The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

Every year on November 5th, the small town of Ottery St Mary in Devon comes alive with a fiery tradition that defies logic and thrills spectators. The Flaming Tar Barrels, a centuries-old event, sees locals carrying burning barrels of tar through the streets in a dramatic display of bravery and community spirit. From its mysterious origins to its modern-day spectacle, this unique celebration is a testament to tradition, resilience, and the enduring power of fire. Discover the history, the people and the magic behind one of Britain’s most extraordinary events.

Dragonwyck (1946): A Gothic Gem of Greed, Ghosts and Gloom

Dragonwyck (1946)

Step into the shadowy splendour of Dragonwyck (1946), a gothic gem where romance and ruin collide. Vincent Price shines in his first full-fledged villain role as the brooding Nicholas Van Ryn, luring the innocent Miranda Wells (Gene Tierney) into his opulent yet ominous estate. With its candlelit corridors, whispered secrets and a plot steeped in peril, this film is a masterclass in slow-burning suspense. Perfect for fans of eerie elegance and sinister charm, Dragonwyck is a haunting tale of greed, ghosts and gloom. Light a candle, draw the curtains and dive into this timeless gothic melodrama.

Britain’s Buried Beginnings: Exploring Ten Timeless Towns

an expansive panorama of ancient British cityscapes, featuring iconic landmarks such as York Minster, Exeter's Roman walls, and Canterbury's cobblestone streets, all bathed in the golden hues of a sunrise.

Embark on a journey through Britain's ancient urban landscapes, uncovering ten timeless cities that predate the record books. From York's Roman roots to Exeter's Saxon legacy, explore the hidden histories and enduring allure of the United Kingdom's oldest settlements. Dive into tales of emperors, monks and medieval fortresses as we reveal the secrets of Britain's buried beginnings.

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958): Submerged Suspense and Silent Strategy

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958): Submerged Suspense and Silent Strategy

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958) plunges into the high-stakes world of submarine warfare, where silence is survival and strategy is everything. With Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster delivering powerhouse performances, this tense World War II thriller explores leadership, obsession, and the razor-thin line between victory and disaster. Dive into one of Hollywood’s greatest war dramas and experience suspense beneath the waves.

Indiscreet (1958): A Delightful Dance of Deception and Desire

Indiscreet (1958) Starring Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman

Indiscreet (1958) is a sparkling cocktail of romance, wit, and deception, served up with effortless charm by Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. A suave diplomat, a beguiling actress, and a deliciously tangled web of lies, what could possibly go wrong? Dive into this classic comedy of manners, where love, laughter, and London luxury take center stage.

Lichfield’s Lingering Legends: Ghosts, Ghouls, and Grim History

Ghosts in the city of Lichfield

If you’ve ever wandered through Lichfield’s labyrinthine lanes, you may have felt it, the cold clutches of the city’s spooky history creeping up your spine. This Staffordshire city, known for its stunning cathedral and famous figures like Erasmus Darwin and Dr. Samuel Johnson, is also filled with frightful phantoms. From the haunted halls of Lichfield Gaol to the eerie shadows of Bird Street, every corner hides a chilling tale. As Halloween approaches, let's delve into the darker side of Lichfield, where ghosts, ghouls, and grim legends lurk in the shadows.