Ravensworth, around four-and-a-half miles from Richmond and about ten miles from Darlington, is a small village with a long and fascinating story.

Though home to only a few hundred people, it has Viking origins, castle ruins, listed buildings and links to one of England’s best-known cricketers.

Ravensworth and Ravensworth Castle (Image: NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES/DJ AERIAL PHOTOGRPAHY/CAMERA CLUB)

At the heart of the village is its broad green, surrounded by traditional stone properties and historic buildings.

The village’s name is thought to derive from the Old Norse name Hrafn, meaning raven, and the word “wath”, meaning ford.

That points to the settlement’s early origins, with Holme Beck running through the area and the village likely developing around an ancient crossing place.

Ravensworth was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086, when it was already a sizeable settlement by the standards of the time.

But its most striking historic feature is Ravensworth Castle.

The remains of the castle, close to the village green, are Grade I listed and date largely from the late 14th century.

The castle was once the ancestral home of the FitzHugh family, one of the most powerful families in the area during the medieval period.

King John is recorded as having visited an earlier fortress at Ravensworth in 1201, while the later castle was associated with Henry, Lord FitzHugh, who enclosed land around it to create a park in the 1390s.

Although the castle was later abandoned and partly dismantled, with stone reused in buildings around the village, its gatehouse remains one of Ravensworth’s most distinctive sights.

Ravensworth and Ravensworth Castle (Image: NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES/DJ AERIAL PHOTOGRPAHY/CAMERA CLUB)

The surviving ruins are on private land, but public footpaths nearby offer views of the historic site.

Yorkshire.com notes that the castle is both a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument, despite being classed as “at risk”.

The castle is not the only reminder of Ravensworth’s past.

Several buildings around the village green are listed, many dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Despite its small size, Ravensworth still has several key village amenities.

The Bay Horse Inn remains a central part of village life and is a popular stop for visitors.

The pub describes itself as being set in the “picturesque village of Ravensworth” and says it aims to bring back a “vibrant traditional country pub” to the area.

Online reviewers have also praised the Bay Horse, with one Tripadvisor reviewer describing it as the “friendliest pub I’ve been in for years”.

Today, Ravensworth is largely a commuter village, with residents travelling to nearby towns such as Richmond, Darlington, Barnard Castle and Northallerton.

For many, Ravensworth’s name is also associated with former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham.

Botham has lived in the village for many years and, in 2020, took the title Lord Botham of Ravensworth.

That connection has brought the village national attention, though Ravensworth’s history stretches back far beyond its modern celebrity links.

Its story includes Viking settlement, medieval barons, castle ruins, farming families, quarry workers, clergy, poets and scholars.

While Ravensworth may not be as well known as Richmond, Reeth or other North Yorkshire favourites, that is part of its appeal.

Police are investigating the death of the 78-year-old , who was a former Conservative MP, Brexit Party MEP, and prisons minister. 

Ms Widdecombe was found dead at a property in Haytor, near Newton Abbott, on Thursday, July 9.

What we know so far about Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder

How did Ann Widdecombe die?

Ms Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at a property in Haytor.

Police were called to the scene at 11.40am on Thursday (July 9) and launched a murder investigation.

Who has been arrested?

A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday (July 10) at an address in Newton Abbot.

What details have been shared about the suspect?

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that the suspect is a 26-year-old white British male and said the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

He said there is no indication that the crime was politically motivated.

How are police investigating?

A cordon remains in place at the property in Haytor.

A cordon remains in place around Ann Widdecombe’s home in Haytor. (Image: Matt Keeble/PA Wire)

Forensic examinations are underway, and officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, at a press conference on Friday, explained: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.

“There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”

What have national leaders said?

The murder investigation has drawn responses from senior politicians.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the news “really shocking,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the events.

The whole country will be utterly shocked by the awful news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Today we come together across the political divide and I pay tribute to Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service.

My thoughts and deepest condolences… pic.twitter.com/hXps6A9s78

Advertisement

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2026

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Ms Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing” and urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues.

