Located next to the Irish Sea, Southport is a town in north-west England and the 11th most populous city in this region. It is also a very popular seaside resort in the UK, the beautiful shorelines attracting thousands of visitors to the city every year. The city is also famous for the numerous events hosted throughout the year.

If you come here during the right time of the year, you can experience the largest independent flower show in the country, an air show at the beach, and even golf championships. Southport is very charming, having a laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous building facades.
 
The history of Southport appears to have begun a long time ago. The parts of the city that have names of Viking origins stand as proof that this part of England was indeed inhabited long before the country emerged. The Domesday Book also mentions settlements in the area. In fact, the earliest record that attests the presence of man in the area comes from the Middle Stone Age.

The hunters of those days liked the area for its woodlands, fish, shellfish, and large populations of elk and deer. Also, Roman coins were found in the area of the city as well, more precisely at Crossens and Halsall Moss. The Romans did not settle in the area, but the coins indicated that they traveled here or had settlements in the proximity of the city.
 
The Domesday Book mentions the existence of “Otergimele” as the name of the first settlement where Southport was going to develop much later on. In the book, there’s a mention that Otergimele had 200 inhabitants in a number of 50 huts. A primitive church was also built, the parish receiving the name North Meols. Due to the abundant fish in the surrounding waters, the fishing industry thrived here and led to the appearance of the first hamlets around the parish.
 
Toward the end of the 18th century, spa towns emerged across the inland and people visited the seashores to bathe in the salty waters of the sea, for improving their health and well-being. Bathing houses appeared, partially due to the recommendations of doctors to use saltwater for bathing, as a remedy for better health. During the 19th century, Southport developed even more and exceeded Blackpool’s popularity with its finer resort reputation.

This was also due to the fact that the resort enjoyed a canal system as a convenient access way. Other resorts of the kind were accessed with difficulty until a proper railways system was put in place. It is worth mentioning that Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte lived in exile on the Lord Street in Southport before he returned to France to be elected president and end up the Emperor of France.
 
In 1912, Ainsdale and Birkdale, two adjoining villages, contributed to the expansion of Southport, by becoming part of the county borough.  In 1925, the town was left without a lifeboat and, after a set of tragedies that struck its inhabitants in the 1980s, the families in Southport began raising money to get their much-needed lifeboat. The lifeboat operates entirely on the donations made by the public. Up to this date, the city developed beautifully and it truly deserves its name of a fine seaside resort. 

​Brought to you by Digitec Aerials Southport 
https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/southport.html

Wigan is a town that lies in the Greater Manchester region in England. It lies on the River Douglas and is 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Bolton, 19 km (17 miles) north of Warrington and 27.4km (17 miles) west-northwest of Manchester.

Origin

Wigan started as a village. It wasn’t until the 13th Century that it became a town. It was granted a charter by the king in 1246 which allowed the people to hold weekly markets. The town grew slowly so that as the Middle Ages neared their end, it had a population of about 3000.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, coal mining started around Wigan. However, the main economic activity in the town was making wool. The first process involved weaving the wool. Before it was dyed, it was made clean and thick by getting pounded in a mixture of clay and water. This was known as fulling. Wooden hammers that were driven by watermills pounded the wool.

Civil War

In 1642, civil war began between parliament and the king. The occupants of Wigan were mostly behind the king. However, in April 1643, Wigan was invaded by parliamentary forces. A year later, it got captured by the Royalists. However, their hold was not for long. In July 1644, following the battle of Marston Moor, the Royalists gave up the entire north of England.

In 1651, in an attempt to regain power, Charles II led a campaign with the Scots. He was joined by many of the Englishmen. However, the Royalist force suffered defeat in the hands of Parliamentarians during the battle on Wigan Lane.

Industrial Growth

In the 18th Century, Wigan continued to grow rapidly as it was an important market town. Furthermore, clock makers set up shop and made clocks in the town while whitesmiths crafted pewter goods. 1779 saw the completion of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal up to Wigan. In 1764, a waterworks was set up in Wigan while 1798 marked the opening up of a dispensary where the poor got free medicine.

