civil war

Ludlow is a beautiful market town in Shropshire, which has everything you could want, from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks

Those seeking a peaceful escape from Britain’s bustling cities should consider Ludlow, a picturesque market town in Shropshire that offers everything from regular food festivals to historic landmarks and breathtaking countryside walks. Whilst sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow remains an essential destination for anyone visiting the region.

From its medieval castle and museums to restaurants housed in ancient halls and pubs within 16th-century buildings, Ludlow’s rich heritage is proudly showcased throughout. The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest and ranks among the “finest medieval ruins” in Britain, according to the Ludlow Castle website.

Given its location near Wales, Ludlow Castle served a crucial function during the English-Welsh conflicts. In 1223, King Henry III and Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth held peace negotiations at the fortress.

Throughout history, Ludlow Castle has housed many prominent personalities, including Roger Mortimer, who joined forces with Queen Isabella to depose her husband, Edward II, in 1327.

During the 15th century, Edward IV frequently visited Ludlow and established a governing council there to oversee his Welsh territories.

Edward IV also dispatched his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to reside at the castle. The brothers would subsequently become infamous as the Princes in the Tower, after they vanished from the Tower of London in 1483, reports the Express.

Ludlow Castle also holds profound historical significance as the place where Prince Arthur died in 1502, a tragedy that ultimately paved the way for his younger brother to ascend the throne as King Henry VIII.

Since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has gradually crumbled into ruins, though much of its impressive exterior remains intact, making it well worth exploring.

Another must-see attraction is St Laurence’s Church, which, like the castle, traces its origins back to the Norman invasion. As Shropshire’s largest parish church, St Laurence’s has earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Marches”.

Those seeking outdoor relaxation can visit Ludlow Millennium Green or enjoy a walk along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath stretching from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire-Wales border.

No trip to Ludlow would be complete without stopping at the renowned Ludlow Farm Shop, which promises a “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience, according to the town’s official website.

The town regularly plays host to Antique, Local Produce and Craft Markets. It’s worth checking the Ludlow Market website before your visit if you fancy attending any of these events.

As the festive season approaches, families will be delighted to learn that Santa will be taking up residence at Ludlow Castle from 6 to 23 December, giving children the chance to enjoy a magical encounter with Father Christmas in the castle’s stunning grotto.

Cyprus is just a four-and-a-half hour flight from London and offers year-round sunshine, with flowers beginning to bloom in March

Brits seeking a sun-soaked escape might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short hop from the UK and basking in a cosy 22C during winter. Just a four-and-a-half hour flight from London, this Mediterranean jewel provides a much-needed respite from the UK’s current frosty, damp weather.

With sunshine all year round and flowers starting to blossom in March, Cyprus is an excellent pick for families, with plenty of family-friendly hotels on offer. The island also boasts a variety of activities, from hiking trails to exploring cultural and historical landmarks.

Winter brings fewer tourists, making it the ideal time to visit popular sites without the long queues, reports the Express.

Party animals will be attracted to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s premier party hotspots, while those in search of relaxation can soak up the island’s 300 days of annual sunshine.

A journey into the Troodos Mountains reveals breathtaking landscapes and a charming village tucked away in the valley below.

In an unexpected turn of events, there’s even a ski resort nestled within the Troodos Mountain Range.

Open from January to March, it’s situated on Mount Olympus. Holidaymakers can drive up to the slopes, which offer several picturesque viewpoints along the way.

Tucked away in the valley is the village of Omodos, packed with eateries serving traditional cuisine – the perfect end to a day of mountain trekking.

The village is also home to a monastery that welcomes visitors for tours. A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is a favourite in the area and can be found on locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23).

Another must-see is Nicosia, Cyprus’ divided capital.

Following the 1974 civil war, the island was split into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The border, known as the ‘green line’, runs through Nicosia, making it the only divided capital city in the world. Tourists can cross the border at several points.

Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.

El Alamin, a town built to house cotton and tobacco workers in the 1950s, was meant to be a utopia

Located just a short drive from the bustling Madrid, lies the forsaken village of El Alamin, which stands in stark contrast to the busy Spanish capital that boasts a population exceeding three million.