What support is in place for the public?

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal for anyone with information, images, or footage related to the case.

Members of the public can also contact police by calling 101 or through the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

RECOMMENDED READING:

What happens next?

Police remain at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers are appealing for further information from the public as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police reads: “This is an extremely tragic incident.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”

England captain Harry Kane has described playing golf with US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach as a “pretty surreal” experience, ahead of England’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway

England captain Harry Kane has described his round of golf with United States President Donald Trump as a “pretty surreal experience”.

Earlier this week, Trump revealed that he had previously played golf with Kane, telling reporters: “I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer too. He’s really great.”

Kane disclosed that the encounter took place 18 months ago in Florida, and expressed admiration for Trump’s golfing ability at the age of 80.

“I played alright to be honest, but 18 months ago he invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach,” the 32 year old said ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.

“So when the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.”

“His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.

“A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play.”

The comments come as England prepare to face Norway this Saturday in Miami in the World Cup quarter-final.

Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has warned that his side will “need to be brave” if they are to keep Erling Haaland at bay and book their place in the semi-finals. Having started the knockout stage with a scare against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tuchel describes the thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico as the “full package of an experience” but insists that grinding out results through adversity is now behind them as England focus on Saturday’s encounter with Norway.

Scorching temperatures, oppressive humidity and the small matter of keeping Erling Haaland quiet represent the challenges facing the side in Miami, where the German boss demands his players elevate their performance levels once more.

“I think in general what it takes in the round of 32 and the round of 16, how we framed it with the team was it’s just you find a way to win,” Tuchel said ahead of the Hard Rock Stadium clash.

“If you need a picture from the Premier League, it is January. It’s Sunderland, FA Cup. It’s away in Sunderland, it’s away in Leeds.

“You go. It’s adversity. It’s not good weather. You don’t like the decisions of the referee. Everything feels bad. They are on the front foot.

“You just need to get it done. If you want to be at Wembley in the end, you just need to get it done.

“Don’t go out in January, don’t go out in February. No one will ask you any more how you did it. And then comes the exciting times.

“Then comes April, then comes May, things can become easier and then you have your identity and you have to let go.

“This is now for me the exciting part, but we need to let go, we need to now connect to our identity, connect to what makes us strong, be on the front foot and be brave. We need to be brave now.

“It’s quarter-finals and the brave will have the luck on their side. And we cannot have any regrets when we play a quarter final. We have to go for it, this is the most important thing.”

Margaret Qualley is firing back at wild rumors that she cheated on husband Jack Antonoff in wake of the couple’s shock split.

On Friday, a representative for Qualley called the ‘narratives running in the press’ about the couple ‘categorically untrue,’ as per a statement obtained by TMZ.

‘There are no trust issues. There was no infidelity or anything outside of respect and partnership in this relationship.

‘There are only two people in this marriage, and the sources who are talking to the press and commenting on their relationship are not people who know them. Please respect their privacy,’ the statement concluded.

Breakup rumors began to spread after Antonoff attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s July 3 wedding without Qualley, even though Swift had attended their wedding three years prior.

Instead, Antonoff notably brought his fashion designer sister, Rachel, as his plus one to Swift and Kelce’s MSG nuptials.

Then came a report in People that Qualley and Antonoff now had a ‘rocky’ relationship and were no longer living together, while a second source said the pair are ‘figuring things out.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for comment.

On Friday, a representative for Qualley called the ‘narratives running in the press’ about the couple ‘categorically untrue,’ as per a statement obtained by TMZ; the exes seen in 2022 

Advertisement

Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that Qualley, who is filming the remake Possession this summer, deleted her social media wedding photos with Antonoff.

Qualley and Antonoff were last seen together in public at the Grammys in February this year. They seemed happy and in love at the time, as seen in photos posted from the celebration on Instagram and X, both of which have since been taken down.

Her most recent social media activity involving her husband was wishing him a happy birthday on her Instagram Story (which expires 24 hours after being posted) on March 31.

