This Week in History: The Great Train Robbery to Spice Girls
From the Great Train Robbery to the Spice Girls' first number one, and a king's suspicious hunting death, here's what happened in UK history in early August.
Category : Heritage Projects
Temu Stonehenge: A New Brummie Nickname Classic
Chelmsley Wood's new stone circle has been lovingly dubbed 'Temu Stonehenge' – and it's the perfect example of Birmingham's unbeatable gift for memorable names.
Quiz Answers: Bradford City, Esperanto, and More History
July 29 trivia quiz answers: football club nicknames, Esperanto inventor, first black UK number one, Jesse Owens' record, and more historical gems.
Black Country Pub Gutted in Early Morning Blaze
Firefighters battled a significant blaze at the derelict Black Cock Inn in Walsall Wood, gutting the former pub which had been earmarked for 13 new homes.
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Birmingham's Methodist Central Hall saved for community
Birmingham's historic Methodist Central Hall, former Q nightclub, saved from decay by Civis Foundation, ensuring community use and restoration. Grade II listed building to become cultural hub.
Rayne Old School Room Restoration Gets Council Grant
A £22,584 restoration of the 17th-century Old School Room in Rayne, Essex, has preserved its timber structure with council and charity funding.
£1 ticket scheme for DWP benefits claimants permanent
Royal Collection Trust makes £1 admission permanent for Universal Credit and six other DWP benefits claimants at royal residences, after a trial saw 30,000 claimants use the scheme.
Mighty Tornado That Struck Birmingham 21 Years Ago
Residents recall the day a powerful tornado tore through Birmingham's streets, causing widespread damage. The F2 tornado hit on July 28, 2005, injuring 19 and damaging hundreds of properties.
Historic Pet Gravestone Restored in Woodthorpe Park
A historic pet gravestone for Faithful Old Tim has been reinstalled in Woodthorpe Grange Park after a four-year search for craftsmen, thanks to donations of stone and labour.
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Suez Crisis, Spy Rings, and Pop Culture in History
On July 26, 1956, Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal, triggering a crisis that reshaped British foreign policy, while the Portland Spy Ring was exposed and iconic pop culture moments defined the week.
Man Arrested Over Stolen War Memorial Plaque in Darlaston
A 40-year-old man has been arrested after a brass plaque was stolen from the Darlaston Cenotaph in Wednesbury, which honors WWI soldiers from the area.
Mission: Unbreakable 2026 Commando Challenge Returns
Nearly 1,000 participants expected for North Devon's biggest charity assault course on October 4, 2026, with early bird discounts until July 31.
Dover Crypt Fire 50th: Memorial Garden Campaign
Plans for the 50th anniversary of Dover's Crypt Restaurant fire, which killed seven in 1977, include a wreath-laying and a campaign to turn the site into a permanent memorial garden.
Roman Highway in Wales Excavated After 30 Years
A Roman highway hidden under Welsh countryside will be excavated for the first time in 30 years, with families invited to watch live digs and historical reenactments in Pumsaint.
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Sefton Campaigner Urges Adoption of New District Names
Former councillor David Barton calls on Sefton Council to support new geographical district names to boost heritage restoration and investment. Key sites like Aintree Old Roan and Crosby Park House highlighted.
Stourbridge Hails Jude Bellingham as Tourists Flock
Stourbridge residents call Jude Bellingham a 'legend' as tourists visit his hometown following his World Cup success. The England star's local roots draw fans to the area.
Cadbury Foundation Marks Anniversary with New Chair
The Cadbury Foundation celebrates a landmark anniversary year and welcomes a new Chair of Trustees, marking a new chapter for the charity.
Norfolk's Oldest Private Garden Opens for Charity Event
Norfolk's oldest private garden, The Bishop's Garden, opens for a rare charity event on July 12, raising funds for St John Ambulance with tours, first aid demos, and family activities.
National Trust Sites Change Hours Due to Heatwave
National Trust properties in the West Midlands will close early or restrict access from Monday as temperatures are set to soar, with visitors urged to check ahead before traveling.
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Church Gets £229,751 Grant for Tower and Spire
All Saints' Parish Church in Mackworth, Derbyshire, has been awarded £229,751 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore its historic tower and spire, ensuring its long-term survival.
Win McLaren Supercar or £100k Cash in SilentMode Competition
A new competition offers the chance to win a McLaren 750S supercar worth over £290,000 or a £100,000 cash alternative, with entries starting from £10.
Sunglasses could lead to penalty points for drivers
Drivers wearing certain sunglasses risk penalty points and fines. Category four shades are illegal for driving, warns Nextbase and Quotezone.
Council Update on Birmingham Methodist Central Hall Works
Birmingham City Council issues fresh update on protection works for Grade II-listed Methodist Central Hall after campaigners warn of collapse risk.
West Midlands war memorial restoration to restore glory
A war memorial in West Midlands will be restored to its former glory after a grant of £10,000 from the War Memorials Trust.
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1944 Spitfire and Tiger Moth Collision Kills Two at Lympne
On July 17, 1944, a 41 Squadron Spitfire XII and a Tiger Moth collided near Lympne Airfield, killing both pilots aged 21. The inquiry found the Tiger Moth was flying too low.
Bocking church gets £1,000 for sound system upgrade
St Mary's Church in Bocking receives £1,000 from Redrow's Community Fund to replace its ageing sound system, improving accessibility for worshippers and community groups.
New Appeal to Solve 40-Year Mystery of 'Coronation Wood Man'
Police and charity Locate International launch fresh appeal to identify a man found dead in Coronation Wood near Lichfield in 1987, hoping to give him dignity.
Investigation Demanded After Birmingham College Fire
Community leaders call for a full investigation after a devastating fire at a former Birmingham college campus, raising safety and heritage concerns.
Campaign Urges Sefton Property Owners to Restore Historic Buildings
A new campaign led by David Barton encourages property owners in Sefton to restore historic buildings, aiming to remove local areas from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.
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Moseley Road Baths Secured: Rallying Cry for Heritage
After 11 years of campaigning, Moseley Road Baths' future is secured with £16.2m funding. Campaigner Lucy Reid urges others to keep fighting for historic community spaces.
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