El Alamin, translating to “the world” in Arabic, was conceived in the 1950s as an idyllic settlement to accommodate cotton and tobacco workers. Heralded as a utopia for its 150 pioneers, the town comprised only three streets, adorned with 40 houses, a tavern, post office, and a church reflecting Communist architectural design, where inhabitants lived rent-free, paying solely for their electricity.

The vision for this secluded town sprang from the fourth Marquis de Comillas, Juan Claudio Güell y Churruca’s mind, who aligned himself with Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War.

However, the local farmland suffered overexploitation “to the point of exhaustion”, leading to the degradation and fall of the village, as reported by the travel blog Madrid No Frills.

As time went on, the residents slowly deserted the village, and by the turn of the millennium, El Alamin had been completely vacated, reports the Express.

Presently, it attracts the attention of dark tourism enthusiasts keen to delve into its neglected edifices and discover the essence of life as it was roughly 75 years ago.

Nevertheless, since 2021 gaining access to wander the ghostly lanes of El Alamin has grown more challenging, now requiring the consent of the property owners.

Tamar Shemesh of Madrid No Frills shared that on December 18, 1957, the sister of the Marquis tied the knot in El Alamin’s church amidst a gathering of Spain’s crème de la crème families.

Lately, El Alamin has been shrouded with increasingly “darker mysteries”, she continued.

One eerie myth offers an account of the “real” cause behind the desertion of the town, detailing how one shepherd led his livestock to a nearby hill.

By dawn, the sheep and their guardian were found deceased, inciting terror throughout El Alamin and prompting its inhabitants to escape.

Dr Philip Stone, who heads the Institute for Dark Tourism Research at the University of Central Lancashire, told the Express that enigmatic spots like El Alamin stir a longing for bygone days.

“These ghost towns give us a sense of the people coming before us, but also of our own fast-moving world. When we see places that have literally stopped, it can bring a sense of nostalgia.”

How much can you strip away from the war film and still have a war film?

That question invigorates “The Damned,” the new movie from Roberto Minervini, an Italian-born director who has spent the last 25 years living in America, our worrying cultural undercurrents seeping into his portraits of the marginalized and the discontent, usually documentaries.

“The Damned” represents his first foray into more traditional narrative storytelling, yet this existential drama bears all the hallmarks of his earlier work, less concerned with incident than conjuring a sense of place, time and, most important, a state of being. In his latest, Minervini brings viewers into the thick of the Civil War, only to find the same dazed souls and gnawing uncertainties that have always been his focus. It’s a war film with very little combat, but it’s about a war that still rages today.

Minervini’s naturalistic, observational style is on display from the film’s first scene, which lingers on a pack of wolves meticulously digging into an animal carcass. “The Damned” stays on the images just long enough for them to grow discomforting — when will Minervini cut away? — before introducing us to his anonymous protagonists, a collection of volunteer soldiers in the U.S. Army who have been sent out west in the winter of 1862.

The specifics of the mission are as mysterious as these men’s names as we watch them carry out the minutiae of military busywork. They set up tents. They play cards. They do target practice. Are they meant to represent the hungry wolves from the movie’s opening? Or are they the prey?

To call “The Damned” an antiwar film would be to assign an arbitrary value to what is really a series of offhand episodes consisting of only modest activity. In Minervini’s recent stellar nonfiction projects “The Other Side” and “What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire?,” the director collaborated with his subjects to create unvarnished glimpses of everyday lives, sometimes working from prearranged scenarios. Although Minervini is credited as “The Damned’s” screenwriter, his new film draws from a similarly close relationship with his cast, the actors drawing on aspects of their real lives to inform their roles, scenes developing from a loosely sketched-out plot.

In such an intimate, pensive atmosphere, characters emerge gradually out of the rugged landscape like windswept trees or weathered stones. The man identified in the end credits as the Sergeant (Tim Carlson, one of the subjects of Minervini’s 2013 documentary “Stop the Pounding Heart”) is ostensibly the leader, but as the untamed Montana wilderness goes from barren to snowy over an unspecified period of time, the more apparent it becomes that no commanding officer is necessary. The skeletal score by Carlos Alfonso Corral, who doubles as the film’s cinematographer, hints at an elemental menace just over the horizon. But real danger rarely occurs. Instead, these men are trapped in their own heads, their tender, confessional musings about God, war and manhood so rudimentary that they never aspire to the heights of folksy poetry. These soldiers are nothing special — as unimportant as their assignment.

