History Today

Philip Mansel recalls the creation of the kingdom of Belgium in 1831, in a successful act of co-operation between London, Paris and Brussels.

The Historical Association is celebrating its hundredth birthday. Keith Robbins appraises its past and present role in acting as the voice for ‘History’.

On May 21st, Montenegrins are being asked, in a long-delayed referendum, if they want to end their union with Serbia. James Evans explains the background to their momentous decision.

Civilians have always suffered in warfare, and Early Modern Europe was no exception. But they contributed to war as well, through their taxes, their victuals and their bodies. Jeremy Black explores the relationship between civilian and military.

Graham Gendall Norton introduces a city that has faced invasions and foreign adventures since Roman times.

Andrew Robinson marvels at the brain power and breadth of knowledge of the 18th-century polymath Thomas Young. He examines his relationship with his contemporaries, particularly with the French Egyptologist Champollion, and how he has been viewed subsequently by historians.

Historical travel, alone or in organized tours, is burgeoning and fun. Our new series suggests some places for the past-minded traveller to think about. Graham Gendall Norton introduces an accessible but exotic land which has long been a cultural crossroads.

The city was rocked by an earthquake on 18 April 1906.

Frederic Raphael explains how the isles of Greece, and the rest of the classical world, caught his imagination.

Monarchs claim to be surrounded by an aura of majesty. Cartoon historian Mark Bryant examines some famous incidents when a caricaturist’s pen punctured this aura and revealed the lack of a sense of humour in high places.