Starting with an introduction about discovering the coal-burning paddle steamers of the Humber in the early 1970s the book continues with a brief history of the ferries of the Humber Estuary, the coming of the first paddle steamer, the Caledonia, in 1814 and the rapid expansion of steamers operating on the estuary. It includes personal memories of those who worked on, used and loved the Humber ferries. It especially looks at the paddle steamers, Tattershall Castle, Wingfield Castle and Lincoln Castle, which became the last coal-burning paddle steamers operating a regular service in the United Kingdom. An appendix lists over 80 paddle steamers from the Caledonia of 1814 to the last of the line the Lincoln Castle identified as working on the Humber Estuary from published and archive sources. It includes the diesel powered paddle vessel Farringford which saw out the service in 1981 and also other vessels associated with the Hull to New Holland ferry.

Starting with an introduction about discovering the coal-burning paddle steamers of the Humber in the early 1970s the book continues with a brief history of the ferries of the Humber Estuary, the coming of the first paddle steamer, the Caledonia, in 1814 and the rapid expansion of steamers operating on the estuary. It includes personal memories of those who worked on, used and loved the Humber ferries. It especially looks at the paddle steamers, Tattershall Castle, Wingfield Castle and Lincoln Castle, which became the last coal-burning paddle steamers operating a regular service in the United Kingdom. An appendix lists over 80 paddle steamers from the Caledonia of 1814 to the last of the line the Lincoln Castle identified as working on the Humber Estuary from published and archive sources. It includes the diesel powered paddle vessel Farringford which saw out the service in 1981 and also other vessels associated with the Hull to New Holland ferry.

In the 1960s Geoffrey Grigson travelled around England writing the story of the secret landscape that is all around us, if only we take the time to look and see. The result is a book that will take you on an imaginative journey, revealing hidden stories, unexpected places and strange phenomena. From green men, ice-scratches, cross-legged knights and weathercocks to rainbows, clouds and stars; from place-names and poets to mazes, dene-holes and sham ruins, via avenues, dewponds and village greens, The Shell Country Alphabet will help you discover the world that remains, just off the motorway. 'Geoffrey Grigson resurrected the minor, the provincial and the parochial ... [he was] an erudite and unrivalled topographer ... ardent in promoting informed awareness of the distinctiveness of place' Toby Barnard 'An anthologist of genius' P.J. Kavanagh