Catherine of Aragon

 Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII was born on 16 December 1485 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-catherine-of-aragon/

1918 Election

 On 14 December 1918, an election was held in Britain. It was the first time in British history that all men could vote. It was also the first time that women were allowed to vote in a general election. localhistories.org/a-history-of-women's-rights

The South Pole

 On 14 December 1911, Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole. Well done Mr. Amundsen. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-antarctica/

Corporal Punishment

 An article in Psychology Today about the harm done by corporal punishment https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moral-landscapes/202112/ending-corporal-punishment-children?fbclid=IwAR1ijFl5e5tmwoEJkO1Hf4n2wwDpLd6wUOVlyztxAcVg3vFo86M2fAHUApw

Tasmania

 On 13 December 1642 Abel Tasman sighted Tasmania https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-tasmania/

Kenya

 Kenya became independent on 12 December 1963. Happy Independence Day.

John Milton

 John Milton was born on 9 December 1608. Not only was he a great writer he was also a great defender of freedom of speech. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-john-milton/

Tudor Christmas

 If you like Tudor history here is Wendy's superb article about Tudor Christmas: https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-tudor-christmas/

Whipping

 In Britain whipping women was banned in 1820 but for men, it went on well into the 20th century. From 1862 the courts could order whipping with the cat o'nine tails or birching (which meant hitting a man on the bare backside with a bundle of birch rods). Birching gradually replaced whipping, although cases of the latter were recorded in Britain until 1947. In 1948 whipping or birching civilian men was abolished but it was legal in prisons until 1967. Find out more in my history of corporal punishment

Christmas Myth

Nobody knows what time of year Jesus was born. Its often said that 25 December was chosen because it replaced a pagan festival. But that is probably a myth. This historian argues that the reason why early Christians thought Jesus was born on 25 December had nothing to do with pagan religions.

 https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/myth-pagan-origins-christmas/?fbclid=IwAR3kFcLafYFJWGQqddbWRJU7NSavx1Fgmij-CbUgXclPeIXsFauq5aQ-kTI

Winston Churchill

The great British statesman Winston Churchill was born on 30 November 1874 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-winston-churchill/

Timeline of Corporal Punishment

 I am finding it hard to write new articles for my website but I wrote a timeline of corporal punishment. Stand still laddie! https://localhistories.org/a-timeline-of-corporal-punishment/

Red Planet Day

 28 November is Red Planet Day. Let's hear it for Mars! I wrote my own little history of Mars https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-the-planet-mars/ 

Women Slave Owners

 I found an interesting article about women slave owners https://www.history.com/news/white-women-slaveowners-they-were-her-property

Women in the Wars of the Roses

 I found this interesting article about the role of women in the War of the Roses. https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/the-power-behind-the-throne-women-in-the-wars-of-the-roses

The abolition of Corporal Punishment

 This is an interesting article about the abolition of corporal punishment in British schools. Hey, teacher leave them kids alone! https://schoolsweek.co.uk/when-did-schools-ban-corporal-punishment/

International Men's Day

 19 November is International Men's Day. Happy International Men's Day! There are far too many great men in history to mention them all. But here is a video about men who made useful inventions but are NOT very famous. https://youtu.be/cwHe5GzX8EY 

Native American Slavery

 I found an interesting video about Native American slavery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKxU9C03qCw

Droxford, Hampshire

 I made a Youtube video about the history of the village of Droxford in Hampshire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLdYLbSF2Ok

William Herschel

 The famous astronomer William Herschel was born on 15 November 1738. He discovered the planet Uranus. He also discovered infrared light. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-william-herschel/

Edmund Halley

 The great astronomer Edmund Halley was born on 8 November 1656. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-edmund-halley/

National Sandwich Day

 3 November is National Sandwich Day #food https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-food/

Women Jugglers

 Women jugglers have a long history. In fact, the earliest record of juggling is of women in Ancient Egypt. https://www.juggle.org/10-female-juggling-stars-of-the-past/

Handkerchiefs

 I found an article about the history of handkerchiefs. Yes, everything has a history. https://bonjourparis.com/lifestyle/chic-or-passe-the-fabulous-history-of-the-handkerchief/?fbclid=IwAR0aSWpyCHeY9G1RLUgp3yFaW2MvTwWWPVS0f9B-nIqBpnze8481OXLUYMo

Halloween

 Happy Halloween https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-halloween/

Philadelphia

 Happy birthday Philadelphia. William Penn founded the city on 27 October 1682.

