Forgotten

The isolated quarry village of Nant Gwrtheyrn was once a thriving community before it was abandoned. But it was given a new lease of life as a beloved Welsh language centre

Nestled between the Irish Sea and the Eifl mountains at the very edge of civilisation, this tiny village was once frozen in time before its thriving mining heritage was brought back to life.

The quarry at Nant Gwrtheyrn launched operations in 1861, adjacent to Porth y Nant, which now serves as a cherished language centre at the forefront of campaigns to revitalise the Welsh language.

In this remote community, residents’ existence centred around extracting and transporting Nant Gwrtheyrn stone for road surfacing – dispatching materials primarily via the Irish Sea, which resulted in scant interaction with the wider world, according to Nant Gwrtheyrn.

History.

When demand plummeted during the early stages of World War Two, the quarry closed, abandoning the local community to desolation. The worldwide conflict brought production to a standstill, reports Wales Online.

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The villagers left and their homes fell to ruin. Apart from a brief spell in the 1860s when a handful of outsiders attempted to rejuvenate the settlement, the village stood deserted.

Visitors can step back in time to the era when quarry labourers lived in the local cottages by exploring the quarryman’s cottage. This dwelling and all its contents have been recreated to demonstrate how a quarryman and his family would have existed in 1910.

Subsequently, the location received an injection of funding that would construct a new school – which was eventually taken over by a local trust, spearheaded by Dr Carl Clowes, who established it to create a Welsh language centre.

Tre’r Ceiri.

Close by stands Tre’r Ceiri – among Wales’ most impressive ancient sites.

Initially documented by Thomas Pennant, the renowned author of ‘Tours of Wales’, this represents some of the earliest archaeological proof of existence within the Iron Age hillforts scattered across the elevated terrain surrounding Nant Gwrtheyrn.

Both Tre’r Ceiri and Yr Eifl saw habitation from 150 BC through to 400 AD – our knowledge of them remains limited, though we understand they relied substantially on locally sourced iron, which was traded and exported.

Debs wrote on Trip Advisor: “What a fabulously tranquil place. We spent several hours here, walking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Found the history of Nant Gwrtheryn fascinating.

“We sampled the tasty cakes in the cafe. Would highly recommend a visit. We will most certainly return.”

One visitor said: “What a beautiful place. The Welsh Language Centre. The story behind the revival of this village is inspirational. The vision on a local doctor and the surrounding communities is worthy of a Hollywood film.

“The views are breathtaking and the road down is incredibly steep but worth it.

“We had breakfast in the cafe. Highly recommended good quality produce and full flavoured coffee. Another great plus was the indoor seating where we could have food with our dog.

“The lady who greeted us was so welcoming and friendly too. Just a beautiful place great walks too.”

As Sister Veronica questions her purpose in life on the BBC drama, we take a look inside the life of actress Rebecca Gethings

Sister Veronica’s anguish has left Call the Midwife fans in tears as she longs for a child to call her own.

When the BBC period drama commenced its 15th series this January, set in 1971, viewers were immediately met with an unexpected revelation as Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings) opened up about her innermost feelings, and her tale is heartwrenching.

In a candid exchange with Geoffrey Franklin (Christopher Harper), the nun disclosed her desire to become a mother herself, despite having devoted her life to the Church.

Sister Veronica had also developed a particularly close relationship with baby Christopher, providing invaluable assistance and support to the Turner family in caring for the little one.

The family decided Christopher should travel back to Hong Kong to continue receiving medical care at the British Army Hospital, and Sister Veronica accompanied the tot on his journey.

On Sunday (February 8), Sister Veronica arrived back from Hong Kong and insisted on speaking privately with Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) at Nonnatus House. During an emotional discussion, Sister Veronica revealed her intention to relinquish both her position as a nun and her duties as a midwife within the order.

She said: “I came back to Poplar via the Mother House. I needed to confer with Mother Mildred because I have been feeling increasingly unhappy.”

Sister Julienne responded: “I wasn’t unaware of it but our work is not about our happiness, it is about seeking no reward other than knowing that we do his will.”

