“Salisbury is home to some of England’s most significant ecclesiastical history, anchored by its world-famous cathedral and supported by several historic city-centre parish churches.”

“Vikings (Varangians) profoundly shaped Russia and Ukraine by founding the first East Slavic state, Kievan Rus’, in the 9th century, establishing trade routes (like the “Route from the Varangians to the Greeks”), introducing the name “Rus” (likely meaning “rowers”), uniting Slavic tribes under Scandinavian dynasties (like the Rurikids), and adopting Byzantine Christianity, laying foundations for both modern nations, though they gradually assimilated into the local Slavic culture.”

Frome is an ancient market town in Somerset, England, tracing its origins back to a Saxon settlement founded around 685 AD by St. Aldhelm. Its name comes from an old word meaning “brisk-flowing water,” describing the local river…

“SS Great Britain — 24th July 2026 (Marnie Rees)

The prefix “SS” stands for “Steam Ship” or “Screw Steamer.” It originated in the 19th century to identify vessels powered by steam engines, which were a significant advancement in maritime technology at the time. The SS prefix helped distinguish these faster, steam-powered ships from traditional sailing vessels.

Today, “SS” is often interpreted as “Single-Screw Ship,” referring to vessels equipped with a single propeller.”

“Humans have been great travellers for thousands of years. Famous early male explorers like Magellan, Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook, are household names. Women, with their restricted positions in society and their traditional roles of looking after the house and children, had…​”

“Across all three periods, there was a persistent “darker side” to British society, featuring high levels of violence (including domestic violence), street robbery, and a public fascination with criminals, often celebrated in songs or sensationalized in the press (like “penny dreadfuls”)”

“Stourhead’s landscape features remarkable trees, notably 200-year-old tulip trees, ancient 600-year-old sweet chestnuts, and vibrant Liquidambars.”

“Peter Kemmis Betty was a young officer serving in the 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles when he was captured by the Japanese in 1942”

“Stonehenge and Avebury, located 25 miles apart in Wiltshire, are linked as a single UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1986) due to their shared Neolithic/Bronze Age origin, ceremonial significance, and dense landscape of prehistoric monuments. While Stonehenge is more architecturally sophisticated, Avebury is the largest stone circle, both representing 2,000+ years of ritual, ancestry, and engineering.”

West Country Myths and Legends

Wicked squires, naughty hill figures, mysterious footsteps in the snow and legendary floods…
Tony Painter seeks to explain some of these and other West Country mysteries in a light hearted illustrated talk.

Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall
Friday 30th January at 7.30pm
Admission £4.00 non-members, £2.00 members
All welcome
www.diltonmarshhistory.org