Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
November 11, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
A Lancashire country cottage with 1.4 acres is for sale for less than the price of a parking space in Knightsbridge; it could be yours for just £80,000 A country cottage with acreage: It sounds idyllic and with a price of just £80,000 ($104,000, €92,000 or درهم381,000), it’s cheaper than the price of a … Continue reading “A Cheap Country Cottage”
August 13, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests Noel Edmonds’ latest outburst just confirms himself to be a strange, publicity desperate fool Spiritualist television personality Noel Edmonds is certainly an off-the-scale oddity. He blamed the banking giant HBOS for getting cancer and then claimed he knew of an electric box that could cure the disease; he tried to “comfort” … Continue reading “Wally of the Week – Noel Edmonds”
June 4, 2017
by General
Reclusive yet charming “leisure entrepreneur” Trevor Hemmings owns over 100 racehorses, lives primarily on the Isle of Man and generously funded the SAFE centre to help victims of sexual violence in Preston, Lancashire. This “publicity averse” self-made father of four’s Grand National winning horses have included Ballabriggs, Hedgehunter and Many Clouds and other assets … Continue reading “Trevor Hemmings CVO”
April 17, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Former Lancashire farmhouse for sale for £1.69 million complete with giant chessboard Until recently used as a holiday cottage rental, Low House at Eskrigge in Lancashire is described by selling agents Matthews Benjamin as “a joy to behold”. Dating to the late 17th century and originally a farmhouse and barn, this 4,490 … Continue reading “Checkmate”
August 30, 2016
by General
A selection of five of the best follies for sale in Britain and elsewhere A folly is unlikely to make an ideal home for a family, but for someone a little more quirky – a writer or artist perhaps – they can easily make an ideal home. Our selection of five of the … Continue reading “Five of the Best – Follies for sale”
August 26, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
The perfect gift for your parents – A pair of Mercedes-Benz cars with plates for mum and dad A 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL would typically set you back around £15,000 whilst a 1988 420SL could cost you anything upto £65,000. Now, for the extraordinary figure of £250,000, someone devoted to their parents could get both … Continue reading “One for Mum and one for Dad”
August 15, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Unlucky mansion in Yorkshire with 13 bedrooms for sale for a lower sum than it was marketed for in 2007 – despite having been renovated internally in the time since Offered for sale for less than it was last marketed in a “dilapidated condition” in 2007, Whinburn Hall in the gritty West Yorkshire mill … Continue reading “An unlucky mansion”
August 12, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
A tribute to Gerald Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Westminster (1951 – 2016) Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, the 6th Duke of Westminster was a man of duty dedicated to his country, its military and to the countryside he so loved. Described in a poignant tribute on the Grosvenor Estate’s website as “distinctly down-to-earth” and … Continue reading “The Duke of Westminster”
August 7, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
1990 MG Rover Metro with just 1,707 miles on the clock for sale for a pretty penny Offered by East Lancashire Classics at their garage and on eBay also, a 1990 MG Rover Metro comes in “showroom fresh” condition and just 1,707 miles on the clock. Described as “original and unmolested” and … Continue reading “Moving a Metro”
May 5, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
“World famous actor” with a superinjunction set to be named in America
April 20, 2016
by General
Comedian Victoria Wood’s final tweet was: “Life’s not fair, is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597”.
April 3, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Georgian house in Lancashire will appeal to George Osborne’s new northern wealth
December 29, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Image of flooded Lancashire field complete with sign advertising it as a development site for 39 homes illustrates the perils of building on flood plains
December 19, 2015
by steepleadmin
George Appleton identifies three breeds within the shooting classes and urges readers to see which they belong to
July 26, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Pioneer of pizza in Britain places £1.15 million Lancashire home on the market
July 16, 2015
by General
Named the “UK’s star of tomorrow” by Screen Daily in 2014, Edward Holcroft has also been described as “a remarkable actor, a remarkable man” by fellow actor Mark Rylance.
June 20, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
£3 million sought for a repossessed, roofless shell set in 1,530 acres of Cumbrian countryside
June 8, 2015
June 5, 2015
by General
Christine Walkden describes herself as a “gardener, horticulturist, plantswoman, lecturer, trainer, garden centre advisor, tour leader and guide, broadcaster, writer and photographer”.
June 3, 2015
by General
With over 66,000 followers on Twitter, Stinson Hunter is a self-styled online crime fighter.
May 19, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Wayne and Coleen Rooney buy a caravan – They should have bought the entire park
February 25, 2015
by General
Credited with taking Fisherman’s Friend global, Fleetwood based Doreen Lofthouse is modest, decent and unpretentious.
January 14, 2015
by General
Oldham born divorcee and former glamour model Ampika Pickston describes herself as “feisty, fun loving and warm hearted”.
