Social

Montagu House was built by the first Duke of Montagu, who 'made money like a rogue and spent it like a gentleman' on his patronage of the arts, the finest examples of which were to be found in this London house which was to become the first home of the British Museum.

In this article Rosalind O'Hanlon describes the effects of Hindu religious hierarchies upon the daily life of Untouchables in traditional Indian society and discusses some of the forces associated with British rule that worked to change both the social position of Untouchables and their perception of their position.

In the past, during times of high unemployment, schemes of public works were often developed. This was not only because of the mounting costs of relief, but also because it was considered in the interests of the unemployed to have work to do.

Gordon Daniels on the sustained bombardement of the Japanese mainland, prior to the use of the Atomic bombs.

November 5th had traditionally provided an outlet for the expression of popular attitudes towards religion in the city of Exeter. In this article Roger Swift examines the particular fervour of the celebrations during the Victorian period despite efforts by the authorities to control them.

Keith Robbins considers the plurality of the Edwardian church, its relations with the state, and its responses to social change.

A.A. Powell on a new exhibition and publication from the British Library.

Maggie Black continues her seasonal history of food and popular culture with a look at this period of autumnal celebration at Harvest End.

Taking the waters became a Victorian passion and spa towns flourished. In this article the first prize winner in History Today's Essay Competition Pamela Steen, a student at the Open University, describes the pleasure and the pains of this fashion.