At the close of the 18th century, coal mining drastically increased in Wigan. Also, in 1790, Wigan got its first iron works. Additionally, the late 18th century saw the cotton weaving business boom in Wigan.

Social Amenities

In the 19th century, there was a considerable improvement in amenities. From 1823, there was gas light in Wigan. In 1848, Wigan was linked to Liverpool and Manchester by railway. In 1856, a cemetery was established while in 1873, the Wigan Infirmary was started.

Written by Digitec Aerials Wigan
https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/wigan.html

On the banks of River Mersey lies Warrington, a large town that is strategically positioned in that it is 20 miles (32km) to the west of Manchester and 20 miles (32km) to the east of Liverpool. It has an estimated population of 209,700 and is the largest town in the whole of Cheshire County. In addition to this, it is wonderful business hub for entrepreneurs looking to pitch tent in the town and this is why:

• Good transport

It is crucial for every business to be able to reach the rest of the country regardless of its location. You want to get to your suppliers, clients and other contacts in record time. As a young company in Warrington, this is made possible by the very good transport links that will be vital in getting to your clients. While in Warrington, you are only minutes away from the M6, M56 and the M62 which will link you to the rest of the country. Additionally, it boasts of two train stations. It’s proximity to Manchester and Liverpool means that you have access to airports should you have to travel internationally.

• Business environment

Every entrepreneur is concerned with whether there are potential clients and Warrington will have you at ease. It is the home of multiple businesses that include Rolls-Royce, BT and TalkTalk. It is also home to other industries. For instance, Arcadis, a worldwide leader in design and consultancy for built and natural assets, calls Warrington home as well as Nuvia, the nuclear specialist. Regardless of your business niche, you won’t be short of clients, contacts or if need be, a business partner.

• Talent pool

When a business starts growing, there is the need for employees and this calls for recruitment. Warrington is anything but short of talent as it is home to a labour pool full of enterprising and skilled people. Additionally, being near to both Liverpool and Manchester means that it has access to the talented graduates from the respective universities. Warrington also plays host to a University of Chester campus which gives you a talent pool to recruit from.

• Support for business

Having a support system for new businesses is one way to ensure success and Warrington is full of diverse organizations that are bent on leading your company to growth. For example, there’s the Warrington Business Exchange which is a valuable networking organization that will link you to the contacts you need for the success of your business. Other organizations include the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Hub and for internet access, the Connecting Cheshire Superfast Business.
You might be wary about setting up business in a town that is not often on the media headlines but this doesn’t mean that the town is bad for business. In fact, there are so many opportunities to take advantage that you can’t afford to miss out on.

• ​Small Businesses 

As asmall business Digitec Aerials operates in and around the area as TV Aerial Installers. Using the excellent transport links and roads it is fairly easy to get from job to job. for more info click here

​Blackpool is a famous town and resort located on the seashores of the Irish Sea. It became important, as a settlement, after the middle of the 18th century, when English people discover the health benefits of visiting coastal areas. Since then, it attracted more and more people with its beautiful scenery, long strands of beach, landmarks, and all the benefits provided by a modern town. You should definitely consider visiting Blackpool, as it can offer a wide range of activities besides lounging on the beach. Below you will find a list with the best things you can do in Blackpool, Lancashire.

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach

 
Because we are talking about a resort on the coast of a sea, it is impossible not to start with a beach as the main attraction. After all, the seaside and beaches are the main attractions of Blackpool. But, it is worth knowing that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is actually an amusement park, not just a mere beach. Believe it or not, this park has been attracting visitors for a very long time already and it still manages to enjoy the same success nowadays as well. Due to the high and diverse number of rides and attractions, it is the ideal place for families with children of all ages.

• Winter Gardens

 
This is the place in Blackpool that hosts a wide range of events and shows. Here you can see anything from gracious ballroom dances to loud punk concerts, and everything in between. So, if you want to be part of an even while visiting Blackpool, you should check out the events taking place at the Winter Gardens. There are high chances to find a great deal of entertainment there.

