Thomas Cook in the Victorian Age
How Thomas Cook and his son changed the aspects of travel, at home and abroad.
Feature
The Royal Navy and Christmas 1914
Britain’s contribution to the First World War was not merely confined to the trenches. How did the Royal Navy experience Christmas 1914?
The Rise of the Turkey
The turkey’s path to festive supremacy was much more unexpected – and glorious – than it might seem.
When Alexander met Thalestris
The romantic liaison between the great Amazon warrior queen and the conqueror of the known world has been much mythologised. But did such a pairing really happen?
Saving Life at Sea
‘Valour and virtue have not perished in the British race’, said Winston Churchill, describing the long record of the national life-boat service.
Nestor Makhno and the Ukrainian War of Independence
During the struggle that followed the Russian Revolution, Ukrainian anarchist Nestor Makhno waged war against Whites and Reds alike for an independent Ukraine.
James V: The Lost King of Scotland
During his brief lifetime, James V was a popular ruler who aimed to maintain Scotland’s independence from his English uncle, Henry VIII. Did it cost him his life?
Banks to the Rescue
The opening battle of the First World War was won by the Bank of England before the British had so much as fired a shot.
Washington is Burning
In August 1814, the US capital was torched by British troops. The ‘greatest disgrace ever dealt to American arms’ left its legacy on the US, Britain and Canada.
Building the Panama Canal
Though an incredible feat of engineering, the Panama Canal ruined many reputations during the 400 years it took to make the dream a reality.