History

  • History

    Embracing Faith, Hope, and Love: Neodesha United Methodist Church’s Journey

    The Neodesha United Methodist Church stands tall, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Neodesha, radiating a sense of warmth and welcome to all who pass by. For over a century, this vibrant congregation has been a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for the community it serves. Rooted in the teachings of Christ, the church continues to evolve, adapt, and foster a nurturing environment for its members and beyond. This post aims to celebrate the church’s rich history, highlight its impactful ministries, and reflect on the profound influence it has had on countless lives. A Legacy of Faith and Tradition The origins of the Neodesha United Methodist Church…

  • History

    A brief history of Leeds

    As the cultural, commercial, legal and financial hub of West Yorkshire, Leeds is second only to London in the scale of its business scene.  It’s difficult to imagine nowadays that the original name of Leeds – ‘Loidis’ – actually derives from the area of forest that originally covered this region.  As time passed, the focus of this name became more specific, with the name morphing into Leodis, Ledes, and eventually the name with which we are familiar today, the city of Leeds. In 1207, a small town grew alongside a river crossing that linked the church and the corn mills. Through this town ran a new road that was known…

  • History

    A Brief History of Oxford

    Although opinions regarding the origins of Oxford vary, archaeological finds suggest that the original settlement in Oxford was Neolithic, possibly dating back to as early as 4000 BC. Mostly ignored by the Roman conquerors during their invasion, Oxford did not become a significant location until later. However, by the time of the Saxon rule Oxford had gained an abbey and found itself situated on a major trade route between the powerful Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex. The importance of Oxford at this time was therefore based on its geographical location. Oxford’s history was further developed and enhanced by King Alfred the Great, King of Wessex and the ruler responsible…

  • History

    A Brief History of Birmingham

    The earliest signs of a settlement in Birmingham date back to the Bronze Age. The current city has its origins in an Anglo-Saxon development of 700 AD; however the city grew to prominence in the industrial revolution. Birmingham has long been associated with trade and manufacturing and this has been the key reason for its growth. Birmingham’s market place was central to its growth. Traders flocked to the market and it soon developed a reputation as one of the leading trading places in the area. Manufacturing grew alongside this, focusing initially on cloth and metal goods. However, in later years the city became particularly well known for its iron and…

  • History

    A Brief History of Reading

    Founded by the Saxons in 800 AD, Reading grew up in what was an ideal location. Its proximity to the Thames and the Kennet rivers gave it excellent transport links for its market to develop, meaning that it could supply the Thames Valley and London, which lies just 41 miles away to the east. It was originally called Reada Ingas, which means ‘people of Reada’. Reada was a tribal Saxon leader who settled in the area. The area suffered invasion and capture over the years by both the Vikings and the Normans, and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it still only numbered some 600 residents. But…

  • History

    A Brief History of Sunderland

    Sunderland is a city on the north-east coast of England, an important hub of the Tyne and Wear region. The area has some stunning coastal views and some world-class scenery, while the city itself has excellent shopping facilities, as well as places to visit. The coast is attracting increasing numbers of surfers, who are drawn to the area by its impressive waves. Sunderland’s history dates back to Anglo Saxon times, when the town fell within the area of Monkwearmouth. The name means ‘sundered land’,which refers to the separation from the estates of the monasteries of Monkwearmouth rather than a literal separation of the land. In 1719 Sunderland became its own…

  • History

    A Brief History of Gloucester

    Gloucester began life as a Roman settlement for retired soldiers, and has since had its ups and downs, like many small cities. The centre is on the site of an ancient fortress that dates back to about AD60. The city was given its first charter in 1155 by King Henry II, so it had the same privileges as London. It is renowned as being the place that became the turning point in 1643 during the English Civil War, when King Charles I demanded that the city surrender, having taken nearby Bristol. But Gloucester supported Parliament and its people refused. For nearly a month, the king’s army of 35,000 camped on…

  • History

    A Brief History of Bracknell

    Bracknell is a new town created in 1948, situated in the Bracknell forest area, which has been settled since the Iron Age. Evidence of the area’s rich history is abundant: there is a Bronze Age barrow at Bill Hill, and Caesar’s camp is a hillfort which was built by the Celts and pre-dates the Roman invasion. Bracknell covers the old village of Easthampstead. This was first mentioned in the Domesday book and means “homestead by gate”. This refers to the fact that at the time, this part of Berkshire was all part of the forest of Windsor. The gate referred to allowed deer to move to another part of the…

  • History

    A Brief History of Glasgow

    Being the biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow is often in the limelight, whether it is to do with its ever-growing cultural side or the problems it has faced over the decades. But Glaswegians are never ones to sit back and let things happen to them, and in the last few years the city has regenerated itself to become a force to be reckoned with. Built up around a 6th century church founded by St Mungo that later became the cathedral, Glasgow is on the banks of the River Clyde, a great asset to this colourful place. The University of Glasgow, established in 1451, has also been an important part of…