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• The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

 
If you think you are brave, you should definitely take a trip to the Blackpool Tower Dungeon. These are real dungeons that were built a long time ago and they can be spooky just to walk through them. While the experience is made to be fun, with the help of various rides and interactive performances, it will also give you an insight of a darker part of Blackpool’s history, like the dark magic performed by witches.

• Madame Tussauds

 
It is easy to meet all your favourite celebrities in Blackpool. You just need to visit Madame Tussauds and see loyal copies, made out of wax, of the most beloved celebrities, from movie stars and singers to superheroes.

• Sea Life

 
Sea Life Blackpool is a must-see location, especially if you are looking to enjoy a pleasant activity with the entire family. The kids will be simply mesmerised by the multitude of colourful fish and impressive water tanks. Besides discovering a wide array of sea creatures, there is also the chance to get engaged in fun activities at the interactive rock pools. And those that truly adventurous and courageous can opt to snorkel in a tank with sharks.

• Big One

 
For those seeking thrilling adventures, Blackpool offers an impressive roller-coaster, called the Big One. Just how high this roller-coaster gets? You will have to face heights of up to 235 feet and speeds of 87 mph. Are you up to it? You will even get your picture taken as the ride approaches the end of the track, so you may want to control your screaming. 

Conclusion

Digitec carry out TV Aerial Installations in Blackpool and have been serving the people of Blackpool for many years. We are happy and proud to work with the people of Blackpool and hope to do so for many years to come. For more info go here ​https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/tv-aerial-installers-blackpool.html

Bolton is a town that lies in Greater Manchester which is in North West England. It started off as a small village. In the middle age, it mushroomed and became bigger and also gained importance. As such, it was made into a town in 1251. This was after it was granted a charter, which is a document that granted its occupants certain rights. For instance, they were permitted to hold a market.

Markets were important in these times because during the Middle Ages, there were seldom any shops and in order for one to sell or buy anything, they had to visit a market. For this reason, merchants and craftsmen moved in to Bolton in order to sell their wares in the market. Another right was that Bolton could have a fair. These were the equivalent of markets but were annual and only for a few days. During a fair, people would flock from the entire Lancashire to take part in the Bolton fair.
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Bolton continued to blossom in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1516, the Bolton Grammar School was started and by the turn of the 17th century, a cotton weaving industry had been established in Bolton. By mid-17th century, Bolton was estimated to have a population of around 2,000 and it was growing in importance.
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Civil War
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Civil war sprung in 1642 between parliament and the king. The people of Bolton all supported parliament, a dissent from the rest of the population in Lancashire who supported the king. During this war period, the people in Bolton made earthwork defences all around the town and laid wait for the royalists to make an attack. The royalists made their attack in February 1643 but were defeated.

In a bid to protect the town, parliament sent out 3,000 men to fortify Bolton in January 1644. The royalists made another attack on Bolton in March 1644 but lost again. However, they succeeded in May 1644 when they attempted to capture the town. After a small siege, they overpowered the defences. When they gained entrance into the town, the royalists killed most of the parliamentary soldiers. As many as 1000 soldiers are thought to have died with around 700 taken as captives.

In 1649, Charles I got executed. In 1651, his son attempted to regain his throne by leading an uprising. This failed and as a result a man dubbed the Earl of Derby was captured and beheaded.

Cotton Industry
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In 1779, Samuel Crompton, came up with the spinning mule. He went on to open a cotton mill in the following year. The cotton industry grew at a huge rate and dominated Bolton. It continued to flourish into the 19th century. Other industries in Bolton include paper making and bleaching. Coal mining also started in the Middle Ages but grew in the 19th Century. 

​Written by Digitec Aerials of Bolton https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/bolton.html

Kendal is a town synonymously referred to as the “Gateway to the Lake District”. It is a vibrant town that boasts of a population of about 30,000 people and is located in South Lakeland. Additionally, it is 8 miles to the south-east of Windermere. It is also the gateway to a UNESCO world heritage site, the Lake District National Park.
Why the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’?