The image featured the musician with his arm around her as she captioned it: ‘Happy birthday sweetheart.’

On April 28, Qualley changed her Instagram username from @isimostar to @sarahmargaretqualley23.

Antonoff has a 2024 song titled Isimo with his band Bleachers, so it’s difficult not to put two and two together.

Qualley’s absence from the wedding of the year came 11 months after she gave an awkward response to being asked why her husband was not producing one of Swift’s albums.

The actress appeared caught off guard when Today co-host Craig Melvin mentioned The Life of a Showgirl in their sit-down.

Qualley and Antonoff were last seen together in public at the Grammys in February this year

Breakup rumors began to spread after Antonoff attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s July 3 wedding without Qualley, even though Swift had attended their wedding three years prior; seen in 2025 

They reportedly had a ‘rocky’ relationship and were no longer living together; seen in 2025

After noting that Antonoff has ‘produced for Taylor for years’ and has ‘an album that’s coming out,’ the journalist asked Qualley to ‘tell us about’ the record.

‘I don’t know anything,’ she replied as her eyes widened in surprise.

Qualley proceeded to let out an awkward laugh before adding, ‘I’ll be excited to listen to the music.’

Melvin responded with a pointed, ‘OK. Alright,’ signaling he wasn’t entirely convinced she was as out of the loop as she claimed.

Antonoff has served as Swift’s primary co-songwriter and producer on her most recent albums, 2022’s Midnights and 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department.

Her latest record, however, was produced by Max Martin and Shellback.

Swift fans famously swarmed Qualley and Antonoff’s wedding rehearsal dinner in 2023.

The couple were engaged the year prior after being romantically linked in 2021.

The former couple was first romantically linked back in August 2021; seen in 2023

Advertisement

They married at Parker’s Garage in Long Beach, New Jersey, with guests including Swift, model Cara Delevingne and Lana Del Rey in attendance.

The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell was the epitome of elegance in a white, halter-styled wedding gown with a plunging neckline.

The former couple was first romantically linked back in August 2021, and later attended the Critics’ Choice Awards together in March 2022, seemingly publicly confirming their budding relationship.

Martha Lillard had just turned 5 when she was diagnosed with polio and depended on an iron lung to live. She died last month in Oklahoma, the last U.S. polio patient who used the machine, her sister said. She was 78.

“They told her she wasn’t supposed to live past 20 years old,” Lillard’s younger sister, Cindy McVey, told The Associated Press on Friday. “She had the enthusiasm and the drive to continue living and make the best of her life.”

While McVey doesn’t know the official cause of death, she attributes it to the effects of long-haul COVID-19. Lillard died on June 26.

Lillard slept in the iron lung cylinder that encased her body as the air pressure in the chamber forced air in and out of her lungs. As a child, she went to grade school for two hours a day and was tutored the rest of the time. She attended Shawnee High School by using a phone system that allowed her to interact with her teachers and classmates through an intercom in her classrooms.

Her family went on road trips to Missouri thanks to a custom trailer and her father calling hotels to find out if they had doors wide enough to accommodate the machine Lillard slept in. Lillard was even able to drive for a time.

“To me, it was just normal,” recalled McVey, 75.

Polio was once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis. The disease primarily affects children.

Vaccines became available starting in 1955. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a national vaccination campaign cut the annual number of U.S. cases to fewer than 100 in the 1960s and fewer than 10 in the 1970s. In 1979, polio was declared eliminated in the U.S., meaning it was no longer routinely spread.

Later, the internet would help Lillard stay informed and learn about all sorts of topics, including her disease, which led to paralysis of her right arm. She could only move her left arm side-to-side at her waist. Even though she couldn’t reach up, she spent many years living alone and preparing her own meals.

The internet also allowed Lillard to meet her future husband. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Lillard wanted to understand more about what happened. In a chat room, she met a man in Egypt and communicated with him online for more than 20 years, McVey said.

Lillard married Baha Salh in February after he was finally able to obtain a visa to travel to Oklahoma.

