History Today

Malcolm Vale argues that the spectacular culture of the early modern court had its origins in the medieval princely household.

Cherry Barnett examines Godfrey Kneller's portrait of a young Chinese convert.

Andrew Ross reconsiders the reputation – both contemporary and historical – of the Scottish missionary and explorer.

Anna Keay describes how the Crown Jewels were dispersed and destroyed in 1649, and then reconstructed in 1661.

Richard Cavendish describes how The Battle of the Golden Spurs, known also as the Battle of Courtrai was fought on July 11, 1302, near Kortijk in Flanders.

The third Marquess of Salisbury resigned on 11 July 1902.

Tim Grady explores life for the teachers and students in a Bavarian university in the 1920s and 1930s.

Juliet Gardiner assesses the worth of ‘television history’ and pinpoints the value of ‘reality history’.

King Farouk was 32 when he lost his throne on 26 July 1952.

William Clarance explores the origins and complexities of the Sri Lankan Civil War.