History Today

Tim Pat Coogan points the finger of blame for the Great Famine at ministers in Lord Russell’s government, which came to power in 1846, and sees echoes of the disaster in the Republic’s current economic plight.

George T. Beech investigates whether a King of Wessex adopted a new name for his country in 828, but failed to implement the change.

Roger Hudson pictures British gunboat diplomacy in Egypt in 1882.

A new online resource opens up possibilities for interpreting the infrastructure of the Roman world, says Jasmine Pui.

Philip Baker considers the lasting impact of the Levellers’ famous efforts to reform the English state in the aftermath of the Civil Wars by means of written agreements guaranteeing the sovereignty of the people.

Victoria Gardner looks back at earlier attitudes to Britain’s press freedom and how the withdrawal of the Licensing Act of 1662 spawned a nation of news addicts.

How Victorian gentlemen’s clubs in London’s West End played a role in oiling the nation’s political wheels.

A pioneer of global governance, Lionel Curtis is all but forgotten today. His ideas, says Tom Cargill, are in urgent need of reassessment.

Who is and who is not an American? The question goes back to the Revolution. The answer is always changing, says Tim Stanley.

Jerome Carson and Elizabeth Wakely explore the mental illnesses suffered by some famous historical figures and consider the impact on their lives and achievements.