History Today

Eric Linklater finds that among medieval champions of Scottish independence was an ancestor of Elizabeth II, the heroic Robert the Bruce.

Charles Dimont traces the origin and history of ‘God Save the King’ (or ‘God Save the Queen’), the British national anthem.

Long excluded from public business, King Edward showed, when he came to the throne, a remarkable grasp of foreign affairs. He was, as A.P. Ryan says, “a good European and a lover of peace.”

The English royal line has included several notable collectors of art, as Doreen Agnew here documents.

M.G. Brock surveys the political landscape in Britain in 1837.

J.A.R. Pimlott studies the development of the Christmas Spirit—from Pagan Saturnalia to Victorian family party

In 1820, a plot to assassinate the British Prime Minister and his cabinet was exposed.

C.R. Boxer profiles the naval adventures of the Netherlands' Tromp family - a thorn in the side of mid-17th century English maritime activity.

Richard Hare recounts the history of Russia's Western metropolis.

Arthur Bryant examines the background to Magna Carta.