Agincourt

 On 25 October 1415, the English won a decisive victory over the French at Agincourt. The longbow proved to be, once again a very effective weapon. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-the-longbow/

Alaska

 On 18 October 1867 Alaska passed from Russia to the USA. localhistories.org/a-history-of-alaska

Henry Cavendish

 The great scientist Henry Cavendish was born on 10 October 1731. Among his achievements, he discovered hydrogen and measured the density of the Earth. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-henry-cavendish/

Tea

 On 3 October 1952 tea rationing ended in Britain. It had been rationed for 12 years! How did people manage when tea was rationed? https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-tea/

Eyam, Derbyshire

 Most people in England have heard of the village of Eyam in Derbyshire. When the plague struck the village the people heroically quarantined themselves to stop it from spreading and most of them died. Sadly it's probably a myth. The village WAS quarantined but the evidence suggests the authorities imposed the quarantine (a common practice at that time). It also seems the wealthy villagers fled before the quarantine was imposed, leaving the poor to their fate (also a common practice). Over the years it became a romantic legend. But, as with so many such charming stories it probably never happened. This article examines the evidence: https://www.economist.com/1843/2020/04/16/eyam-revisited-lessons-from-a-plague-village

Michaelmas

 An interesting article about Michaelmas customs https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Michaelmas/?fbclid=IwAR27bp7Qp_LbGh5dEln53kokHBOIUlZbYWH4Ov_Wqth7bHJYXCy9vVLGY9U

Female Jesters

Women in comedy have a long history. In the Middle Ages and 16th century, the rich were entertained by jesters. Some jesters were female. The custom of having jesters died out in the 17th century. But the modern circuses began in the late 18th century and by the beginning of the 19th century, they included clowns. By the mid-19th century, there were female clowns. In 1846 a London newspaper mentioned female clowns. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, there were women comedians in music halls (in music halls a variety of acts would entertain the crowds). Read more in my history of women's jobs.

The Last Witch

 An interesting article about the last person in Britain to be imprisoned under the Witchcraft Act https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Helen-Duncan-Scotlands-last-witch/?fbclid=IwAR3zkNiA1n_Kwmy1TLVzQcMy4-GInik5gRX_GBDbiUYZn9B_-CE2owIXf9I

Women in the First World War

 I found this interesting article about women in the First World War https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-women-in-the-first-world-war?fbclid=IwAR22J75ALSqBO4Z0czORi_skpIVSl0JgmVUahbE5tNWnexH1_ggJYxvBG5Y

Famous Women in History

Seven years ago I made this video about famous women in history. These were all born before the 19th century (there are far too many in modern times to mention them all). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grmTVzb5PCc

Quebec

On September 1759 British General James Wolfe won the battle of Quebec It was a decisive battle in the war with the French in Canada. Sadly Wolfe was killed. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-canada/

Female Concentration Camp Guards

 This man makes excellent videos about the Second World War and Nazi Germany https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnVCHheKt28

John Dalton

 The great scientist John Dalton was born on 6 September 1766. He is famous for his theory that matter is made up of atoms. He also investigated colour blindness, which was once called daltonism. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-john-dalton/

Mary Shelley

 Famous writer Mary Shelley was born on 30 August 1797. Mary is famous for her novel Frankenstein. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-mary-shelley

Longbow

 On 26 August 1346, the English won a resounding victory over the French at Crecy. The longbow was a deadly weapon. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-the-longbow/

Ukraine

 Ukraine has a tragic history. It became independent of Russia once before, in 1918 but in 1921 the Communist Russians invaded and forced the Ukrainians to become part of the Soviet Union. In the early 1930s there was a terrible famine in Ukraine. It’s not clear if Stalin deliberately caused the famine but he certainly carried on taking grain by force even when it was clear millions of people were starving. This man-made famine is called The Holodomor. https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor

