An entertaining and informative resource for those interested in British history, delving deep into its customs and folklore.

This work offers insight into the part played by superstition in British history - the omens and beliefs that have guided kings and shaped the course of battles. Fact, myth and slapstick have all played their part in the story of these islands, and popular versions of events sometimes differ from those found in the standard history books. This book contains over 400 current and continuing customs, over 300 things to see, and over 150 haunted sites. Each of the customs and celebrations included is given its appropriate day, from New Year's Day to Hogmanay, from Shetland to the Channel Islands. When relevant, a story or event is included.

"'A new initiative in the production of popular works on the customs and cultural heritage of the British'" - Times Literary Supplement

"'...will yield not just hours but years of happy browsing'" - Daily Express

"'A delicious diary of myths, superstitions, customs and the silly ways in which we British celebrate them'" - Mail on Sunday

"'A rich bran pie of data, full of surreal feats of obscure saints and whimsy of all kinds'" - Fortean Times

"'An irreverent almanac of British customs and celebrations throughout the year'" - Independent on Sunday

"'A perfectly conceived compendium of culture'" - The Times