December 31, 2014
October 8, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Reconfigured Lancashire estate for sale for £4.25 million Businessman Martin Higginson and his wife Maggie have reversed what has happened to most English country estates in buying back properties and land around their Lancashire home, Hay Carr at Bay Horse, near Lancaster. They are now selling the whole property with a price of offers … Continue reading “Northern glory”
July 11, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A Cumbrian mansion built by opium traders and more recently used by cannabis growers comes to the market for just £1.5 million Built by the well-known Dent family, who made their fortune trading both tea and opium, Flass is a vast 23,000 square foot Palladian mansion on the outskirts of the village of Maulds … Continue reading “Drugs and Dents”
June 25, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This mother and son duo were the stalwarts that built Britain’s most popular seaside attraction, the 40-acre Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Fairgrounds were their life and even at 95, Malvern Ladies’ College educated Doris Thompson MBE OBE was the first to ride her park’s 100mph Playstation ride. After getting off, she gamely stated: “That’s the closest … Continue reading “Doris Thompson MBE OBE (1903 – 2004) and Geoffrey Thompson (1936 – 2004)”
May 3, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Former home of Take That’s Mark Owen for sale In 1996, at the age of just 24, Mark Owen paid £300,000 for Leck Hill House, near Kirkby Lonsdale on the borders of Lancashire and Cumbria. At the time, The Mirror described how he’d “fallen in love” with the house and we can see why.
February 27, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Bentley S3 Continental coupé to be auctioned by Bonhams The late Alan Whicker numbered amongst those to have owned a Bentley S3 Continental coupé and now a fine example is to be auctioned by Bonhams
February 22, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Nigel Evans MP reviews The Swan with Two Necks at Pendleton in Lancashire An old working farmhouse dating from 1772 that doubles up as the local tap for hardworking farming families and Clitheroe dwellers, has become, 240 years later, the Camra ‘best pub of Britain’.
February 11, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Films to watch on a winter’s day With flooding battering Britain and snow in New York, now’s the time to stay indoors. What could be better than a film fest? Here, in no particular order, are five of my favourites
December 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
My Travel tycoon puts Jersey mansion on the market for £19 million David Crossland is a fine example of a “Northern lad done good”. Starting out in the 1970s he turned two small travel agencies into a package tour empire and now with the sale of his Jersey mansion, one can see how truly … Continue reading “My Mansion”
December 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Hilary Devey slices £250,000 off asking price of her country residence Bolton born businesswoman and former Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey CBE has slashed the price of her Staffordshire home from £2.2 million to just £1.95 million through agents Fisher German.
December 13, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Lancastrian steeplejack and television personality was gentle, outspoken and self-taught. A father of five and thrice married, Dibnah described himself as “just a bum who climbs chimneys” and once stated: “If you make a mistake, it’s half a day with the undertaker”. He had no time for “fancy London types” and took the view … Continue reading “Fred Dibnah MBE (1938 – 2004)”
November 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Stuart Hall arrives at Preston Magistrates Court in handcuffs Stuart Hall’s disgrace rightly continues to make headlines as yet more allegations emerge against him. For that reason, an image of the 83-year old former presenter arriving at Preston Magistrates Court in handcuffs today had to be our Picture of the Week.
November 3, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 million people have watched this Liverpool born educationalist’s “How schools kill creativity” lecture on TED and his advocacy for discovering talents and passions have earned him plaudits galore. Now based in Los Angeles, Robinson once wisely stated: “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original”. He believes “curiosity … Continue reading “Sir Kenneth Robinson”
October 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
As Savile’s chauffeur Dave Smith is found dead, we suggest his curse is coming into effect Jimmy Savile’s driver Ray Teret appeared in court on Saturday charged with historic sex offences and now another former chauffeur, Dave Smith, has been found dead. Savile once told Louis Theroux that he’d “take everybody down” if he … Continue reading “The curse of Savile”
September 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Stonebrook Court Manor: The sale of a Californian mansion where it’s more about patience than price Stonebrook Court Manor in California’s Los Altos Hills has been on and off the market since January 2008. Its owner, a “television executive turned Internet investor” and investment banker named Kelly Porter, though said to be “in no … Continue reading “Price vs. Patience”
September 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Actors William Roache and Michael Le Vell in court on the same day Soaps are meant to be more dramatic than reality. In the case of the nation’s longest running series, however, it’s the personal lives of the actors that have actually become more tawdry.
August 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Rolls-Royce shooting brake commissioned by John Entwistle of The Who goes to auction In the manner typical of a rock star, The Who’s John Entwistle never learnt to drive. Instead, the legendary bass player bought cars because he liked to “drink in them”. One – specially adapted to suit an Irish Wolfhound named Fits … Continue reading “Who’s shooting?”