Angels

 22 August is National Be An Angel Day localhistories.org/a-history-of-angels

Corporal Punishment

 On 15 August 1987 corporal punishment was abolished in all state schools in Britain. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-corporal-punishment 

Cyprus

 Cyprus became independent on 16 August 1960 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-cyprus/

Confederate Submarine

 On 8 August 2000, a Confederate submarine called H L Hunley was raised from the seabed after lying there for 136 years. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-charleston-south-carolina/

Alexander Fleming

 Alexander Fleming the man who discovered penicillin was born on 6 August 1881. His work saved countless lives and helped many who had various illnesses. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-alexander-fleming/

West Meon

 This is my latest video, about the history of the village of West Meon in Hampshire

Percy Shelley

 Famous poet Percy Shelley was born on 4 August 1792 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-percy-bysshe-shelley/

The Bradford Boar

 According to legend, the boar became Bradford’s emblem because of an incident in the Middle Ages. A boar was at terrorizing a wood near the town. (Wild boars were vicious animals). The Lord of the Manor offered a reward to anyone who could kill it. A hunter named John Northrop saw it drinking at a well. He killed the boar and cut out its tongue to prove it was dead.

However, a little later another hunter saw the boar. He cut off its head and took it to the Lord before Northrop could get there. However, he could not explain why the boar’s tongue was missing. Northrop then turned up with the tongue and he was given land as a reward. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-bradford/

Paper Towels

 Today's useless info: Paper towels were invented by Arthur Scott in 1907. I remember paper towels at school when I was a boy. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-baths-and-showers/

Female accountant

 In 1920 Mary Harris Smith became the first woman chartered accountant in Britain. Well done Mary. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-womens-jobs/

Emily Bronte

 Emily Bronte was born on 30 July 1818. She is famous for her book Wuthering Heights. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-emily-bronte/

The Black Dahlia

 Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia was born on 29 July 1924. She was the victim of an unsolved murder in Los Angeles in 1947.

Milk Chocolate

 28 July is National Milk Chocolate Day. Let's hear it for a Swiss gentleman named Daniel Peter who invented milk chocolate in 1875. I hate dark chocolate. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-chocolate/

Henry VIII marries (again)

 On 28 July 1540 married Catherine Howard (poor old Catherine!). https://localhistories.org/a-short-biography-of-henry-viii/ 

Ancient Myths

 This is my latest video - Myths about the Ancient World

Life in Rome

 In Ancient Rome women could not vote or hold public office. However, women were allowed to own and inherit property and some ran businesses. (In the Bible there is a woman named Lydia who sold purple cloth). In certain trades, some women helped their husbands, especially in silver working and perfumery. Furthermore, some women were priestesses or worked as midwives or hairdressers. Some women were gladiators. 

Stevenage

 Stevenage began as a Saxon village in 7th Century Hertfordshire. It was called Stith ac, which means strong oak. In those days trees were used as meeting places and perhaps one large oak used in that way gave Stevenage its name. At any rate by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 Stevenage was a little village. To us, it would seem tiny but settlements were very small in those days. At the time of the Domesday Book Stevenage belonged to the Abbey of Westminster. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-stevenage/

Rosalind Franklin

 The scientist Rosalind Franklin was born on 25 July 1920. She may not be very famous today but she played a crucial role in understanding the structure of DNA. In reality, there have been women scientists all the way through history. https://localhistories.org/a-timeline-of-women-scientists/

Rowlands Castle

 Seven years ago I made this little video about the village of Rowlands Castle in Hampshire https://youtu.be/x15dp3tl6_M

English Place Names

 Seven years ago I made this video about the origin of English place names. I am hoping to make a name for myself. #names https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98x_xMBk7zI

18th century women

 In the 1700s girls from well-off families went to boarding schools. Poor girls sometimes went to dame schools where they were taught to read and write. Also, in some towns, there were charity schools called blue coat schools because of the color of uniforms. In Britain, women were not allowed to attend university and the professions were closed to them. localhistories.org/women-in-the-18th-century

