Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

November 18, 2009

Bradford West Yorkshire

Filed under: England,History,United Kingdom — Tags: , , — needahand @ 6:19 pm

A large city located in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Bradford has a population of around half a million, making it one of the biggest metropolitan boroughs in the country. Situated in the foothills of the Pennines, Bradford was listed as “Bradeford” in the Domesday Book (1086), originally settled during Saxon times, Bradford later grew in prosperity around the wool trade, this increased rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, when it became known as “the wool capital of the world”. Bradford became a municipal borough in the mid-nineteenth century and gained city status in 1897. The wool industry declined during the 20th century and the city experienced considerable immigration during the second half of the century making it a diverse and vibrant community. Worth visiting in Bradford are the National Media Museum, Saltaire (an example of a Victorian village and a World Heritage Site) and Cartwright Hall.

See a map of Bradford here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/bradford-map.html

And the latest weather in Bradford here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/bradford-weather.html

November 11, 2009

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Filed under: Canary Islands,History,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 2:20 pm
Las Palmas

Las Palmas

The largest city in the Canary Islands, Spain, the historic city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was founded on the 24th June 1478 by the Spanish conquistadors under Juan Rejón. Las Palmas developed into a significant port and was well used by ships sailing around the African coast and also those visiting the Americas. Used as a stopping off point for Christopher Columbus, before heading for La Gomera and onto the 1st of his American voyages. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts a fantastic museum, named after the famous explorer, the Casa Colón contains models and artefacts relating to Columbus and his voyages and exploits. The fabulous Catedral de Santa Ana was begun in 1497 and took over 400 years to finish, the Neo-Classical façade hides Gothic vaults. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is situated in the fertile north of the island and experiences a humid climate, which is not as hot as the desert-like south of the island, making Las Palmas weather more pleasant in the summer months and whilst remaining mild during the winter. A couple of interesting towns worth visiting near to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are Teror, the religious capital of the island and Moya, a pretty little town dominated by its huge church. Las Palmas Map.

November 9, 2009

Hertfordshire Towns – Harpenden

Filed under: England,History,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 2:29 pm

A small town in the county of Hertfordshire, UK, Harpenden is within the district of St Albans and has an interesting history. Roman remains discovered in areas around Harpenden suggest of settlements in the centuries BC, however the original village of Harpenden developed as woodland was cleared under Edward the Confessor during the eleventh century, to make room for farming around Wheathampstead Manor, the first church to be built was the St Nicholas church (1217). Somewhat later during the Wars of the Roses, a common close to Harpenden was the site of the Second Battle of St Albans. During the early 19th century, Harpenden was the location of the 1st annually run steeplechase race, and was a popular location for horse racing throughout the century. The face of Harpenden changed forever with the arrival of the railway, as farms were replaced with residential development. During WW2 the town was used for the evacuation of children from bomb torn London. Harpenden today is mostly a commuter town, which enjoys excellent road and rail links with London.

November 8, 2009

Wheathampstead Hertfordshire

Filed under: England,History,United Kingdom — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 9:39 pm

A small town to the north of St Albans in Hertfordshire, Wheathampstead has a population of over 6,000 and is basically little more than a large village. The history of Wheathampstead goes back to the centuries BC, when there were settlements established by a tribe known as the Belgae. Evidence found in an area known as Devil’s Dyke provided proof of these early settlements. Wheathampstead was later mentioned in the Domesday Book (1089), when it was referred to as Watamestede. Though there may have been a church in the town before the Normans arrived, the earliest surviving construction is part of the church of  St Helens which dates from around 1280. Right up until 1859 Wheathampstead was part of the same rectory as another Hertfordshire town, Harpenden. Present day Wheathampstead is within the district of St Albans. Map of Wheathampstead.

October 30, 2009

Almoradi Spain

Filed under: Costa Blanca,History,Spain — Tags: , , , , — needahand @ 5:15 pm

Situated just inland from the Costa Blanca coastline, the historic town of Almoradi lies close to the River Segura and has a resident population of around 18,000. The history of the town is the stuff of legend, as the town was supposedly founded by King Brigo in 1196 BC, firmer evidence exists of settlement by later civilizations such as Greeks, Romans and Visigoths, and the name comes from the Moorish occupation of the town in the 8th-13th centuries and actually means “my will and desire”. Almoradi fell into decline after the Christian reconquest and suffered badly in the 1829 earthquake which devastated the region. Almoradi is the HQ of an ancient water tribunal founded to resolve disputes over water, which is scarce in the region, fines are still dispensed in ancient Spanish coins. Almoradi is located near to Ciudad Quesada and Rojales on the southern Costa Blanca.

October 19, 2009

The City of Murcia Spain

Filed under: Costa Calida,History,Spain,Travel — Tags: , , , , , — needahand @ 11:30 am

The capital of the autonomous community of the same name, the city of Murcia is located in south-eastern Spain and has a population of around 433,000 and a municipal area of  881 square kilometres. Lying at the confluence of the River Guadalentin and River Segura, Murcia is in a rich and fertile area, despite experiencing some of the lowest rainfall in Spain. The surrounding fertile countryside is known as the “Huerta” (Orchard) and it is irrigated by the previously mentioned rivers, using methods introduced by the Romans and later the Moors. The city has a long history and was settled even before the Romans arrived in Spain. Its biggest changes occurred during the Arab occupation, when it was established as a provincial capital in 825 AD. Freed from Muslim control by the Castillians during the 13th century, Murcia subsequently came under the control of the  Kingdom of Aragon, and then back to Castile in 1304. After various periods of decline Murcia became wealthy during the 18th century as the city saw a boom in silk manufacture, though it was hit by a great earthquake in 1829, and was often flooded over the centuries. Murcia cathedral was built between 1394 and 1465, it displays various architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. During the late 20th century Murcia city and region developed into a significant area for tourism, in particular golf resorts, which surround the city. Boasting some of the lowest rainfall in all of Spain the area is perfect for holidays all year round with Murcia weather conditions generally sunny and dry for over 300 days each year. Especially popular are the resorts along the Mar Menor coastline where such popular destinations as La Manga, Los Alcazares and San Javier, where the airport for the city is currently located, though a new airport is under construction as this article is being written are located. Murcia Map.

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