Blogs – The History Book

The Combat of the Thirty – A Lesson in Chivalry

Folk tales in England in France have given us a distorted view of the Medieval era. We view the Robin Hoods, the Dick Whittingtons, and the William Tells almost as real historical figures, drawn from a simpler time where magic was real, gallant heroes ruled the realm, and damsels in distress were saved from knightsContinueContinue reading “The Combat of the Thirty – A Lesson in Chivalry”

Escobar – The King of Colombia

Escobar is both a hero and a villain, depending on who you ask. His name is indisputably the most famous of all the drug kingpins. Find out more about his rise and fall, and what made him so unique

The Bill of Rights: The World’s First Constitution.

Forget the English Civil War. Forget the Restoration. There’s a far more important Revolution to be spoken of: The 1688 Glorious Revolution. Following the Restoration, Parliament once again found itself being shoved aside by a Stuart King intent on running Britain more akin to Louis XIV’s French autocracy. Various measures were taken; from attempting toContinueContinue reading “The Bill of Rights: The World’s First Constitution.”

“The West and The Rest” – A Reappraisal.

The idea of ‘The West and The Rest’ is a controversial one, and among many historians one of ignorance and poor history. But does it deserve to be restored as a legitimate idea?

Caligula – the Perfect Tyrant

Caligula is a name that even now brings up images of terror and cruelty. But just how cruel was he, and how did he rise to become Emperor of all of Rome?

The Man Who Never Was – Operation Mincemeat

One of the most remarkable stories in intelligence history, Operation Mincemeat is a true tale of wartime subterfuge that modern spy writers could only dream of inventing.

Edgar – 1066’s Forgotten King

We all know Harold, William and Harald. But one name from 1066 remains eerily forgotten by historians. That name – Edgar Aetheling.

Galois – Maths’ Rock and Roll Star

You might not have ever considered that maths has a history. But it does, and it can be just as visceral and exciting as the rest of history. This is the story of Galois, maths’ rock and roll star.

Christopher Columbus: His True Intentions.

Christopher Columbus is well known for his discovery of Americas. However, his original intentions for this discovery are either misunderstood or wholly ignored. In reintroducing the context of Columbus and highlighting his motivations; his life suddenly becomes a far clearer picture.

The Kievan Rus – The First Russia

Russia is a vast and unique country, and its history is no exception. When you think of Russian history, perhaps you think of Peter the Great, who won the Great Northern War and founded St Petersburg; or perhaps of Stalin and the political purges of the Soviet Union; or maybe even Ivan the Terrible, theContinueContinue reading “The Kievan Rus – The First Russia”