Where can you see an effigy of a Templar? What prompted King John to hand England over to an Italian? Who worked for the Templars in Yorkshire? The Knights Templar in Yorkshire answers all these questions and many more. This new book explores what medieval life was like during the Templars' stay in Yorkshire. Not only was it the biggest county in Britain, but in Templar terms it was also the richest. They owned more land, property and people in Yorkshire than in any other county in England. This fascinating volume takes the reader on an intimate tour of the ten major Templar sites established in Yorkshire, and reveals what life was like for their inhabitants - how the land was farmed, what the population ate, how they were taxed and local legends. Illustrated with an intriguing collection of photographs and specially commissioned maps, this book is sure to appeal to anyone interested in medieval history.

Over the centuries it has been the manufacturing of textiles and confectionery that has brought wealth to Halifax in West Yorkshire. The town's impressive Grade I listed Piece Hall, built in the eighteenth century, was the place where handloom weavers gathered to sell the woollen cloth they had produced. On a sweeter subject, Halifax was also home to the nineteenth-century confectionery firm Mackintosh's, famous for chocolates including Quality Street and Rolo. During the 1920s it became known as 'Toffee Town'. In A-Z of Halifax local author Trish Colton takes the reader on an engaging tour of the town's history across the centuries. The book embraces a wide variety of subjects, which will be of interest to both residents and visitors. From the buildings and streets to the famous - and infamous - sons and daughters, this is a fascinating portrait of Halifax, revealing well-known and hidden aspects of its heritage. Discover the road safety invention that was the brainchild of a Halifax man, and learn more about the 900-year-old minster, the industrial heritage, urban regeneration, commerce and culture of this Yorkshire town.