Six Things on

The Elder tree - protected by a female spirit

The Elder tree - protected by a female spirit

The Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a small tree or shrub found in hedgerows and woods throughout Britain. It is a very common sight and well known for its flowers and berries. It also holds an ancient place in British mythology.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham - the oldest inn in England?

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham - the oldest inn in England?

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in the city of Nottingham claims to be the inn with the longest history in England, established in 1189. It backs onto a series of caves in the sandstone under Nottingham Castle, which were reputedly used as a brewhouse for the castle in the medieval period.

Goldcrest, Britain's smallest bird

Goldcrest, Britain's smallest bird

This beautiful bird is, together with the similar firecrest, Britain's smallest bird. Adults typically weigh just 5g, which is the same as a 20p coin.

Enid Blyton, prolific children's author

Enid Blyton, prolific children's author

Enid Blyton was a prolific British writer of children's stories. Though hugely popular with children, her works were often regarded with disapproval by adults. These days they are also condemned for being non PC.

The lost gardens of Heligan: a Cornish treasure

The lost gardens of Heligan: a Cornish treasure

The lost gardens of Heligan are located near Mevagissey, Cornwall. They are a rediscovered delight, typical of the 19th-century Gardenesque style - a term coined by Scottish botanist John Claudius Loudin, to describe a type of garden design that incorporates both formal and picturesque styles from the past.

Hobson’s Choice: the original one-horse option

Hobson’s Choice: the original one-horse option

Hobson's choice is a supposedly free choice in which actually only one thing is offered, based on the behaviour of a sixteenth-century stable owner in Cambridge. Because a person may refuse to accept what is offered, the two options are taking it or taking nothing. In other words - "take it or leave it".

Six things to delight and entertain you every day.