The Cities of the Indus, Part II
A.N. Marlow describes how city-life in India, four thousand years ago, bore a striking resemblance to that of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
History Today
Oliver Cromwell and the Levellers
Maurice Ashley describes how Cromwell and the Levellers both believed in freedom of conscience and political reform; but character and circumstances divided them.
The Mermaid Tavern Club: A New Discovery
Michael Strachan introduces one of the most conspicuous members of this celebrated Jacobean drinking and dining club centred on the Mermaid Tavern in London; the eccentric ‘legstretcher’ Thomas Coryate.
Commodore Anson and the Acapulco Galleon
Glyndwr Williams describes how, in 1743, Commodore Anson captured a galleon in the Pacific Ocean, containing more than one million pieces of eight.
Cities of the Indus, Part I
A.N. Marlow describes how, four thousand years ago, a remarkably advanced civilization flourished on the north-western plains of the Indian sub-continent.
Shakespeare and Henry V
Harold F. Hutchison compares fact with fiction in Shakespeare’s historical dramas.
The Cornish China-Clay Industry
A.L. Rowse finds that for more than 200 years Cornwall has been making an important contribution to British pottery.
The Library of Samuel Pepys
Pepys hoped that his library would remain intact for the benefit of future ages. R.W. Ladborough describes how the diarist's hopes were realized; and the collection of books that he left behind him forms an impressive memorial to his rich and diverse personality.
Newspapers and Their Advertisements in the Commonwealth
W.L.F. Nuttall describes how, when the Star Chamber was abolished in 1641 it became easier to print home news, and many newspapers appeared, supporting both sides in the Civil Wars.
Byzantine Games
Tzykanion, or polo, formed part of the ritual of life at the court of the Emperors in Constantinople. Expertise on horseback, writes Anthony Bryer, was one of the requirements of Imperial dignity.