Just to show Libby (my sister) that they aren't all horrid (not that any of them are), this is the Ladybird spider (Eresus cinnaberinus). And it IS a British spider (one of the country's rarest in fact!).
BBC VIDEO OF LADYBIRD SPIDER
The reason I pinpointed this spider is that it is one of the longest living spiders - (you asked why the one in my window lived for two years!) The Ladybird spider can live for about five years. And also, it is, if a spider can be cuddly looking, perhaps one of the most attractive spiders in the world.
It is only found in certain areas of moorland in the UK. I believe it could be found on Thorne Moors at one time.
Thing is, folk don't often realise we have fancy spiders like this in the UK!
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