The remark caught Sister Veronica off guard, prompting her to declare: “If you are quoting Ignatius of Loyola, then you are admitting the bit about giving and not counting the cost. And I can’t keep on giving and not counting the cost any longer.”

“I hoped I could bear it, but I can’t”, Sister Veronica confessed, before removing her wimple and exposing her hair for the first time.

“I have been given permission to go away for six weeks while I decide if I want to give up my vows and leave the order.”

Sister Veronica, now going by Beryl, later received consolation from Shelagh Turner (Laura Main), who had herself left the order years earlier to build a family with Doctor Turner (Stephen McGann). Beryl subsequently gathered her belongings and departed Nonnatus House. Will she return to Nonnatus House?

Who plays Sister Veronica in Call the Midwife?

Sister Veronica joined Call the Midwife in Series 12 (2023) as a new nun at Nonnatus House, replacing Sister Hilda.

She had previously worked as a midwife in Hong Kong and initially joined Nonnatus House as a health visitor. She certainly has her quirks, though she has become a much-loved member of the team and the community.

Sister Veronica is played by Rebecca Gethings, a 50-year-old English actress who was born in Canada.

Raised in Berkshire, UK, she studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy. Starting off her career in theatre, she appeared in the West End production of Vassa.

She has gone on to star in a long list of television shows, including Queen Eleanor in The Serpent Queen, Helen Hatley in The Thick of It, Dawn in Not Going Out, Lizzie in Extras, and a guest role in EastEnders in 2001.

Rebecca has also starred in movies, including Casino Royale and The Critic. In 2015, she played PR manager, Miriam Clark, in Ricky Gervais’ film David Brent: Life on the Road.

Who is Rebecca Gethings’ husband?

In June 2025, Rebecca tied the knot with long time partner Tom Brass, opting for a pink dress after a disaster with her original wedding dress.

Rebecca and her animation director husband, also parents to two children, celebrated their union with an intimate East London ceremony.

The actress took to Instagram to share her joy, posting a stunning snapshot of her and Tom walking hand in hand as newlyweds.

Underneath the photo, she brimmed with enthusiasm, captioning: “I do, he do, and we very much did! All our thanks to @davidjonesphotography @iconoclast_london @justineluxton_costumedesigner.”

Speaking about her wedding dress disaster, Rebecca shared on the Call the Midwife Instagram page: “I wanted to keep our wedding very low-key – just Tom, the kids and myself. So I bought myself a wedding dress online in the sales. Just a white summer dress – nothing too fancy. It was then that disaster struck!

“Unfortunately, the dress arrived by post in a rainstorm whilst I was at work! I asked our babysitter to rescue it from behind the bin where the postman had left it. But when she turned up, she found that the rain-soaked parcel box had disintegrated completely!”

Justine Luxton, the show’s costume designer, and her assistant Anna Laflin, saved the day by making a new dress from beautiful coral fabric from Joel & Sons, which Rebecca had selected.

Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website**

One of Britain’s most renowned deserted medieval villages, with a church and manor house, attracts walkers and history enthusiasts despite its challenging terrain with a steep walk

Today, it’s considered the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village, attracting visitors from far and wide who want to marvel at its history. Yet it remained deserted for hundreds of years after its residents vacated the settlement.

Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire is one of Britain’s largest deserted medieval villages and certainly its most famous. Visitors can wander through the atmospheric site, exploring the ruins of ancient dwellings, a church, and a manor house that once formed a community.

Throughout an extensive 60-year period, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fascinating insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the settlement was deserted initially and how people lived there centuries ago.

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Nestled on the edge of a Yorkshire valley, this remarkable village was inhabited for as long as six centuries before being abandoned sometime after the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, the footprints of former houses remain visible in the earth, complementing the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive tourists.

The history is complex, but experts believe the earliest settlement dates back to around 50 BC. This land was later converted into farmland, fell into disuse in the 5th century, and eventually evolved into a Middle Saxon settlement.

Steeped in history, the medieval village has become a popular attraction, whether that’s dog walkers in the local area or those passing by. Perfectly positioned between the tourist hotspots of Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it’s an ideal midway stop when travelling between these two landmarks.