July 14, 2013
by Mrs Milf
My husband says that I never pay him any attention but as soon as he looks at a girl with a great body I am all over him like a rash. Is there a tendency throughout the female species to react in such a competitive way or am I being insecure? Hannah W., Carlisle, Cumbria … Continue reading "Ask Mrs MILF – The agony aunt who’s naughty but nice"
June 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Homes perfect for those who love messing about in boats The Water Rat in Wind in the Willows famously stated: “There is NOTHING – absolute nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Here, we share five homes that would suit him perfectly as a base for … Continue reading “Five of the best: Boathouses”
June 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Stuart Hall’s sentencing must set an example to others Stuart Hall’s fall will be complete today when he is sentenced at Preston Crown Court in relation to 14 counts of indecent assault. A prison sentence is inevitable and it will be much deserved.
June 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
William Roache is charged with five counts of indecent assault Things are not looking for good for Coronation Street’s William Roache. His friend Owen Oyston, several of whose businesses he also happens to be a director of, was jailed in 1996 for rape and more recently his other friend and fellow director, Stuart Hall, … Continue reading “Cock Roache arrested again”
May 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of one of the North of England’s finest Georgian homes Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey has undoubtedly led to a revival in interest in English country houses both in Britain and America and now with the sale of Burrow Hall in the Lune Valley in Lancashire, there is an opportunity to acquire one … Continue reading “A Northern Downton”
May 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
As the BBC announce an investigation into the activities of Stuart Hall, he transfers his marital home solely into the name of his wife and his son states that his OBE should not be revoked You’d have thought that after Stuart Hall OBE’s barrister said “sorry for what he has done” last week, the … Continue reading “Putting it away”
by Matthew Steeples
This Manchester born former Coronation Street actress has a penchant for footballers and was once described as “Britain’s dumbest celebrity” by The Sun. In May 2013, of convicted paedophile Stuart Hall, she commented: “I just think, that’s an 83-year-old man, you could give him a heart attack. Have some respect”. Previously she shared a photograph … Continue reading “Helen Flanagan”
May 3, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The links between Owen Oyston, William Roache and Stuart Hall Board meetings of Ridings Publishing Company Limited and its subsidiaries and Oystons Limited must have featured some interesting conversations as at them three well-known men were eligible to attend. Those three men, as of today, variously have served a jail sentence for rape, been … Continue reading “Linked in more ways than one”
May 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Stuart Hall admits 14 counts of indecent assault The former It’s A Knockout and BBC Five Live presenter (James) Stuart Hall OBE admitted to being a rapist and paedophile this morning.
May 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
William Roache, better known as “Coronation Street’s” Ken Barlow is arrested over allegation of the rape of an under-age girl Recently, we reported on remarks given by Coronation Street actor William Roache MBE to a New Zealand television programme about people who have committed child sex crimes. Roache bizarrely said that the public should … Continue reading “‘Cock Roache’ arrested”
March 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Lancastrian tycoon transformed the Dragons’ Den with her 80s style shoulder pads and comments such as “he made my foot itch”. Thrice married Devey has five homes around the world and claims to have “felt sexism in every way conceiveable”. She’s “proud to pay tax” and dubs David Cameron “weak”. By ‘eck.
March 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This witty Northern comedian began his career as deputy headmaster at Caton Primary School in Lancashire. Best known as the host of Bullseye between 1981 and 1985, Bowen’s back in the limelight as many suggest he’s a lookalike of the new Pope. His BBC Radio Lancashire show was axed in 1999 after he referred to … Continue reading “Jim Bowen (born Peter Williams)”
January 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
She’s best known for the catchphrase: “You are the Weakest Link, goodbye!” but this television great has accomplished much else. The “Queen of Mean” is renowned for her knack of coming up with great newspaper headlines and has also accumulated a fortune of some £40 million. Robinson is vehemently pro fox hunting and lives in … Continue reading “Anne Robinson”
January 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Thrice married Norah Docker lived life to the full and did it in style.
December 6, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples examines the charges against Stuart Hall In my youth I met a man named Stuart Hall MBE. Today, this self-appointed northern joker was charged with three counts of indecent assault on girls aged between 9 and 16. Hall is a man described by The Independent as a “Northern hero with a … Continue reading “This Hall should not be decked with holly”
December 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Undoubtedly best known as one of the greatest actresses of the post-war period, Yorkshire born Dench briefly played Pru Forrest in the BBC’s The Archers. She’s an advocate for “more progressive drug policies” and only took the role of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride & Prejudice after director Joe Wright wrote to her and … Continue reading “Dame Judi Dench CH, DBE, FRSA”
December 1, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Zach Topley reports on a Wellington College teacher who lost his battle with cancer who is now topping the iTunes chart Jimmy Higham, who sadly lost his battle with cancer last year, has soared through the iTunes download charts with a beautiful cover of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely. Higham, a Lancashire born teacher … Continue reading “Teacher tops charts with posthumous single”
November 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Lancastrian Sky News anchor Kay Burley is the longest serving female newsreader on British television.
