Political

The only British Prime Minister to be assassinated whilst in office was murdered on May 11th, 1812.

Nigel Jones traces the chequered history of European referendums and asks why they appeal as much to dictators as to democrats.

The election for London Mayor took place on May 3rd, marked by the bitter rivalry between the present incumbent Boris Johnson and his predecessor Ken Livingstone. But, says Penelope J. Corfield, it’s just another chapter in London’s long electoral history.

Russ Foster introduces one of Britain's least understood premiers.

Robert Pearce considers why Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979.

The 19th-century view from Albion of the shortcomings of the US Constitution was remarkably astute, says Frank Prochaska.

For centuries King John has been regarded as the embodiment of an evil ruler. But, says Graham E. Seel, this image is largely the creation of monastic chroniclers with an axe to grind. A close examination of contemporary records reveals a more nuanced character.

Otto I was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope John XII on February 2nd 962.

Frederick the Great, the man who made Prussia a leading European power, was born on January 24th, 1712.

The poets Gerard Manley Hopkins and Coventry Patmore both subscribed to a Tory world view, fiercely opposing the reforms of Prime Minister Gladstone. But their correspondence reveals two very different personalities, says Gerald Roberts.

Mark Rathbone assesses the importance of the office of 'Veep' (VP) over the past 220 years.

Robert Pearce asks why Louis-Philippe's 'July Monarchy' was overthrown.

After he was formally condemned to death in Moscow, the Mexican government offered Trotsky refuge and protection, on December 6th 1936.