While admission to the village itself is free, visitors pay a modest £2 parking fee. It’s worth noting that getting to the settlement involves a roughly 3/4-mile trek from the car park to the main site, often steep and muddy. The site’s rugged terrain can pose a challenge for some visitors and is generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

One visitor described the parking on TripAdvisor as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” journey unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the path traverses fields. Another also warned: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

Yet, it hasn’t put people off from making the journey, as one joyfully shared: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

Another lauded their experience and said: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

“Great walk with the dog. Parked in the free car park and walked downhill on the path to a cow field. Crossed over into the fields of Wharram Percy. Lovely walk around and interesting to imagine how it once was all those years ago. The walk back was uphill and quite a trek. We really enjoyed it. It’s a small historical site, sometimes people expect too much. We loved it. Nice walk out and then to the Stone Trough Inn for lunch,” another commented.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The historic Derbyshire village has become a popular spot for visitors in recent years, with people describing it as a ‘hidden gem’ – but it’s hiding a dark history

Tucked away in the Derbyshire countryside lies a charming village, rich in history and hailed by visitors as a true “hidden gem”. However, this idyllic spot conceals a much darker past.

During the tumultuous times of the Great Plague in the 1600s, when the entire nation was in turmoil, the villagers of Eyam chose to defy convention.

As people across Britain were abandoning their homes in a desperate bid to evade infection, the arrival of the plague in Eyam in August 1665 prompted the villagers to do the exact opposite – they resolved to stay put.

It’s believed the disease got into the village via a parcel of cloth sent from London to a local tailor. The tailor’s assistant succumbed to the illness just days after airing the damp cloth, triggering a rapid spread of the disease throughout the village.

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In a collective act of self-sacrifice, the villagers opted for voluntary quarantine, reasoning that fleeing would only propagate the plague further afield.

The rules were stringent – no one was permitted to leave or enter the village, a harsh regime that persisted for an arduous 14 months.

Despite these measures, the village suffered a devastating loss of approximately 260 lives, decimating a significant portion of its population. Tragically, it’s said that one villager was forced to bury six of her children and her husband in just eight days

Eyam Museum serves as an ideal starting point for visitors keen to delve into the village’s poignant history during those dark days. The area is dotted with sites that tell compelling tales of the plague and its devastating impact.

One recent visitor hailed the place as a “hidden gem”. Another shared their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “Really enjoyed our visit to the Eyam Museum. Staff were welcoming and friendly.

“Despite its compact size, the museum offers plenty to see; a diverse range of visual displays about the Plague and also the history of Eyam’s residents. We’d certainly recommend a visit.”

Another visitor added, writing: “This museum was really interesting – much better than expected from a small museum! The history is fascinating and very well laid out – they manage to bring it to life by the stories of the individuals and families who both survived and died.”

Also nestled within the village is Eyam Hall and Courtyard, a 17th-century manor house complete with stunning gardens and Bloom Bar and Grill for shopping and dining.

One visitor shared: “A beautiful venue for a wedding! Such a gorgeous, peaceful village with stunning surroundings and grounds. This made for an incredibly memorable evening.”

Following a visit to the on-site café, another visitor shared their experience: “We dropped into Bloom looking for a light lunch. We settled for a coffee and a Margarita pizza, which definitely exceeded expectations – my friend said it was the best pizza she had ever tasted. Service was attentive, and the ambiance was calm and peaceful.”

Samie Elishi dramatically stormed off during the Love Island All Stars movie night on Friday

One Love Island star stormed off in an explosive movie night that “will never be forgotten”.

The third series of the popular spin-off returned to ITV2 last month, bringing back a group of former contestants to the villa for another opportunity at finding romance.

Over recent weeks, audiences have witnessed numerous heated exchanges, surprising eliminations and several bombshell entries. The latest arrivals included six American contestants, alongside the launch of villa USA.

Tensions flared when the two villas were brought together earlier this week, with disagreements breaking out between Belle Hassan and Sean Stone, as well as Lucinda Strafford and Samie Elishi.

