Realm

A recent edition includes articles on prehistoric Britain (concentrating this month on stone-constructs like Stonehenge, as well as others); gardens in Stowe, among the best in England; an artists' colony in Suffolk which brings together both painters and composers; and a feature article on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. These articles show the range of topics that the magazine regularly covers -- recent issues have included highlights of particular castles and historical sites (Bosworth Field), features on counties, and biographical articles on historical characters (this month's issue includes an article on Owain Glyndwr, the 15th century Welshman who fought for independence).

Regular features include Letters to the Editor, which in this as in most British publications has a character rather different from American letters-to-the-editor columns; Diary, which highlights openings, special events, and upcoming features; Landmarks in History, concentrating on a particular small piece of history usually with overlooked significance; and Curiosities, which can end up being mostly anything, from a way to cook a peacock to a way to chisel a gargoyle.

Perhaps the most interesting article for me in the most recent issue of Realm is an article on Underground London (a perusal of other reviews I have done will show a significant number of reviews on books on London); not just on the London Underground, mind you, but rather the series of lakes, rivers, streams, and disused and incomplete tunnels that run under the city, largely unknown to the great masses of people who live above.

'Today, there is a veritable subterranean city beneath the streets of London. Yet the underground story starts many years before the reign of Queen Victoria. Here is one example. For many years both common publicans and nobles with a taste for wine have stored their bottles in cellars. Few were more noble than Cardinal Wolsey, whose 16th century wine cellar is hidden under today's Ministry of Defence. Curiously, it is more akin in appearance to the crypts of London's medieval churches and monasteries than to the beer cellars in use today.'

The article proceeds to discuss all of the various underground findings, from the buried Roman walls in the foundations of modern skyscrapers to the underground lakes that are incorporated into the sewer system.

This is a fabulous magazine, a delight for any Anglophile and a treat for those with interest in travelling to Britain. It combines fabulous photography with great writing and interesting topics.

Cheers!


Britain's Past and Present... in Brilliant Colour   March 12, 2003
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Other reviewers have mentioned how Realm brings Britain's past and present to life, and the tremendous wealth of useful travel information in each issue. As a longtime subscriber, I concur.

In addition, the quality of photography within is incredible. You can almost smell the fragrant freshness of English Gardens, the subtle scent of salt spray in a remote fishing village, or the exotic spiciness of Notting Hill's street market.

Should your travel be restricted to a favorite easy chair, Realm brings the U.K. to you. Enjoy.


If you're planning a trip to Britain, get a subscription   February 6, 2002
A. Burchfield (Conway, Missouri USA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I've read this magazine for several years and found it to be an important source of information on every aspect of planning a British vacation. In each issue you'll get information on things to see, places to stay, transportation, everything you'll need. I think that it might be better than most travel guides (they're usually a little out of date), IN BRITAIN Magazine is the only magazine that comes close to it in providing a traveler with useful information on planning a trip.