Jackie Coogan and the Fall of Hollywood’s Child Stars
Hollywood adored child stars like Jackie Coogan and Diana Serra Cary, but failed to protect them.
History Matters
Thoughts, opinions and commentary on all things historical.
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Queen Victoria’s Stalker
Was the army captain in love with Queen Victoria a dangerous obsessive or an innocent man? His NSFW letters shocked but so did his treatment.
The True Knights Templar
The Knights Templar’s modern reputation is a myth that disguises their role as state-builders and diplomats.
London’s Pig-Faced Urban Legend
Early modern fairy tale or urban legend? Who was London’s pig-faced lady and where did she come from?
Preston’s Banana Boat Stowaways
In 1960, the arrival of a ship carrying Caribbean stowaways in Preston caused a political and diplomatic furore.
Victorian Romantic Rituals and Charms
The proper pastime for a young lady in the 19th century was the pursuit of marriage – the magical rituals and folk charms she used might be less proper.
Was the 1926 Floating University a Failure?
In 1926 an American university went to sea and caused an international scandal. Could it still be considered a success?
France’s Long March Against Racism
In 1983 the March for Equality and Against Racism from Marseille to Paris marked the coming of age of a new French generation.
The Yellow Trade in Counterfeit Coins
How Yorkshire’s Yellow Trade of coin clippers and counterfeiters changed Britain’s economy in the 18th century.
Power and Populism in Ancient Greek Courts
In ancient Greece the ‘least dangerous’ branch of government – the courts – wielded serious political power.