and whisky books. Coming this spring, we have the following new book titles: A History of Britain in 100 Objects by Paul Chrystal The history of a nation in the objects that define it. Let one of Britain’s best-loved history authors guide you through its past, object by object. One hundred historically significant objects...

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The World’s Best Selling Whiskies

Whisky production has been happening since the 1400s since the “water of life” (or “firewater” to some) was first distilled in Scotland. It is now big business, both in Scotland, as well as in countries around the world – particularly Ireland, Canada, India, the USA and Japan. The largest producer is, naturally, Scotland, where single malts and blended whiskies are lovingly crafted by distilleries both big and small, some of which are hundreds of years old and well known. Their whisky is enjoyed...

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