Ulverston: An English Market Town Through History by Helen Shacklady, £14.99

This fascinating new book has been penned by local historian and book stall owner Helen Shacklady.

In 12 thoroughly-researched chapters the book traces the area's history from ten thousand years ago, when Mesolithic people first hunted and fished around Morecambe Bay, to the modern town famed for its festivals, independent shops and as a home of the pharmaceutical giant Glaxo Smith Kline.

Putting Ulverston's history in a national context, Helen begins her exploration of Ulverston's development from the Dark Ages through to Norman times when the town was known for its woollen industry and gained its official market charter.

Ensuing chapters deal with impact on Ulverston of the Black Death, Wars of the Roses, the Dissolution of the Monasteries the 'boom years' of the 18th Century and the coming of the railways.

Helen says in her introduction to the book: "In common with other towns, Ulverston has faced the changes brought about by two world wars, widespread demolition in the 1960s and recent revolutions in shopping habits which threaten the very existence of its ancient market.

"Yet in many ways Ulverston is not like any other town, and has a unique story to tell.

"Charting its development through history, I show how Ulverston gained the particular character which distinguishes it from other similar small towns and makes it such a special place."

Helen was educated at Kendal High School and studied history at the University of St Andrew's.

Published by Handstand Press.

ALLAN TUNNINGLEY