Historical figures
How historically accurate is The Gilded Age? Did Britain’s aristocracy go to America to find wives?
Lavish balls, fierce social rivalries, and transatlantic ambition, HBO’s The Gilded Age brings to life a dazzling yet divided era. But how much of it is true?
Plague, pox and pain: The deadliest medieval diseases that changed history forever
From the Black Death to dysentery, we explore the most gruesome and lethal diseases of the medieval period – and how they shaped the course of history
10 celebrities related to British royalty – the surprising connection between Beyonce, Hugh Grant and Queen Elizabeth II
Celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic can claim a connection to British royalty, including Courteney Cox, Benedict Cumberbatch – and Danny Dyer.
The real Vikings: Beyond pillage and plunder - coastal treasures reveal their untold story
Historian Eleanor Barraclough reveals what the ancient artefacts found on Britain’s shores tell us about our formidable forebears
Who was Capability Brown? Meet the landscape gardener who transformed Britain's country houses
Capability Brown helped design the buildings and parklands of iconic estates throughout the UK – but who is he and which gardens did he design?
Georgian era guide: When was it and the best historic places to visit in Britain
The Georgian era was regarded as the age of elegance as vast stately houses and estates changed the the rural landscape. Our expert guide on Georgian Britain looks at the history of this elegant period and features a selection best Georgian places to visit in the UK.
When is St George's Day? Church of England reveals it will be moved this year because of an unusual tradition
Most of us will have the heard the tale of George and the dragon, but do you know the real history behind the legend? Here is our guide to the patron saint of England, and some ideas for where to go to celebrate.
Who owns England? The biggest landowners revealed – and why it matters
Who actually owns the land in England – and why is it important? Find out the history of land ownership in England.
Who was Vera Lynn, the 'Forces' Sweetheart'?
All you need to know about Vera Lynn, the World War Two singer and superstar
Inside Anthrax Island: the Scottish isle of death you’ll never be able to visit
In an attempt to turn the tide against the Nazis in World War II, Winston Churchill commissioned a top secret MoD project on Gruinard.
How the countryside helped ease the tormented minds of 6 of our most tragic poets – providing them with peace and solace
From the windswept moors to the rolling hills, Britain's landscapes have long inspired poets – but for some, they were more than just a muse
The most infamous archaeological hoaxes exposed – from fake figurines to the Lost City of Z
The world of archaeology isn't exempt from tricksters and forgers – as these notorious hoaxes prove.
Just William: The timeless mischief-maker who captivates generations
Who inspired Richmal Crompton’s most famous and mischievous character 'Just William'?
How a small, charming English town, set at the foot of beautiful hills, gave the world Narnia, hobbits, Middle Earth and Nimrod
Discover the dramatic range of hills that inspired CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Edward Elgar to create some of the greatest works in the English canon
The real Ten Pound Poms: Why Brits swapped a tenner for a new life down under – and whether it lived up to expectations...
All you need to know about the real Ten Pound Poms
From Campbell to MacGregor, discover the 6 most powerful, infamous and violent Scottish clans in history – are you descended from one?
Six clans that shaped modern Scotland
Easter: All you need to know about the celebration, including forgotten traditions and why it changes each year
There's more to Easter than chocolate and egg hunts – find out the history and traditions behind the festival and cultural holiday
The dark history of witches and the infamous witch trials: How thousands were executed in Europe's bloody pursuit of sorcery
Tales of witchcraft are woven into our rural history, but what is the truth about magic in the countryside? Dr Suzannah Lipscomb sheds
fresh light on myths about witches and the people who hunted them
"Difficulties mastered are opportunities won": 11 best Winston Churchill quotes that inspire and motivate
Words of wisdom from the iconic wartime leader Winston Churchill
Celebrate St Piran's Day: when it is and the legend behind the Cornish saint
Celebrate the Cornish day with our guide to St Piran's Day which looks at the patron saint of Cornwall and popular traditions.
Who were the real Durrells – and what on earth happened to them all? Was it all guns, goats and Greek sunshine?
We're all familiar with the hit ITV drama The Durrells, but who were the Durrells and how true to life is the show?
From exploding corpses to fatal feasts, which English monarch had the most gruesome death?
Kings and queens might lead glamorous lives, but their deaths aren't always so dignified. From bizarre accidents to truly gruesome ends, history is full of monarchs who met a fate stranger than fiction
"To travel by train is to see nature": The best Agatha Christie quotes from the Queen of Crime
Discover quotes that capture the beauty of country living from the best-selling fiction writer of all time, Agatha Christie
Celebrate St David's Day: history and traditions
Celebrate Wales' national day with our guide to St David's Day which looks at the history of the patron saint of Wales and popular Welsh traditions.
