Dating from the sixteenth century, the George Hotel at Piercebridge-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, is a comfortable place to stay, with traditional features combined with modern comfort. There are Robert Thompson carvings and a rather splendid ballroom. Dick Turpin stayed in the same room every time he visited. Queen Victoria’s consort, Albert, also rested there a number [...]

We’ve been spending a few days in Northumberland and were in the pretty, little town of Alnwick when the heavens opened, so, soaking wet, we sought shelter.  The old railway station had a sign proclaiming that it now housed a second-hand bookshop. Our collective eyes lit up; this sounded the ideal place to steam dry [...]

Almighty God, by whom alone Kings reign, and Princes decree justice; and from whom alone cometh all counsel, wisdom, and understanding; we thine unworthy servants, here gathered together in thy Name, do most humbly beseech thee to send down thy Heavenly Wisdom from above, to direct and guide us in all our consultations;  and grant [...]

Almost a quarter of a century ago, when my ‘yellow-bellied’ beloved realised that he and I were intended to have and to hold for the rest of our naturals, he began to introduce me to the charms of Lincolnshire. There was need to teach me all the verses of The Poacher, a season ticket to [...]