What do our beloved hostelries have to do with the discovery of DNA, the D-Day landings and The Lord of the Rings ? Everything, as Ashleigh Arnott discovers

Quiz of the week 1) Which Shakespeare play ...

A riot of coloured bark, an emblem of resilience and final rest, an integral part of rural life and blessed relief from a headache: the willow tree has little to weep about, finds Deborah Nicholls-Lee

Far more than a walking aid, a properly made stick is a tangible–not to mention very useful– link to the land itself, says Gabriel Stone

Shakespeare’s works are peppered with countless food references: pies, cakes, capons and a great deal of sherry, for starters. Some are set-dressing details, but many were allusions that would have be

Our columnist is worried that the British custom of elevenses is in danger of going out of fashion