HISTORIC Kendal is being celebrated in a new book based on a popular Westmorland Gazette column by local historian Arthur Nicholls.

Kendal In Bygone Days reproduces fascinating snippets that were featured on the Gazette’s nostalgia page between August, 2009, and March this year.

The eclectic subject mix reveals little-known facts about Kendal, including its historic people, buildings, yards, fairs and celebrations; and each page is illustrated by photographs from the collection of fellow historian Trevor Hughes.

The pieces also debunk historic misconceptions, such as the claim that Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, was born in Kendal Castle.

“We describe the historic information we give as “soundbites” because we set out to provide a lot more nitty-gritty detail on specific places and events than local history books tend to do,” said Mr Nicholls.

“It’s the sort of detail Kendal people love. I’m amazed by the number of Gazette readers who have come up to me and said: ‘I’ve lived in Kendal all my life and I never knew that.’ Mr Hughes said: “Arthur writes in a conversational rather than textbook style and that has helped to make the Gazette’s nostalgia page so popular.”

Andrew Thomas, senior content editor of The Westmorland Gazette, said: “The Bygone Days column was a mainstay of the nostalgia page which proved popular among Gazette readers following its introduction in 2009.

“An awareness of social history helps us understand the present, and the weekly articles and photographs have provided a fascinating, informative and educational insight into Kendal’s past.

“I am pleased the Gazette has been able to provide a platform for them.”

The book, priced at £8.95 is available at some local bookshops, including Henry Roberts, Kendal Library, or from Mr Hughes (call 01539 724302).