New Amsterdam

 The Dutch built a little town on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. It was called New Amsterdam and it flourished by selling skins. The settlers sold otter, beaver, mink, and seal skins. However, New Amsterdam was a tiny town with only about 1,500 inhabitants in the mid-17th century. localhistories.org/17th-century-new-york

The Moon

 On 21 July 1969 Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. Well done Neil. #moon https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-the-moon/

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

 Two ships designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel were launched on 19 July. The Great Western in 1837 and The Great Britain in 1843. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-isambard-kingdom-brunel/

Old Sayings

 Seven years ago I made this video about the origin of old sayings. https://youtu.be/LDUkTwoI7cQ

Bathing

It's a silly myth that during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries people thought bathing was bad for you. It is complete twaddle. In reality, doctors emphasised that keeping clean was necessary for health. Being clean was also seen as good or virtuous. In the 18th century, John Wesley said ‘cleanliness is next to godliness. Being dirty was a sign of a bad soul. Wearing dirty clothes was also frowned upon. localhistories.org/a-history-of-baths-and-showers

Anne Askew

 On 16 July 1546, a Protestant woman named Anne Askew was burned to death for heresy. She was the only woman ever to be tortured in the Tower of London. She was tortured on the rack but she refused to change her beliefs. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-anne-askew/

Petersfield History

 Petersfield is a charming market town in Hampshire. It's one of my favourite places for going for walks. Seven years ago I made this video about the history of Petersfield. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14SFKUbo-NE

Seat belt

 On 10 July 1962 a Swedish man, Bils Bohlin patented a 3 point seatbelt. Well done Bils. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-transport/

Tape Measure

 Today is National Tape Measure Day. On 14 July 1868 Alvin J Fellows patented the spring click tape measure. It was a simple tool but it made life easier for craftsmen. Well done Alvin. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-measurement/ 

Ruth Ellis

 Ruth Ellis was hanged on 13 July 1955. She was the last woman to be hanged in Britain. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-capital-punishment/

Football World Cup

 Today is a great anniversary in the history of football. On 13 July 1930, the first Football (Soccer) World Cup began in Montevideo, Uruguay. And Uruguay won the cup. Well done Uruguay.

Hayling Island

 Seven years ago I made this video about the history of Hayling Island https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-hayling-island/ #haylingisland #funfair #beaches

Catherine Parr

 On 12 July 1543, Henry VIII married his last wife, Catherine Parr. I feel sorry for her, imagine having to marry the middle-aged, obese Henry. #HenryVIII https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-catherine-parr/

Football

 Hands up who likes football? Hands up who doesn’t? I’m talking about soccer, football as we know it here in the UK. It is a game played across the globe as proved by David Beckham when he played a game on every continent back in 2015, making history! In Europe football fans have been cheering their national teams in the Euro2020’s, taking place in 2021 (for the obvious reason and something that will matter in pub quizzes and history in years to come no doubt). Why has such a game endured for so long in so many places? I can’t resist a bit of research and it’s fascinating, the full article is here https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-sport/. Enjoy the football, or enjoy whatever you do to avoid it, it’s history in the making whatever happens.

Holidays

 It's flaming June! Once again it's the holiday season. It's time to get out your bucket and spade and your bikini. Well, actually in Britain it's another cold and wet day but let's not be downhearted. Here is a history of holidays I wrote. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-holidays/

Historical Myths

 There are loads of myths about history. Most of us have grown up with them. Here are some of them: https://localhistories.org/myths-about-history/

World Chocolate Day

 7 July is World Chocolate Day Hooray! https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-chocolate/

Thomas More

 Thomas More was executed for treason on 6 July 1535. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-thomas-more/

Colonial New England

 The first houses in New England were simple wooden huts. They had timber frames covered in clapboard with thatched roofs. Rather than glass windows had sheets of paper soaked in oil. The first chimneys were of logs covered in plaster – an obvious fire hazard! The earliest houses were crowded, dark, and drafty. localhistories.org/daily-life-in-colonial-new-england