October 31, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks hotelier and chairman of Bespoke Hotels Robin Sheppard: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Hunger. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “While I breath, I hope.” Kerry Katona was considered … Continue reading “Robin Sheppard: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
October 25, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
As Fred Dibnah’s former home comes to the market, Matthew Steeples is reminded of a true BBC legend As the nation continues to cringe in horror every time the name “Savile” is mentioned, memories of another BBC relic of the 1980s resurfaced when it was revealed that Fred Dibnah’s former home is for sale. … Continue reading “Where Dibnah mucked around”
October 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Richard Hughes achieves a “Magnificent Seven” On the 28th September 1996, Frankie Dettori, at odds of 20,095-1 rode seven winners on seven horses in the seven races of the day at Ascot. His achievement cost the betting industry some £40 million and became known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Dettori even named his Chelsea restaurant, … Continue reading “Another Magnificent Seven”
October 8, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples discovers the truth about the origins of the Gressingham duck I grew up in North Lancashire and spent much time in the Lune Valley. Here, I was regularly told, in the 12th century village of Gressingham, a staple of the menus many English restaurants and the most common farmed duck had originated: … Continue reading “Don’t duck, duck”
October 2, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The North Devon countryside that inspired Henry Williamson, R. D. Blackmore and Charles Kingsley Much of my childhood was spent reading the works of superb authors and amongst the best of them were Arthur Ransome (1884 – 1967), Denys Watkins-Pitchford (1905 – 1990), who wrote many of his works under the pseudonym “B.B.”, and … Continue reading “The land of Tarka and Salar”
August 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A businessman with a passion for racing. Burrell has worked with Frankie Dettori since the latter was 15 and was also the agent for Vinnie Jones. He drives a Toyota IQ, has climbed the Matterhorn and loves playing a round of golf in his spare time. In 2014, he invented the Gillhams Gravel Rake to solve … Continue reading “Peter Burrell”
August 20, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Former Emmerdale bad boy Lyndon Ogbourne updates readers of The Steeple Times on his cycle expedition for Once Upon a Smile Part One: I begin this section of my travel journal, sat Bear Gryls style, next to a campfire I’ve successfully made, cooking a fish I’ve caught (with much difficulty) that I plan to … Continue reading “Cycling with a Smile”
August 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
FirstGroup win the West Coast Mainline rail franchise It has just been announced that FirstGroup, the parent company who operate amongst others First Capital Connect and First Great Western, have beaten Virgin Rail and will take over the West Coast Mainline rail franchise from December. The West Coast Mainline route serves London, the West … Continue reading “The best for the West?”
July 17, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
“The Steeple Times” quizzes Lord Alton about what’s on his mantelpiece The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? “The still small voice of calm” (from the Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier). “Never regret, never explain, never apologise” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Pretty much … Continue reading “Lord Alton: What’s on your mantelpiece?”
July 5, 2012
by The Tout
An analysis of the Eclipse by our latest columnist, The Tout The Eclipse is a Group One race named after one of the great thoroughbreds that we have ever seen in this country. It is a key event in establishing the reputation of any good horse and is run over a mile and a … Continue reading “Who will win the Eclipse?”
July 4, 2012
by Claire Rubinstein
Claire Rubinstein interviews Lyndon Ogbourne for “The Steeple Times” Last week, Claire Rubinstein made Emmerdale fans envious when she interviewed the soap’s former baddest boy at Sette restaurant in Chelsea. Over lunch, the pair chatted about Ogbourne’s career, charity, social media and forthcoming projects. Watch video footage of the interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tncDQkCxgsY … Continue reading “An interview with Lyndon Ogbourne”
July 3, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
In the first of our mantelpiece series, we pitch twenty questions to Peter Burrell, a racing supremo who also co-owns Sette restaurant with Frankie Dettori MBE The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Mine is the world of horse racing that I have been in love with since I was … Continue reading “Peter Burrell: What’s on your mantelpiece?”
June 16, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This Lancashire born entrepreneur founded the price comparison site Confused.com and is now a member of the government’s Technology Strategy Board. Murray has deservedly won countless accolades for her achievements and is also known for her love of helicopters.
May 25, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Raised in Morecambe, Lancashire at a seafront hotel, Worth has played Coronation Street’s Gail Platt since 1974. This former wife of the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine, Michael Angelis, lives between Cheshire and Chelsea and when not acting she’s often to be found campaigning for the Born Free Foundation.
May 13, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This flamboyant fedora wearing tycoon made his fortune selling an estate agency empire just before the 1987 stock market crash. He’s now worth in excess of £100 million. Married twice to a former Miss Blackpool, his 13th century Lancashire home, Claughton Hall, was moved from the bottom of a hill to the top. He served … Continue reading “Owen Oyston”
