![Halloween thrills](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10290/520811/5f646182ba13c/Halloween-thrills.jpg)
1 Wild Things
Join Esmerelda Raventree, the good witch of Rye Meads and help her save the reserve. On your quest you will find your perfect wand and if you’re feeling especially brave, you can dip your net into the bog and see what creepy crawlies you can find. This family event at Rye Meads Nature Reserve in Hoddesdon runs from October 24 to November 1. rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/ reserves-a-z/rye-meads
2 Killer phrase
‘It was a dark and stormy night...’ Did you know these immortal words were written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton of Knebworth House? The opening line of the novelist, playwright and politician’s 1830 novel Paul Clifford became synonymous with Victorian melodrama. The novelist was a pioneer of science fiction, also writing about horror and the occult. His spirit is said to roam some rooms at the Gothic stately home, much like a character from one of his stories.
3 The monk of Minsden
By a small wood near the hamlet of Chapelfoot lies the isolated ruins of Minsden Chapel. It’s not just the location that causes chills. The apparition of a monk climbing stairs which no longer exist has supposedly frightened many, and is said to occur at Halloween. There have also been reports of a glowing cross on dark nights and music playing without a discernible source. You might see the ghost of Hitchin historian Reginald Hine who took great interest in the ruined chapel and vowed ‘to protect and haunt its hallowed walls’.
4 Most haunted village
Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra October 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
![A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9675971863e/crp_A-day-in-the-life-of-a-jewellery-designer.jpg)
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
![Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966c73d8038/crp_Sniffig-out-clues-in-THE-ASHES.jpg)
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
![The greatest traveller](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966a6aca407/crp_The-greatest-traveller.jpg)
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
![In bed with CELEBS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f965df3ef3fa/crp_In-bed-with-CELEBS.jpg)
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
![Roam with a view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9667ab48628/crp_Roam-with-a-view.jpg)
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
![Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f96707eb48f5/crp_Saving-Mrs-Tiggy-Winkle.jpg)
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
![5 minutes with](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966e7112591/crp_5-minutes-with.jpg)
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week