Project will examine Sutton Bank’s rich history, including German aristocrats and a bloody 14th-century battle

Today, Sutton Bank is as peaceful and tranquil a spot as you might find anywhere, offering visitors what has been called “England’s finest view”. But could it also have an untold history involving rich German aristocrats and a Nazi spy?

A three-year archaeology project has begun to investigate the many histories of the landmark, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

The Canal & River Trust is launching 3.5-mile paddles through Standedge Tunnel, from West Yorkshire to Greater Manchester

“You’re in a canoe, not a boat, so you are very exposed,” said Gordon McMinn as he prepared to paddle into the UK’s longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel. “You’re vulnerable, you’re under your own steam, you are up and close to history … it is quite an experience.”

McMinn, a volunteer team leader at the Canal & River Trust, has coordinated what it is hoped will become a bucket-list experience – the opportunity to paddle under the Pennines.

Adam Carruthers of Wigton and Daniel Graham of Carlisle accused of causing £622,191 damage to tree and £1,144 to Hadrian’s Wall

A trial date has been set for two men accused of felling the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland.

Daniel Graham, 38, of Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Wigton, have been accused of causing criminal damage to the tree and to Hadrian’s Wall.