Some say living in London is a curse. Some say it is a gift. With it’s rich history, I go with the latter. No matter where you turn, there is a story to be told and a photograph to be taken. It is also home to the worlds oldest rapid transport system, the London Underground. To…
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Tutankhamun: Life after death
‘Can you see anything?’ ‘Yes… wonderful things.’ Howard Carter’s famously understated words when first looking into the tomb of Tutankhamun marked the beginning of a worldwide fascination with the boy Pharaoh. King Tut is the most famous ancient Egyptian Pharaoh of all time, because of the wonders that were discovered in his intact, hidden tomb in…
The Triumphant Claude, Duke of Guise
In reading about Mary of Guise (mother of Marie, Queen of Scots), I came across a touching story concerning her father Claude, Duke of Guise. Claude was cousin to Louise of Savoy, better known as the mother of King Francis I of France’s. Family trees aside, Duke Claude and King Francis were very close friends….
Bad-Ass History Chicks
From murder and conspiracy to rebellion and adulterous affairs; women throughout history have had a tendency to be a little on the ‘bad’ side! The phrase ‘women should be seen and not heard’ has been totally thrown out the window with these misbehaving minxes… Chick: Mae West Occupation: Sex Symbol. Screen Icon Why Was She So ‘Bad…
Margery Kempe Should Be Celebrated. Heres Why!
Margery Kempe is a woman who has continued to divide and fascinate since the publication of ‘The Book of Margery Kempe’ in the 15th Century. She is said to have been born in the 14th Century to a wealthy merchant in Kings Lynn, and apparently had led a fairly cushy life until she made the radical decision…
WHY WRITERS OF THE REGENCY PERIOD HAD TO BE THICK-SKINNED
Most popular magazines of the Regency period accepted submissions from readers. In fact, many magazines found a significant percentage of their content from reader contributions, including fiction, essays, and poetry. Some magazines also devoted a great deal of space to lengthy letters from readers. Most fiction, especially in ladies’ magazines, and all poetry in just…
Crowning A Queen
There had never been a regnant queen in England before 1553, when Mary I ascended to the throne following the death of her younger brother Edward VI. After the death of our flame-haired monarch, Elizabeth I, a female ruler would not succeed to the throne until 1688 when Mary II was crowned alongside her husband…
The short life of Charles II’s sister, Minette
Much has been written over the years about King Charles the 1st who lost his head and his son Charlie the 2nd aka ‘The Party King,’ what is not so widely known however, is that the Merry Monarch had a sister who he lovingly referred to as ‘Minette’ and her story is, (in my humble…
Destination…Warrington?
Yes, I am writing a destination review for Warrington. Seriously. More specifically one very special part of Warrington…our museum. I intend to convince to you by the end of this article that the next destination for your weekend away should be here. Whether you are from the North and are nearby, from the South and…
The Bloody Elizabeth Báthory
Forget Twilight. Forget True Blood and the Vampire Diaries. You can even disregard Nosferatu and the Hammer classics. Hungarian noblewoman, Elizabeth Báthory was one crazy, blood-loving gal. Allow me to set the scene…As with many a zany character in history, Lizzie was royal; her Uncle Stephen was the King of Hungary, and she herself a Countess married…