A-Z of Lincoln

by wendy turner

Published 15 March 2023
The cathedral city of Lincoln offers a wealth of history dating from the first-century BC settlement of ‘Lindon’. In successive centuries, the Romans, Vikings and Danes all made their mark here. The city has many faces, from Steep Hill leading to the Uphill Cathedral Quarter with its beautiful cathedral dating from 1072, to the historic castle with its medieval Wall Walk and its precious Magna Carta, one of only four of the 1215 issue in existence.

In A–Z of Lincoln, Wendy Turner takes the reader on an engaging alphabetical tour of the city’s rich and diverse heritage. Discover stories and secrets of its notable streets and buildings and tales of its famous sons and daughters. Explore places including the Stonebow and Guildhall and treasures and artefacts from sieges, battles and celebrations through the ages. The author also reveals Lincoln’s darker side, with the grim Victorian prison in the castle, its chilling tales, tombstones and remembrances of hapless inmates.

Meanwhile, modern Lincoln invites us to a feast of stunning architecture, ghostly tales, the arts, wool and cloth and even its famous Lincolnshire sausages! Whatever your interest, Lincoln is the place to delve into a thousand years of people, places and history. Illustrated throughout, A–Z of Lincoln will be of interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.

A-Z of the Isle of Wight

by wendy turner

Published 15 June 2023
Every year the Isle of Wight welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to explore its fascinating places, people and history. Discover the island’s distant and medieval past, and the ongoing restoration and preservation of its many precious artefacts. An abundance of wildlife awaits, from the big cats of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to llamas and alpacas, some famous donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle and even pigs and piglets at beautiful Quarr Abbey. After ‘Hovering’ from Ryde to Portsmouth, you could take a trip on the island’s famed Steam Railway, or a peaceful stroll through Ventnor’s exotic Botanic Garden. The island’s only thatched church awaits you at Freshwater and likewise the unique church of the Lily Cross at picturesque Godshill.

The island’s treasures, both ancient and modern, are yours to discover on this, the ‘enchanted isle’.

A-Z of Hitchin

by wendy turner

Published 15 October 2025
Hitchin is a beautiful historic market town in North Hertfordshire. The earliest reference to the town dates back to the 7th century although the first modern reference to the name of ‘Hitchin’ was made as recently as the 17th century. The town is renowned for St Mary’s Church, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire and one whose tower dates back to 1190. It is linked with the 8th century king of Mercia King Offa and it has been suggested that he founded a church on the same site. Boosted by the wool trade along the nearby Icknield Way the prosperity of the town flourished in the 17th century and it became a staging post for those travelling to and from London. The advent of the railways in 1850 further strengthened the town as a commercial centre. Today the town attracts many to its cobbled market place surrounded by old buildings with more Tudor and Georgian buildings spread through the town.

In A-Z of Hitchin author Wendy Turner reveals the history behind Hitchin, its streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with the town. Alongside the famous historical connections, she includes some unusual characters, tucked away places and unique events that are less well-known in this A-Z tour of Hitchin’s history. It is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Hertfordshire town.