Monthly Archives: January 2012

I have recently been looking through a book called the “Physitions Library” that was published probably in the 1600’s and have found some really good cures and potions in this and I will be putting a few in my blog … Continue reading →

The Heritage Album: 175 years in North Devon (1824-1999) 1912 Bideford is infested with tramps attracted by ‘the softness of the stones given to them to crack’ and the fact that they can spend 36 hours in bed over the … Continue reading →

King John gave Lord William Brewer of Bridgwater “the third best ships that our sailors captured” Dr. ROOKE’S POCKET-GUIDE TO HEALTH AND HEALTH-RESTORING PLACES. Published in 1885 TORQUAY Torquay lies on a beautiful bay encircled by hills covered with villas. … Continue reading →

Headache: A stalk of crossword tied to the head with a red scarf Lack of Virility: Agrimony boiled in milk Shingles: … Continue reading →

Remedies for common illness, found in a tenth-century document Back Pain Smoke from burned goat’s hair Baldness Apply ashes of burned bees Chilblains Treat with eggs, fennel and wine

14th January – today is the FESTIVAL OF THE ASS

The first house in the world to be lit by gas is in Redruth, Cornwall. William Murdock was a brilliant engineer who was the local manager for Boulton and Watt, a Birmingham firm that made steam engines which were used … Continue reading →

In the year 612 In this year Geoffrey of Monmouth states that Dubricius crowned Arthur King of Britain Off Side! Henry VIII was the first monarch to play football (soccer) and in 1525 he paid four shillings for a pair … Continue reading →

I now have a number of reproduction images of various locations available for purchase from my website. These are ideal for illustrating where your ancestors lived, or your village. Most date from the early 20th century around the time the … Continue reading →

FEUDAL RANKS (Part 1) King: He owns all the land and gives away plots or parcels, of land in return for service Lords: Hold the land given by the king, which they lease to lesser ranks, who in return supply … Continue reading →