Wednesday, 20 November 2024

World Children's Day

 20 November is World Children's Day. This is my history of children.

Monday, 18 November 2024

Moroccan Independence Day

 18 November is Moroccan Independence Day 

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Unemployed Demonstration 1887

 On 13 November 1887, a mass demonstration was held in Trafalgar Square in London. That year the unemployed held a number of demonstrations there. Eventually, the police banned demonstrations in the square. A demonstration was planned for Trafalgar Square on 13 November.

(The demonstration was first called to demand the release of an Irish MP who had been jailed for supporting a rent strike. But many people went to defend the right to demonstrate). Police and troops were sent in to clear the square and in the ensuing violence, two men died. The event became known as Bloody Sunday.


Monday, 11 November 2024

Breakfast

In the Middle Ages the Church disapproved of eating breakfast. It was seen as gluttony. In the 13th century, the theologian Thomas Aquinas said it was sinful. Working people often had a snack of bread and cheese during the morning after a couple of hours of work. The old and infirm were also allowed some food in the morning. But having a meal when you woke up was sinful. Attitudes began to change in the 15th century. In the 16th century eating breakfast became common.

Sunday, 10 November 2024

The word bra

 The word bra is derived from an old French word braciere, meaning a piece of armour that protects your arm. It came to mean a breastplate and later a woman's corset. The word also changed to brassiere. The modern bra was invented by Mary Phelps Jacob. She used two handkerchiefs joined by ribbon. In the 1930s the name shortened to bra.

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

Suleiman the Magnificent

 The great ruler of the Turkish Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent was born on 6 November 1494. He reigned from 1520 to 1566 and he was one of the most powerful men in the world. His empire included Southeastern Europe.

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Chelmsford

 I wrote the history of Chelmsford. It was originally a Roman town.