Because Minervini avoids the tropes of the antiwar film — no big speeches, no ponderous metaphors — it’s almost a shock that he allows for one convention, an actual battle scene, which occurs about halfway through the 88-minute runtime. But even here, “The Damned” refuses to follow formula, resulting in an intentionally haphazard sequence as the soldiers are ambushed, the characters fleeing and shooting in every direction, the camera trailing behind them, desperate to keep them in frame. Whether it’s enemy forces or some random buffalo, the movie’s shallow depth of focus ensures that we only see our troops. Everything else resides in a permanently fuzzy, unsettled background, a constant middle distance that traps the characters in their spiritual purgatory.

There are limitations to Minervini’s spartan approach. Whereas his documentary films crackle thanks to his unpredictable interactions with his subjects, “The Damned” cannot help but feel slightly overdetermined, the outcomes predestined rather than organically unearthed. And yet, the concerns he brought to those earlier movies ripple here as well. “The Other Side,” his somber 2015 study of racist drug addicts and gun-toting militia members in rural Louisiana, remains the definitive warning of our modern MAGA age, while 2018’s “What You Gonna Do” prefigures the Black Lives Matter movement.

Now, for the first time, this prescient filmmaker visits America’s distant past, subtly pinpointing the economic inequalities, senseless brutality and thwarted masculinity that will bedevil the nation for the next 160 years. The Civil War is long over, but the country’s divisions remain, those core tensions naggingly unresolved.

Don’t think of “The Damned” as an antiwar film — consider it an origin story for Minervini’s perceptive, understated exploration of an America still in conflict.

LONDON — Frederick Forsyth, the British author of “The Day of the Jackal” and other bestselling thrillers, has died after a brief illness, his literary agent said. He was 86.

Jonathan Lloyd, his agent, said Forsyth died at home early Monday surrounded by his family.

“We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers,” Lloyd said.

Born in Kent, in southern England, in 1938, Forsyth served as a Royal Air Force pilot before becoming a foreign correspondent. He covered the attempted assassination of French President Charles de Gaulle in 1962, which provided inspiration for “The Day of the Jackal,” his bestselling political thriller about a professional assassin.

Published in 1971, the book propelled him to global fame. It was made into a film in 1973 starring Edward Fox as the Jackal and more recently a Peacock television series starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

In 2015, Forsyth told the BBC that he had also worked for the British intelligence agency MI6 for many years, starting from when he covered a civil war in Nigeria in the 1960s.

Although Forsyth said he did other jobs for the agency, he said he was not paid for his services and “it was hard to say no” to officials seeking information. “The zeitgeist was different,” he told the BBC. “The Cold War was very much on.”

He wrote more than 25 books including “The Afghan,” “The Kill List,” “The Dogs of War” and “The Fist of God” that have sold over 75 million copies, Lloyd said.

His publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, said that “Revenge of Odessa,” a sequel to the 1974 book “The Odessa File” that Forsyth worked on with fellow thriller author Tony Kent, will be published in August.

“Still read by millions across the world, Freddie’s thrillers define the genre and are still the benchmark to which contemporary writers aspire,” Scott-Kerr said.

Wells might be England’s smallest city, but it’s bursting with charm and history. From its stunning cathedral to the medieval Bishop’s Palace, there’s plenty to explore

Don’t let its size fool you – England’s smallest city, Wells, may be compact but it’s brimming with history and allure. The city’s quaint architecture and winding cobbled streets are the epitome of a storybook setting. The quirky name of this hidden gem is derived from the springs found in the Bishop’s Palace grounds.

Nestled within a stone’s throw of Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Wells is an often-missed treasure by holidaymakers, yet those who venture to this petite cathedral city on the River Brue in Somerset are never left underwhelmed. Wells Cathedral stands as a beacon of historical splendour and architectural genius, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.

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As one of the UK’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, it boasts stunning design and medieval artistry. Its construction spanned from 1175 to 1490, earning it accolades as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals.”

Not only famous for its striking West Front, but Wells Cathedral also features distinctive elements that distinguish it from other cathedrals across England, such as the mesmerising ‘scissor arches’ that prop up the central tower.

These were ingeniously installed in 1338 when the addition of a hefty spire threatened to bring down the entire structure, reports the Express. The Cathedral is home to one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.