Kendal is christened the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’ because most times, it is the first destination that people encounter when they get into the Lake District. It has also been featured multiple times on The Sunday Times’ Best Places to live list. This makes it the more reason for tourists to have a stopover while on a Lake District tourist trail.

As a an engineer that travels fitting TV Aerials in Kendal, I get to see a lot of thios beautiful countryside on my journey

The residents of Kendal love that the town gives them a blend of town and country life. It is a tourist magnet as there’s always plenty to see all year round. It also boasts of breathtaking Lakeland scenery.

​History
Kendal got on the map when the Romans arrived in the first century AD. They however left and were succeeded by the Normans. During the Norman Conquest, there had been a motte and bailey castle established at Castle Howe, which is to the west of the current town centre. The castle has been dubbed Kendal Castle and was built on Castle Hill around 1183 though the actual date is unknown. 

It was when Kendal was granted the Market Charter in 1189 that it began to grow. Richard I, granted the Baron of Kendal, Gilbert Fitz-Renfried, a license to hold a Saturday Market. In exchange, he got money to support his Crusades overseas. The Baron on the other hand levied extra charges on the traders.

In the 14th century, the wool business in Kendal began to blossom. The town was at a geographical center to the Westmorland wool industry. It was also at the center of the monastic wool trade. As the industry flourished, the town also grew in number and prosperity.

Tourist sites

The main tourist attraction is the Kendal Castle that is on top of the Castle Hill. It may be in ruins, but it provides for a fun time as people explore and the site also provides for spectacular views over the town below and the River Kent. Kendal is also a darling to hikers as it boasts popular hiking trails such as Hawkshead to Lake Windermere and The Langdale Pikes. The town is also famous for Kendal mint cake.

Read about the History of the Romans in Kendal

Kendal is a vibrant town that boasts of a population of about 30,000 people and is located in South Lakeland. Additionally, it is 8 miles to the south-east of Windermere. It has been dubbed ‘Gateway to the Lakes’ because most times, it is the first destination that people encounter when they get into the Lake District. It is also home (and lends its name) to the famous Kendal Mint Cake. Oblivious to many, Kendal owes its establishment to the Romans. Working in and around the area for many years as a TV Aerial & Satellite Engineer for Digitec Aerials Kendal I have always been fascinated by the history of the place.

Romans in Kendal
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Evidence of the Romans settlement in Kendal lies on Watercrook, which is found on a horseshoe bend on the River Kent and that is outside Kendal. It is a site that the Romans chose to build their first fort around AD95. It was initially a timber structure but was later rebuilt with stone circa 130 in the reign of Hadrian. The fort was then left for around 20 years when Antonine re-occupied Scotland.

Later it was rebuilt in the reign of Marcus Aurelius and was used by up to 270. It is not known what the Romans might have given for the name of the fort though the contenders for the title include Medibogodo and Concangium. This fort at Watercrook endured the Roman Empire but got brought down by later settlers. However, it was later rediscovered in the 16th century by scholars.

Excavations conducted at Watercrook have yielded various Roman items such as jewelry coins and even a bust of the god Bacchus. However, modern Kendal offers no proof to there being Roman forebears.

Roman Invasion into Britain

In 43 AD, the Romans conducted their initial conquest into Britain. However, the territory occupied by the Brigantes was free from Roman rule for a period of time (the initial inhabitants of Kendal were the Brigantes). The leader of the Brigantes at this time was queen Cartimandua and her husband was called Venutius. The Romans were provoked into conquering the area when Venutius revolted and the revolt threatened to turn the Brigantes anti-Roman, together with their allies, a dissent from their pro-Roman stand previously.
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Nowadays, the Roman fort that was at Kendal is not only invisible, but it is also almost impossible to get to. The remains are buried in a loop of the River Kent. The fort has also been tremendously reduced in height as well as form by the many years of farming and ploughing. All that’s left is a faint square platform that can be seen in the field.