Tonight’s episode featured the much-anticipated return of movie night, with contestants preparing for an evening of cinema-themed entertainment. The All Star selection included Free Millie, How to Lose Leanne in Ten Days, Some like it Scott, The Sean Identity, There’s Something About Samie, Tommy Dearest and Lucinda’s Web, reports OK!.

There’s Something About Samie showcased footage of the dispute between Samie and Lucinda, which started after Lucinda decided to pair up with Samie’s partner Ciaran Davies.

Matters intensified when Lucinda pied Samie during Thursday’s task, as she believed Samie doubted the authenticity of her new relationship with Sean. When the two attempted to resolve their differences, Lucinda started laughing, prompting Samie to storm off furiously.

Upon reviewing the footage, Lucinda remarked: “You weren’t there for me and Sean,” prompting Samie to immediately retort: “Are you alright? I warned you… I was actually trying to warn you… There’s me trying to have your f****** back and then you throw that pie in my face.”

The heated exchange escalated when Lucinda playfully told Whitney Adebayo not to laugh in front of Samie. An irate Samie responded: “Are you taking the p*** out of me again?”

The star continued: “I might need five minutes. This bird keeps laughing in my face, you’re p****** me off,” before storming off with Belle.

Whilst Belle attempted to calm Samie down, Whitney and Leanne Amaning became embroiled in their own dispute, just hours after Leanne had taken Whitney’s partner Yemen Sanders into the secret garden.

The movie night screening pressed on, as did the tension, moments before presenter Maya Jama made her surprise appearance in the villa. “Everyone enjoying movie night? Well, it’s time for a plot twist,” she announced, before the credits began to roll.

ITV audiences were left stunned following tonight’s turbulent episode, with one viewer posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Don’t know about anyone else but I’ve got a headache now from all the shouting. That movie night was absolute carnage!”

Another commented: “And this, is what I call a messy MOVIE NIGHT,” whilst a third remarked: “Love island all starts 2026 movie night gone but will NEVER be forgotten.”

Love Island All Stars airs Sunday to Friday on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm

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Even the Harry Potter star in the cast failed to save this 1990s film from ridicule

A forgotten period drama based that was slated by viewers has just been made available for free streaming.

Emily Bronte’s classic and controversial novel Wuthering Heights has inspired countless film and TV adaptations, with the most recent starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi hitting cinema screens in a matter of days.

However, years before Emerald Fennell adapted the page-turner for the big-screen in 2026, there was another that released back in the nineties. It starred Ralph Fiennes as the brooding Heathcliff opposite Juliette Binoche as Catherine Earnshaw, while Peter Kosminsky sat in the director’s chair.

Despite the starry cast, the 1992 release struggled to win over critics in particular with one calling it a “failed” adaptation. Meanwhile another described Fiennes’ take on Heathcliff as “demonic”.

“Peter Kosminsky’s Wuthering Heights is a drone, depressing, and exhaustively revolting excuse for entertainment,” another peeved critic penned.

At time of writing, it has a measly 33 per cent critics’ score on review site Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a more optimistic 66 per cent.

One fan described it as a “masterpiece”, adding: “Very well put together and the chemistry between the actor was awesome!” while another said it was their “favourite adaptation.”

Meanwhile a third shared: “Not a single adaption has ever truly done it justice – but this is my favourite of the adaptions for two reasons. 1) Ralph Fiennes manages to capture the essence of Heathcliff better than any other actor ever has and 2) Ryuichi Sakamoto’s soaring score together with the authentic filming locations really do bring the book’s atmosphere to life.”

A fourth, not convinced by the film, said: “Absolutely unwatchable. Could not make it 20 minutes in, terrible acting, strange casting. Don’t waste your time.”

Fans wanting to give it a go can now do so entirely for free, as the film has just been added to Pluto TV. The streaming service has also added three extra adaptations of the story to its library if the nineties flick doesn’t hit the spot.

Wuthering Heights (1970) starring Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall; Wuthering Heights (1998) starring Robert Cavanah, Orla Brady, and Sarah Smart; and Wuthering Heights (2011) starring James Howson and Kaya Scodelario are all available to watch now.

Wuthering Heights (1992) is now streaming for free on Pluto TV. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.