The summer holiday season is here and some people may need more help

Aberdeen Airport has issued a message on its website to travellers set to jet off on holiday.

Talking about hidden disabilities, Aberdeen Airport explains that it understands the stress flying and travelling can cause. It urges people to request assistance and notes that its teams are trained to help those with hidden disabilities.

It states that early notification is encouraged so they can be fully prepared to provide the appropriate assistance. You should first request assistance through your airline or travel agent and ensure your booking is marked as DPNA assistance when asked what type of help you require.

“You should also ask the airline or travel agent to add a comment describing the assistance required. This will enable us to better understand how we can help”, it adds.

Lanyards

Advertisement

Passengers with a hidden disability can request a Sunflower lanyard or card, which discreetly alerts airport staff that additional support may be needed. These can be requested at the airport.

It explains: “If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, we will be happy to provide you with a Sunflower lanyard (and/or card) which will discreetly identify you to airport staff as requiring additional support.

“Our front line teams, including our Security Officers, have been trained to recognise these lanyards and cards and offer assistance where required. A Sunflower lanyard/card can be requested in advance by contacting the Duty Manager team at abzadm@aiairport.com or at the airport itself from the Assistance desk.”

You can contact prmaberdeen@abm.com via email to get in touch with the assistance provider at Aberdeen International Airport in advance of your date of travel.

It says that it can provide support to people with hidden disabilities, including:

• Autism
• Dementia
• Hearing Loss
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Health impairments, anxiety issues etc.

It adds: “We are working in partnership with the relevant local and national organisations to ensure that the service we provide is both appropriate and beneficial.”

What is a Sunflower lanyard?

According to Hidden Disabilities: “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.”

Keen to show that not all disabilities are visible, it stresses that one in six people around the world live with a disability. This means approximately 1.3 billion people are affected.

It adds: “While some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-apparent condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-apparent conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent.

“They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.”

Since its launch in 2016, organisations across a wide range of sectors have joined the global Sunflower network, including retail, travel and tourism, and transport.

This includes more than 300 airports, as well as rail networks, coach and bus services, and ferry operators. It also spans education providers (universities, schools and colleges), healthcare services, central and local government bodies, football clubs, theme parks, theatres, and financial institutions.

The Sunflower has now been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA. Find out where it is known near you using our Sunflower map.

The motion, submitted by Conservative Councillor Richard Bell ahead of next week’s Durham County Council meeting, condemns the government’s energy policy and calls for councils to have the final say over large-scale developments. 

Cllr Bell, ward member for Upper Teesdale, also criticised the government’s approach to net zero, arguing it has contributed to rising electricity costs and encouraged what it describes as “inappropriate” renewable energy developments in County Durham.

If approved, the council would write to the county’s MPs and the Secretary of State, urging changes to national planning and energy policy.

Cllr Bell’s motion states that while the authority supports “appropriate renewable energy”, it believes government policy has resulted in “amongst the most expensive electricity in the developed world” and an “incompetent drive to Net Zero”.

It argues that current policy has led to large-scale solar farm and wind farm applications that have “industrialised” greenfield sites across the county.

The motion also criticises arrangements under which some renewable energy operators are compensated when electricity cannot be transmitted because of constraints on the National Grid.

The motion reads: “Government energy policy has given us amongst the most expensive electricity in the developed world, and the incompetent drive to Net Zero has resulted in inappropriate large-scale solar farm and wind farm applications and developments in County Durham. 

“While Durham County Council supports appropriate renewable energy, this council deplores Labour’s wrong-headed and incompetent leadership in energy.”

Councillors are instead being asked to back four key demands to the government.

These include amending the National Planning Policy Framework so Durham County Council becomes the determining authority for solar farm and wind farm applications, rather than decisions being made by ministers in some nationally significant cases.

The motion further urges ministers to prioritise renewable energy developments on offshore wind projects, homes, commercial and industrial buildings, and brownfield land, while ending approvals for schemes on greenfield sites.