​The county town of Lancaster in Lancashire is the most important city in the area. It has a rich history, dating back to the times of the Romans and Saxons, it is an important centre for education and culture, and has a strong commercial background. It is worth mentioning that the House of Lancaster was once a branch of the English Royal Family. The Duchy of Lancaster holds impressive estates in the behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. So, the city and its surrounding areas played and continue to play an important role in the history of the region and country alike.

The name of the city, Lancaster, comes from words in Old English and Latin. The word “Lon” makes reference to “river”, while “caster” comes from the old “cæster” in English or “castrum” in Latin, which means “fort”. The word “fort” wasn’t just borrowed for the making of the city’s name, but actually comes from a Roman fort that existed in the area. It is believed that this fort was built in the last part of the 1st century, AD. It was positioned on the same hill where you can see the Lancaster Castle in present days. Several Roman coins found at this site led to these conclusions, also making experts believe that the fort was not inhabited in a continuous manner. 

In 1812, several Roman baths were also discovered in Lancaster, in the proximity of the junction formed our of the Church Street and Bridge Lane. It was believed that this bathhouse served a fort from the 4th century. But, in spite of the numerous findings dating back to the times of the Romans, very little is known about the ruling of the Romans in Britain during that period. Details missing from the period between the 5th century and 11th century when the Norman Conquest took place. But, even so, it is believed that the city was inhabited during this period, even if solid proof was not found.
 
In 1066, after the Norman conquest was completed, Lancaster ended up in the rule of William I. This detail was mentioned in the Domesday Book, in the year 1086, which is also the first written evidence where the name of the city was mentioned. In 1193, it was controlled by King Richard I. And, in the 13th century, the construction of the Lancaster Castle started, which was, later on, continued and expanded by Elizabeth I. As mentioned earlier, this castle stands on the former site of a Roman garrison. But, only in 1937 it officially became a city. Many of the old buildings that can be seen in the center of Lancaster date back to the 19th century, being built in a period when the port in the city was one of the busiest in the country.
 
In present days, Lancaster is focused mainly on the service industry. Besides the fact that the city manufactures a wide range of goods, such as paper, textiles, chemicals, and livestock, a top-notch technology sector started to emerge as well. Many IT and communications companies chose to invest in Lancaster, which explains the development of this new activity domain. Until 2007, Lancaster was the headquarters for the famous company Reebok. Since 1880, when the Bowerham Barracks were completed, military forces are permanently present in the city.

​Having worked in and around Lancaster Fixing TV Aerials I have noticed a lot of very interesting older buildings. As an Aerial Installer in Lancaster I am often at an advantage to get a good look at things because I often work on roof tops. For more info on Aerial Installation work go to https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-lancaster--morecambe.html

Read ... Places to Visit in Lancaster 

Considering the rich history of Lancaster, a city that has been around since the days of the Roman Empire, it is easy to see why there are so many amazing places to visit here. From ancient vestiges, castles, medieval buildings, and modern constructions, everything can be found in Lancaster. But, if you want to know what attracts visitors to the city year after year, you should take a look at the places listed below. They are the best you can visit in Lancaster and it is worth taking into consideration when the time is short.

• The Lancaster Castle

 
There’s no better way to start your visit in Lancaster than by visiting the Lancaster Castle, a famous landmark in the area. Considering that Queen Elizabeth II is actually the Duke of Lancaster, this castle is closely connected to the British royal family. The castle is still as impressive and majestic as it once was, so it is definitely worth paying a visit. But, besides the castle, you can also take a look at the houses that surround it, made in the Georgian style around the 1700s. 

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• Lancaster Priority Church

 
Located close to the Lancaster Castle, it is definitely worth the time to visit this Church as well. The first priory appeared in 1094, although it is believed that a Roman building existed there before the priory was made, somewhere around the year 200. Since the first priory was built, the Church was constantly expanded and changed, until it reached the present-day shape. Known as the Priory Church of St. Mary, this building is listed as Grade I since 1953.
 

