Revellers in England and Ireland mark the shortest day of the year and official first day of winter Continue reading…
Seeking solace in the hills: why the Malverns are perfect for walking
Sandwiched between Worcester and Hereford, the small yet perfectly formed peaks offer hikes to suit every mood – and fresh spring water gushing through ancient rocksOn the western slope of the Malvern Hills, along the border of Worcestershire and Heref…
Battle of Culloden is being fought anew … against an army of house developers
Site where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Jacobite uprising of 1746 under threat from property developmentIt was the last pitched battle fought on British soil, and its outcome determined the future of the newly formed United Kingdom and its fledgling e…
Historic England to offer virtual flights over ancient landscapes
Aerial Archaeological Mapping Explorer will allow users to see landscapes from England’s pastA digital aerial archaeology tool will allow people to discover previously unknown details about local landscapes, including prehistoric hill forts, Roman sett…
The Guardian view on blue plaques: time to redress the balance | Editorial
There is more to blue plaques than dead white men – and English Heritage knows itCommemorative plaques on the facades of Britain’s buildings are an unlikely source of joy. Especially during the pandemic, when urban inhabitants have been more than usual…
Historic synagogue wins first round of City planning battle
Permission for 48-storey skyscraper denied but application for second building yet to be consideredThe UK’s oldest synagogue, a 320-year-old building in the City of London, has won the first stage of its battle to stave off an existential threat from p…
Only 2% of blue plaques in London commemorate black people
English Heritage scheme was started in 1866 to honour notable figures who have lived, worked or stayed in the capitalBlue plaques commemorating notable black figures still make up just 2.1% of the individuals honoured across London, according to a Guar…
‘Renting the Taj Mahal’: the fight to save Darjeeling’s toy train
India’s tiny train has puffed up the Himalayas since 1881 but now the world heritage site is under threat“Darjeeling ko sano rail, hirna lai abo tyari cha / Guard le shuna bhai siti bajayo” (Darjeeling’s dainty train is all set to chug off / Oh, listen…
Crunch time: the 10 best places to celebrate Apple Day in Britain
As harvest time arrives, here are the top destinations for apple harvests, tastings and other core activitiesIf there is a cider capital of the UK it’s arguably Herefordshire, where the rolling hills are covered with orchards. The Big Apple is an assoc…
The Guardian view on contemplative silence: there’s a lot to be said for it | Editorial
English Heritage is trialling a daily hour of stillness and reflection at its monastic sites. It is a bold experiment that deserves to succeedIn The Cloud of Unknowing, one of the greatest works of Christian mysticism, the art of contemplation is espec…