History Today

The Victoria Cross

As  the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross is celebrated, Richard Vinen looks beyond the individual acts of heroism that have merited the honour, to the wider social, cultural and historical significance of  the medal.

Margaret Thatcher leaves Downing Street for the last time, 28 November 1990.

The Long Goodbye

Forget Tony Blair or Margaret Thatcher, says Klaus Larres; Winston Churchill was the supreme prevaricator when it came to giving up power.

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'Reasonable Creatures': A Common Sense Guide to Childcare

Alysa Levene explores the ideas of William Cadogan whose enlightened ideas on raising healthy and happy babies in the mid-18th century pre-dated those of Rousseau and contributed to a more permissive and relaxed attitude to child-rearing.

A Liberal Dose of Power

York Membery sings the praises of the great wartime leader on the ninetieth anniversary of his coming to power.

Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children gather around a Christmas tree, December 1848. Webster Museum. Public Domain.

The First Christmas Tree

Contrary to myth, it wasn’t Prince Albert but another German royal transplant who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain.

Here’s Looking At You

Philip Mould is an art dealer, author and broadcaster specializing in the discovery of lost antique portraiture. This month he opens a major gallery in Dover Street, London.