Paul Lay

The attraction of the Cromwell Association lies in the lack of reverence it attaches to its subject.

Why do so many terrorists come from an engineering background?

The problem with historical fiction is that it needs heroes. History doesn't.

Anniversaries can be a crutch for lazy journalists, but they also allow us to reassess our understanding of the past.

Across the Middle East, minority religions are under threat. 

Paul Lay on the self-deprecating nature of Brummies.

Paul Lay reflects on the fashion for taking photographs in museums and galleries.

In embracing tattoos, the people of Britain are returning to their ancient roots, argues Paul Lay.

The furore over Michael Gove's plans for the English curriculum shows our collective amnesia over our rich sources of literature and history, writes Paul Lay.

The cultural events planned to mark the centenary of the First World War have taken a turn for the bizarre.