Connecting three countries through stories and secrets
Paul Murphy has lived between UK and Spain since the 1970s. (SUR)

In the frame

Connecting three countries through stories and secrets

Writer Paul Murphy has retraced Laurie Lee's footsteps through Spain and had close encounters with some of the country's historical figures

Jennie Rhodes
  • Orson Welles: Etched into the history of Ronda
    The Orson Welles monument was installed in Ronda in 2015. (SUR)

    Foreign influencers in southern Spain

    Orson Welles: Etched into the history of Ronda

    The legendary film producer maintained a lifelong affection for Ronda, which is why his ashes were interred on the ranch of bullfighter Antonio Ordóñez

    Tony Bryant |
  • The Churchills on the Costa del Sol
    Lord Audley’s grave in the English Cemetery. (SUR)

    History

    The Churchills on the Costa del Sol

    There is no proof that Sir Winston Churchill ever set foot on dry land in Malaga, although there is evidence that he dropped anchor along the coastline. However, there were other members of his family who came to reside a while on these shores

    Víctor Heredia |
  • A Costa resident's personal crusade to raise awareness of Alzheimer's
    The sky's the limit for Rebecca's fundraising campaign to help those suffering with Alzheimer's. (SUR)

    In the frame

    A Costa resident's personal crusade to raise awareness of Alzheimer's

    The British photographer Rebecca Flowerdew started her campaign after caring for her own mother for nine years until she died in 2015

    Tony Bryant |
  • The tale of the British family who ran a hostel in 1970s Nerja
    Robert Edwards and Paul Bradley with copies of the book at Smiffs in Nerja. (SUR)

    Local history

    The tale of the British family who ran a hostel in 1970s Nerja

    Robert Edwards has co-written a book with author Paul Bradley about his family's decision to sell up in the UK and open the Fontainebleau on the Costa del Sol

    Jennie Rhodes |
  • Hans Christian Andersen: A 'happy' Dane in Malaga
    Statue of Hans Christian Andersen in the centre of Malaga. (SUR)

    Foreign influencers in southern Spain

    Hans Christian Andersen: A 'happy' Dane in Malaga

    The renowned Danish author arrived in Malaga in 1862 and was immediately captivated by its luminosity, sights, smells and sounds

    Tony Bryant |
  • Washington Irving: Observations of the first tourist in Seville
    Bronze plaque honouring Washington Irving in Seville. (Tony Bryant)

    Washington Irving: Observations of the first tourist in Seville

    The American writer's works attracted a steady flow of curious travellers who came in search of the mystical paradise which he described with his masterful narration

    Tony Bryant |
  • An invitation to visit Nerja taken up 40 years later
    Bridget enjoying life in Nerja at one of the town’s restaurants. (SUR)

    In the frame

    An invitation to visit Nerja taken up 40 years later

    Bridget Peirson-Davis is a classically trained singer who has recently moved to the town where she has already been asked to perform

    Jennie Rhodes |
  • Deborah Kerr: A life of tranquillity in the Marbella hills
    Viertel and Kerr enjoyed relative anonymity living in Marbella. (SUR)

    Foreign influencers in southern Spain

    Deborah Kerr: A life of tranquillity in the Marbella hills

    The Scottish-born actress and her American husband found their haven in the hilltop Rio Real Golf development, one of the most peaceful estates in Marbella

    Tony Bryant |