Historic places

Historic places

Inside “Hitler’s island madness” – one of the most fortified places on the planet (that was also British)

As the Channel Islands celebrates 80 years since being liberated, we walk Guernsey’s rugged western coast and encounter a land of unique beauty and Nazi-era relics
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A 672-tonne timber church, London Bridge and ancient temples: 7 mind-boggling and expensive relocations around the world

It takes more than willpower alone to move a building – as these truly incredible relocation projects around the world prove
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This ancient cow tooth discovery could help unlock Stonehenge mystery, say scientists

The tooth was discovered at Stonehenge in 1924. Now, a new study reveals remarkable details about the cow’s life – and how it may have played a role in the construction of the famous ancient monument.
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Why do so many beautiful and historic buildings have bricked-up windows? It's all thanks to an odd 17th-century law

If you've strolled through cities such as Bath or Edinburgh, you might notice that lots of historic buildings have bricked up windows. Ever wondered why?
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Main character energy: Are these the most beautiful libraries in the UK?

From medieval masterpieces to striking modern marvels, these breathtaking libraries across the UK are as rich in architecture as they are in stories.
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Wales has one of the highest concentrations of castles in the WORLD - here's why

With over 600 castle dotting the landscape, Wales has one of the highest densities of castles in the world, here's why...
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Bloodied bodies, decapitated women, murdered landladies, ghostly carriages: Discover Britain's most haunted pubs and their violent, murderous past

Enjoy a local ale and a ghost story with our guide to the most haunted pubs and inns in Britain which looks at the history and haunted tales that lurk within.
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Unsolved mysteries, German battleships and Henry VIII’s favourite war vessel: Discover 10 shipwreck sites in the UK

Uncover the shipwreck sites found along Britain's coastline – no dive suit required
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How the Normans built 1,000 castles in record time: Inside the motte and bailey boom

From wooden towers on steep mounds to formidable stone fortresses, motte and bailey castles shaped the landscape of Norman England. But what exactly were they, why were they built, and where can you still see their legacy today?
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Swallowed by the sea and devoured by the elements: These are Britain’s lost coastal villages

Coastal erosion, building development and population growth are partly to blame for these villages once active communities becoming abandoned.
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There's a part of England that's actually American – and it's right on the banks of the River Thames

Is this historic part of England actually American? We take a look...
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Why one of Britain's grandest castles was torn down by its own family: The strange story of Lowther Castle

This crumbling Cumbrian castle was once torn down on purpose. Uncover the curious history behind its fall and return
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Secret swimming pools, silkworms and state banquets: Inside Buckingham Palace, the official London royal residence

Surely top of the attractions for visitors to our nation's capital – Buckingham Palace is King Charles' official London residence. Here's all you need to know about this iconic London gem.
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Divers uncover 320-year-old warship in astonishing condition off English coast

Underwater footage reveals the incredibly well-preserved remains of the 18th-century warship Northumberland – complete with cannons, muskets and coils of rope.
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A clifftop ruin that inspired Dracula and a Japanese fortress that looks like a white heron – Are these are the most extraordinary castles in the world?

From clifftop ruins in Scotland to majestic palaces in Japan, these breathtaking castles offer a window into the past – and some of the most spectacular views on Earth
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These newly listed First World War pillboxes in Norfolk are Brutalist marvels of British resilience – and they’re hidden in plain sight

The rare concrete block structures were built as defences against potential German invasion, and have now received Grade II status
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10 utterly breathtaking, real-life Disney castles from around the world, including one that inspired Walt Disney himself

From candy-pink towers to misty hilltop fortresses, these real-life castles look like they’ve stepped straight out of a Disney fairy-tale – and each one has a story to tell
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"Rare and remarkable": 5,000-year-old monument in Yorkshire Dales granted protected status

Dudderhouse Hill Long Cairn has been given Scheduled Monument status – the highest level of heritage protection available in England.
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From simple livestock enclosure to Europe’s most complex hillfort – step inside Maiden Castle, Dorset’s archaeological mystery

Explore 6,000 years of British history at Maiden Castle – a vast Iron Age fortress where sheep now graze, skylarks sing, and echoes of ancient battles linger in the ramparts
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Want to escape reality like a seventh-century monk? These are the best hermitages to visit around the UK

From garden retreats to remote places of worship, the UK’s hermitages are steeped in mystery and meaning. Explore the country’s most evocative hideaway hermitages – each with its own unique story to tell
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This ‘Scottish Pompeii’ was built before the Egyptian pyramids – discover Britain’s best archaeological finds

From Scotland's Pompeii to Henry VII's favourite warship, Britain has plenty of fascinating archaeological finds
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You might have come across an abandoned one on a hike, but what exactly is a hermitage?

On hikes in woodland areas or during trips to landscape gardens, you might come across something called a hermitage… but what actually is a hermitage?
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Is it really true that Britain hasn’t invaded only 22 countries?

It's a common belief that Britain has invaded most of the countries in the world – we take a look at this popular internet theory
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"I had a feeling I would find something special": 2,000-year-old settlement discovered in Gloucestershire field

In 2023, metal detectorist Glenn Manning unearthed two Roman swords in a field near the village of Willersey – a find that led to the discovery of something even more astounding.
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