All About History

It’s rare for us to consider placing a historical figure on the cover who is still alive today. There are sparingly few who would qualify for such consideration, but with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this February it’s only right we mark her place in

Less than two months after gaining independence from Russia, Finland descended into a bloody civil war. The conflict arose between two groups, the non-socialist, conservative Whites and the socialist Reds, who disagreed over how the country should be

1563 The final session of the Council of Trent under Pope Pius IV condemns the heresies of the Protestant Reformation and tries to shore up Catholicism by encouraging new artwork conveying Vatican theology. Church commissions stimulate the developmen

The Palace of Versailles is regarded as one of the world’s best examples of Baroque architecture. It began as a small hunting lodge established in 1623 by King Louis XIII, who needed a place to rest while hunting for game in the area. He chose to rem

Following on from the period of the late Renaissance, Baroque art originated in Rome at the beginning of the 17th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe – in fact, it is often described as the first truly global art style. The term ‘Baroqu

Barbara Strozzi was a renowned singer and composer who had eight collections of work published during her lifetime, more than some of the most famous composers of this period. Her involvement in her father’s academy (a collection of creative individu

The gates of this Dutch royal palace have been closed since 2018 and its grand reopening will be on 15 April 2022 – it will definitely be worth a visit. Located in the heart of the Netherlands, this 300-year-old Baroque masterpiece, designed by Jacob

King George V 1865 – 1936 Princess Mary of Teck 1867 – 1953 King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor 1894 – 1972 Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor 1896 – 1986 King George VI 1895 – 1952 Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon 1900 – 2002 Mary, Princess Royal and Countes

A young Princess Elizabeth received a pet corgi for her seventh birthday and it began a life-long love of the breed for the Queen. The first corgi was named Dookie and from that birthday onwards the future Queen was hardly ever seen without her belov

Most people, deep down, have an interest in or curiosity about history. Exploring the past can lead us to fascinating stories, inform our present and help us understand the constantly changing world around us. We spoke to Greg Jenner – public histori

“I find it interesting that there are these tropes that we keep coming back to over and over. Anne Boleyn is a microcosm of a bigger one, which is the Tudors. We’re obsessed with the Tudors. Boleyn has been reinterpreted and written about in novels c

Whether in a democratic or authoritarian setting, public demonstrations of dissent are one of the most powerful tools people have to express their feelings about social and political issues. From speaking out against wars to demanding political right

Ancient Egypt remains one of the most storied, romantic and revered eras in all of world history. As the dominant force in North Africa for three millennia, the Egyptians cultivated a fascinating culture, constructed huge monuments to their rulers an

Legend holds that Narmer, or King Menes by another name, established the city of Memphis following the unification of Egypt. Sitting near the base of the Nile Delta in former Lower Egypt, Memphis swiftly established itself as a key commercial centre

HOW THE NAZIS TOOK POWER It’s a common misconception that the Nazis and Adolf Hitler took power in Germany by force alone. It makes some logical and emotional sense to think this must be the case. How could anyone have elected such people to rule? Su

As queer history continues to be more widely celebrated and explored, scholars are uncovering stories that up until now were lost to time. Individuals who were once condemned as outcasts are now being re-examined and reclaimed. With greater understan

The battered armies of the Confederate States of America faced near-certain defeat by autumn 1864. General Robert E Lee, commanding the Army of Northern Virginia, was besieged in the Richmond-Petersburg sector by the Army of the Potomac under the wat

General Hood had studied under Union commander Thomas at Westpoint, but volunteered for his adopted state of Texas when the Civil War began. Hood fought at Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded and lost the use of his left arm. He was hurt again

At the time of Boudicca, the Roman occupation of ‘Britannia’ was relatively new, but there was already a form of peace and mutual acceptance, even co-existence, with many of the native tribes, the Iceni included. But the tiger will always use its cla

Dubbed “the world’s most expensive book”, copies of James Audubon’s Birds of America have sold for eye-watering sums. In March 2000 Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al-Thani, one of the foremost collectors of rare art, set the record price for any book at au

Book Film TV Podcast Games Other The sad, sordid story behind the iconic fashion house Certificate: 15 Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino Released: Out now This is a cautionary tale about how a humble Tuscan family rose fr

Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Adam Driver Country: UK Released: 2021 A brutal examination of medieval misogyny that feels shamefully familiar VERDICT: Some necessary liberties are taken to build out this true tale 01 The h

For the cake:• 225g rich tea biscuits• 115g unsalted butter, softened• 115g granulated sugar• 115g dark chocolate, chopped• 1 egg (optional)• 16 tsp butter, for greasingFor the icing:• 225g dark chocolate, for coating• 30g chocolate, for decoration Q