The childhood of the 1950s and 1960s was very different from that of children today. Mostly left to their own devices, and aided and abetted by downright dangerous toys, what could go wrong? Yet for ...

Over 160 years old, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a true treasure of the South West, standing as a global testament to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s engineering genius. This renowned bridge is one of ...

In 43 AD, four Roman legions led by Senator Aulus Plautius set foot in Britain; the Roman troops were Emperor Claudius’ response to the exile of Verica, king of the Atrebates and a Roman ally. It was ...

‘Ridgeway’ was a term that originated in Anglo-Saxon times, to refer to ancient tracks that run along the high ridges of hills. They are unpaved, relying simply on the hard ground to provide a ...

The term ‘hangover’ is universally understood to mean the disproportionate suffering that comes after a night of over-indulgence. But where does the term actually come from? One possible explanation ...

England held its breath as the mighty Spanish Armada sailed up the English Channel. Invasion appeared imminent. Then Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have made a rousing speech to her troops as they ...

The UK Parliament is made up of the Monarch, House of Lords and the House of Commons. Known as ‘The Mother of Parliaments’ this parliamentary system has been copied by many countries around the world.

Welcome to Historic UK’s Living History Events Diary! One of the most enjoyable ways to experience history first hand is to attend one of the many Living History re-enactments taking place this year.

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Rudyard Kipling. One of the best known stories in English history is that of King Alfred and the cakes. Children are ...

For over 300 years, the coastlines of the south west of England were at the mercy of Barbary pirates (corsairs) from the coast of North Africa, based mainly in the ports of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli.