History Today

Founded by Saint Francis Xavier, the Roman Catholic Mission in Japan was formally abolished by the Shogun in 1614.

Gregory Robinson describes how, in the days of Cromwell’s Protectorate the first English naval and military hospitals were established in London at the Savoy and at Ely House.

J.B. James relates how, during the last years of Elizabeth I’s reign, Mountjoy played a leading role as courtier, soldier and faithful lover of Essex’s sister, Penelope Rich.

Amid jungles and mountains the negro hunters of the wild pig, or “mareno,” long put up a ferocious resistance to the British Governors of the island. By Simon Harcourt Smith.

It was in the spring of 1559 that ‘the uproar for religion’ began in Scotland; J.H. Burns introduces Ninian Winzet, a faithful cleric on the losing side.

James Lunt describes how, it was from Fort St. George, now incorporated in the busy modern city of Madras, that Stringer Lawrence laid the foundations of the Indian Army, and that Clive embarked on the conquest of Bengal.

R.B. Landolt describes how Moliere’s comedy, Le Tartuffe, which portrays religious hypocrisy, involved him in troubles with devout persons at Court and with his patron, Louis XIV.

J.J.N. McGurk describes how Irish art can claim its own place in the history of European civilization. Undisturbed by the troubles of the Dark Ages, Irish monks long continued to produce their splendid manuscripts.

William M. Lamont profiles the Kentish Squire who introduced the “Root and Branch” Bill in 1641, only to later change his mind and fight for King Charles and the Established Church.

J.H.M. Salmon describes the rivalry between these two remarkable royal ladies—both strongly ambitious and fiercely self-willed—who played an important part in the history of France.