• Lancaster Town Hall

 
Located in Dalton Square, the Town Hall of Lancaster was opened by Lord Ashton, on the 27th of December 1909. A multi-millionaire industrialist and businessman, Lord Ashton translated his fortune in the gorgeous building that still stands today, the Ashton hall being today one of the most preferred venues for various events and concerts. As soon as you walk inside, you will be amazed by the details and opulence of the building, the reflection of a man that managed to get very rich during the industrial era.
 

• The Stone Jetty

 
The Stone Jetty is ideal for walks, as it goes along the sea, allowing you to enjoy the view and the sea breeze. But, as you walk by, it is possible to spoil your eyesight with numerous artworks. When you want to take a break, you can stop at the cafe located near the end of the jetty or enjoy the Ravilious Rotunda Bar at the Midland Hotel.
 

• The Morecambe Winter Gardens

 
If you visit Morecambe, you will have the chance to see examples of beautiful Victorian architecture. Listed as a Grade II building, this was officially opened in 1897, amazing everyone with its details ever since. It is also worth mentioning that the building appeared on TV on numerous occasions, as it served as the ideal background for very many scenes in movies and TV shows. If you want to get the most of your visit here, opt for a guided tour.
 

• The Dukes

 
The Dukes is actually a theater, but the architecture and size of the building are impressive. So, whether you like arts or architecture, you have more than enough reasons to visit The Dukes. The famous Williamson Park Walkabout Theatre calls this place home while this place is deeply involved in the making of not just theatre, but also film, art, and education.

Read A Short History of Lancaster

Dating back to the glory periods of the Roman Empire, Preston made it to our days and, even more than this, transformed into a beautiful and modern city. So, when visiting Preston, it is possible to enjoy everything a modern city has and see fragments of its rich history. In case you are still looking to reasons to visit Preston, here are several interesting facts about Preston that will definitely stir your curiosity.

• The word “teetotal” was invented in Preston

 
If you are not familiar with this word, you should know that it makes reference to abstention from alcohol. During a meeting of the Preston Temperance Society, back in 1833, this word was used for the first time in order to define the need to stay away from alcohol consumption. However, you don’t have to be teetotal in order to visit Preston. There is a rather considerable number of pubs and bars in the city that can be enjoyed by anyone.

• Digitec Aerials Preston 

So, Preston is a hive of activity for small to medium size businesses. One such business is Digitec Aerials Preston. They are service engineers for the Preston area fixing TV Aerials & Satellite Systems . They offer a wider range of services than your typical Sky Engineers since they are not restricted to heights.

• It was the first city in the UK that used gas to light up its streets

 
More than two centuries ago, the streets of Preston were lit with the help of gas lamps. This was possible with the help of a network of gas pipes. Outside London, Preston was the first city in the country that enjoyed such an upgrade. However, some of the standards of those days would definitely not get safety approvals today, since some of those pipes were made out of musket barrels.

• Preston enjoyed the first KFC restaurant made outside North America

 
Fans of the Kentucky Fried Chicken should know that people in Preston were the first living outside Canada and the US who had the chance to enjoy the famous KFC chicken. Back in 1965, in the month of May, the first KFC restaurant appeared in the city. Today, you can find no less than tree KFC eateries in the central area of Preston.

• It may have the longest line of red phone boxes in the country

 
The red phone box is famous in the UK and the item was featured in numerous movies. Even if no one uses payphones these days anymore, there’s something fascinating about these phone booths. They add a bit of nostalgia to the city’s landscape. Preston has a line of no less than 8 red phone boxes, placed one after the other. It is believed that this is the longest line of the kind in the entire UK. So, if you want to see something special in the UK, you can definitely experience it in Preston. But, hurry, as the city council talks about repurposing these boxes, so no one knows for how long they can be seen in their current location.

• It is home to one of the most representative Brutalist architectural pieces

 
Preston has a bus station like no other. It was built toward the end of the 1960s and represents an act of modern architectural charity. The Twentieth Century Society called this bus station one of the most representative of the Brutalist architectural style. If you want to get familiar with this style, you can easily visit Preston and see this masterpiece, which is available to every passerby. 

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