Secret Knaresborough

by Paul Chrystal

Published 15 September 2014
Knaresborough has many secrets, and as you walk down the streets you are walking through history. There are clear reminders of the town's past everywhere, waiting for you to stop, look and listen to their intriguing stories. Situated on the River Nidd, this town, famous for its market and spa, has witnessed many of the key episodes of English history. Granted a castle by William the Conqueror, the town went on to house, among others, John of Gaunt, Mary Shipton and Guy Fawkes. As well as Knaresborough's famous locals, the surrounding landscape also has significance. The caves, woods and rivers that frame the town each have their own stories.

On a journey through this ancient market town, local historian Paul Chrystal recounts these untold tales. A history that spans centuries, these stories offer an intriguing insight into the area, as well as showcasing the role Knaresborough has played in British history. You may think you know Knaresborough, but take a look around and you will find more than you could possibly imagine.

Secret Middlesbrough

by Paul Chrystal and Stan Laundon

Published 15 August 2015
Middlesbrough may have only been a hamlet in the early nineteenth century, but that all changed with the arrival of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which led to the former farmstead soon becoming a cauldron of industrial activity. It is also home to many impressive works of architecture that are recognised the world over, including the truly iconic Transporter Bridge and Tees Newport Bridge, both living, and still working, testaments to the town's industrial past.

Middlesbrough can also boast an impressive musical and artistic heritage, being the birthplace of Chris Rea and Paul Rodgers, and home to the world-famous Linthorpe Pottery gallery and the unique Christopher Dresser collection in the Dorman Museum. Yet there is much that is less well known and more obscure in this historical town by the Tees: Secret Middlesbrough delves into this hidden past and reveals tantalising tales, traditions and trivia that will fascinate and inform anyone interested in what is still one of the great towns of the north.

Secret Harrogate

by Paul Chrystal

Published 15 November 2015
In these days of ubiquitous, non-stop media and information you would think that there were few secrets anywhere left to reveal: but when it comes to Harrogate there remain a surprising number of facts and idiosyncrasies which, over the years, have remained obscure, to say the least. Secret Harrogate is an historical journey through one of England’s most visited towns, unearthing nuggets of its early history and spectacular development into one of Europe’s foremost spas.

This book reveals and unravels scores of fascinating and little-known details about Harrogate that will fascinate and inform its many visitors as well as its current inhabitants, many of whom probably thought they knew it all. The book gives a unique perspective on the many less-obvious aspects of Harrogate’s history and will go a long way to explaining why today’s Harrogate is as it is, and how it may develop in the future.

Secret York

by Paul Chrystal

Published 15 November 2014
Home to the largest medieval gothic cathedral north of the Alps, York is one of Europe's most historically interesting cities. However, there is still more to be discovered - much that is shrouded in mystery and that has been kept secret.

This clandestine aspect of York's history has been difficult to unearth and, for that reason, it is not always included in standard histories or guides to the city. Join author Paul Chrystal on an exciting and dramatic journey through the cobbled streets of this picturesque city as he exposes and unravels some of the more arcane aspects of York's chequered past.