The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral, considered by experts as one of the most magnificent examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly avoided destruction during the English Civil War.

Additionally, the Cathedral proudly showcases the renowned Wells Clock, believed to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. It also houses the intriguing octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.

Other must-visit attractions in this beautiful city include The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, which has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. This breathtaking medieval palace is now open for public enjoyment.

It offers a fantastic family day out in Somerset with a full calendar of events throughout the year, complimentary guided walks, outdoor music and theatre, garden workshops and more.

Plus, a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café is always a treat! Since the 1800s, the palace’s moat has been home to mute swans, with the tradition of swans on the moat thought to date back to the 1850s.

Legend has it that a Bishop’s daughter may have initially taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are installed, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.

There are 14 acres of stunning RHS Partner gardens to discover, including the beautiful well pools from which the city derives its name, the medieval Palace building equipped with multimedia audio visual guides, Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops, and a café boasting the best views in Wells.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street remaining in England. This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who performed daily worship within the Cathedral.

This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The houses of the close, all Grade I listed, were constructed in the 14th century under the direction of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century.

Originally, 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were permitted to marry.

Today, the Close comprises 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There is also a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, the Chain Gate Bridge.

The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and virgers. Vicars Choral have remained at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now recognised as a world-class choir.

For food lovers, Wells boasts a historic market in Wells Market Place. This lively square, surrounded by stunning historical architecture, offers a perfect snapshot into the everyday life of Wells that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Today, a bustling market is held twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays – featuring local produce and goods. The square also hosts a larger street food festival annually, with the next Wells Food Festival scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Additionally, a funfair is held twice a year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Wells also has an abundance of independent bookshops and boutiques, as well as antique and vintage shops, ensuring hours of browsing pleasure.

Scarborough, a charming seaside town located in North Yorkshire, has been named one of the top destinations in the UK to visit and is known for its stunning coastline and rich history

With summer on the horizon, holidaymakers are busy planning their getaways, and for those favouring a staycation, there’s no need to look further than a delightful beach escape right on your doorstep. Scarborough, a charming coastal gem in North Yorkshire, is famed for its breathtaking shoreline that offers spectacular views of the North Sea.

The area is a haven for nature lovers, boasting proximity to the North York Moors National Park, dramatic cliffs, shimmering sandy beaches, and the majestic Scarborough Castle perched high above the sea. The town has been lauded as one of the top UK destinations to visit by Time Out magazine in 2023, and CN Traveller hailed it as the “most beautiful seaside resort in England” for its historical charm.

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They remarked: “The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times.”

Scarborough’s allure is heightened by the promise of a fresh adventure with each visit.

A perfect start to any trip could be the colourful Scarborough Fair Collection, home to Europe’s most extensive collection of classic fairground rides and historic vehicles.

This museum provides a unique historical lens, complete with bumper cars, penny arcades, a merry-go-round and the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea whilst watching a stage show.

Another must-visit is the Scarborough Rotunda Museum, a Jurassic geology museum that delves into 65 million years of history, showcasing thousands of fossils, dinosaur footprints and even a Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton.

Entry is free for under 18s, and adults can explore the Rotunda Museum for just £5, which also includes admission to the Scarborough Art Gallery.

But no seaside getaway would be complete without a trip to the beach, and Scarborough boasts two stunning beaches: North and South Bay.

South Bay Beach is ideal for a family day out, having been a hit during the Victorian era, it still offers similar attractions like donkey rides and a lively promenade brimming with activities.

North Bay Beach, on the other hand, is much quieter and the perfect spot for relaxation or a leisurely stroll with a camera in hand. With numerous rock pools and charming vintage beach huts set against a backdrop of stunning hills and cliffs, there’s plenty to explore.

The two beaches are divided by the remnants of the grand Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress that has withstood Viking invasions and served as a significant royalist stronghold during the Civil War.

After a day of sightseeing, it’s essential to visit the Scarborough Castle Great Tea Room, which offers stunning views of both beaches and an array of homemade cakes, jams, and other comforting treats.

No matter your itinerary, Scarborough is the perfect spot for a peaceful beach getaway, offering magnificent views, a rich history, and a host of entertaining attractions at one of England’s most beautiful seaside resorts.