England

Shakespeare’s enormous influence in shaping subsequent concepts of 15th-century England is nowhere better illustrated than in the case of the character of Richard III. 

Trade was the impetus for early contacts between Russia and England, though each country had its own view of how the relationship should function. Helen Szamuely examines the first two centuries of Russian embassies to London.

Derek Wilson discusses the future Henry VII's years in exile, and how this influenced his exercise of power after he seized the English throne.

John Gillingham challenges an idea, recently presented in History Today, that the Anglo-Saxon King Egbert was responsible for the naming of England.

Derek Wilson looks at Henry Tudor’s long period of exile and asks what influence it had on his exercise of power following his seizure of the English throne in 1485.

Joan M. Fawcett utilises the household records for the Countess of Leicester, sister of Henry III, to retrace a crucial year for the de Montfort fortunes.

Garth Christian appraised the “ancient character” of Lewes, taking in its Puritanical influence, its legacy of ironworks and its architectural highlights.

J.D. Hargreaves appraised Swindon, “a city very much itself”, with a view of its idiosyncrasies, architecture and people.

Whilst many Anglo-Saxons suffered under the Norman yoke, the Conquest came with the promise of freedom for England’s slaves.

George T. Beech investigates whether a King of Wessex adopted a new name for his country in 828, but failed to implement the change.