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Well, hello, and welcome to this week's instalment of 'Blog Post Monday'.

This week on my travels I saw something in an antiques store that made me chuckle.  Described as a 19th century glass dump, this piece took on a phallic shape and within the body of it was something that I can only describe as resembling a wave of white tadpoles... I think you get the gist...!  Anyway, me being me, I got home and started doing some research and I happened to stumble across the fascinating world of antique sex toys.  They range from the unusual to the damn right uncomfortable and I thought (for some reason) it would make for an interesting blog post.  I mean, after all, sex sells, right...?

So, have a stiff one to hand... a DRINK that is... I meant a stiff DRINK... and maybe have a cold shower, as we take a look at the fascinating world of antique sex toys...

Welcome to this week's scorching hot instalment of 'Blog Post Monday'!  I hope you're all keeping cool!

I visited Sheffield this week and while digging through the fabulous pieces at one of the antique shops I stumbled across an incredible piece of history.  In fact, the more I've researched it, the more it has blown my mind.  The links and connections between the people involved are absolutely staggering.  So staggering in fact that I just had to dedicate this week's blog post to it.

So, as always, get that kettle on and get your history books out as we take a look at the fascinating web of significant historical events and figures connected to this marvellous find...

Ahoy there and welcome to this week's week's instalment of 'Blog Post Monday'.

A slightly different post this week in the sense that it's not about an exciting find, but instead, it's about the extraordinary story of a groundbreaking 19th century physician named 'James Barry'.  Having no previous knowledge of Barry, I came across his story over the weekend while researching some pieces and I found it so incredible that I just had to write about it.  Some of you, I'm sure, will already be aware of James Barry, but for those of you who have never heard his story, this week's blog post is for you.

So, as always get that kettle on and prepare for the hairs to rise on the back of your neck as we take a look at the extraordinary story of Dr. 'James Barry'...

Ahoy there!  Welcome to this week's instalment of 'Blog Post Monday'.

Sometimes in this job you stumble across the most unbelievable pieces in the most unlikeliest of places.  Sometimes you find an incredible piece and decide not to trust your gut, and you then have to live with the subsequent regret of not having bought that special piece.  Well, both scenarios happened to me recently and I've been waking up most mornings since thinking about the item...  In fact, I've become so obsessed that I decided to spend countless hours researching the piece, despite not owning it and furthermore, without any means of finding or contacting the person who was selling it!  I've got myself in a right ol' pickle over this!

So, as always, get that kettle on and sit tight as I share with you an incredible piece, with an incredible story, with incredible value, which was offered to me and I regretfully turned down...

Welcome to this week's instalment of 'Blog Post Monday'.

In North Yorkshire, nestled just outside of the lovely town of Knaresborough, you'll find the birthplace of Ursula Southeil, or as she's more famously known, Mother Shipton.  Born in 1488, Mother Shipton is England's most famous prophetess.  During her lifetime she made several premonitions about some of the most significant historical events to take place in England, including the Great Fire of London and the Spanish Armada.  This week's post is about the life of Mother Shipton and how a rather fascinating recent find of mine links in with her story. 

So, as always, get that kettle on and get your crystal balls out as we take a look at the story behind my recent find and its link to Yorkshire's own, Mother Shipton...