John Walton

The Impact of the Second Reform Act

The 1867 Reform Act did not set the British electoral system in stone until the Third Reform Act of 1884-85. John Walton reveals that its effects were complex, varied and quite often unintended.

The First Spanish Seaside Resorts

The tradition of the seaside holiday first originated in the 19th century, aided by some discreet royal patronage. John Walton and Jenny Smith tell the story.