Declaration of Independence

 On 7 June 1776 Richard Henry Lee of the Virginia Assembly presented Congress with resolutions declaring the independence of the colonies, calling for a confederation, and expressed the need to find foreign allies for a war against Britain. On 11 June Congress appointed a committee to write a declaration of independence. It was signed on 4 July 1776. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-colonial-america/

Singapore

 According to legend, Singapore was founded centuries ago when a prince from Sumatra landed on the island and saw a lion. He took it as a good omen and founded a city called Singapura, which means lion city. The legend may or may not be true. In fact, the name Singapura was not recorded until the 16th century and Singapore was really only a trading post with a small population, not a city. 

Hampton

 In the Anglo-Saxon language the word Hamm meant water meadow. Hamm tun meant hamlet by the water meadow. Southampton was Hamm tun then Hamtun. It gave its name to Hampshire, which was originally Hamtun shire. Littlehampton was probably given its name to differentiate it from Southampton, which in turn was given its name to differentiate it from Northampton. 

19th Century toilets

 In the 19th-century toilet, pans were made of porcelain. They were usually decorated, embossed, or painted with attractive colors. Seats were of wood and cisterns were often emptied by pulling a chain. At first toilet bowls were boxed in but the first pedestal toilet bowl was made in 1884. Meanwhile, the vacant/engaged bolt for public toilets was patented in 1883 by Mr. Ashwell. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-toilets/

Colonial America Timeline

 I have written a timeline of Colonial America https://localhistories.org/a-timeline-of-colonial-america/

Inca food

 The Incas lived in the highlands and lowlands of what is now Peru. In the lowlands the staple food was maize. In the highlands the main food was potatoes. Incas also ate peppers, tomatoes, and avocados. They also ate peanuts and a grain called quinoa. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-food/

Milada Horáková

 A brave woman was executed by the Communists in Czechoslovakia on 27 June 1950 https://www.private-prague-guide.com/article/milada-horakova/

George Orwell

 One of the 20th century's greatest writers, George Orwell was born on 25 June 1903. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-george-orwell/

Henry VIII

 Henry VIII was crowned on 24 June 1509 https://localhistories.org/a-short-biography-of-henry-viii/

George Vancouver

 Famous explorer George Vancouver was born on 22 June 1757 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-george-vancouver/

Halifax

 Happy birthday Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was founded on 21 June 1749 https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-halifax/

Oxford Uni

 Oxford University received its charter on 20 June 1214 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-oxford-university/

Swanmore

 I made a short video about the history of the village of Swanmore in Hampshire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2P5Mx6CMXs

Norwich

This is my history of Norwich. It was once one of the most important towns in England 

Millicent Fawcett

 Suffragist Millicent Fawcett was born on 11 June 1847. (She was a suffragist, not a suffragette. Suffragists campaigned peacefully for women to have the vote). Some women were given the vote in Britain in 1918 and all women over 21 were given the vote in 1928. Millicent lived long enough to see it. She died in 1929. https://localhistories.org/a-short-biography-of-millicent-garrett-fawcett/

New website

 I have revamped my website using WordPress. Have a look and see what you think. localhistories.org

History of Drinks

 My history of drinks https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-drinks/

Chalton, Hampshire

 I made a video about the tiny village of Chalton in Hampshire 

Titanic

 Titanic was launched on 31 May 1911 https://localhistories.org/the-titanic/

Christopher Marlowe

On 30 May 1593 playwright Christopher Marlowe was stabbed https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-christopher-marlowe/

Portsmouth

 This is my video about the history of Portsmouth https://studio.youtube.com/video/si42h8wKIUE/edit

Mary Anning

 Famous fossil collector Mary Anning was born on 21 May 1799 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-mary-anning/

Pierre Curie

 The great scientist Pierre Curie was born on15 May 1859 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-pierre-curie/

Australia

 On 13 May 1787, the first fleet of convicts set sail from Portsmouth for Australia https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-australia/

Astronaut Day

 5 May is National Astronaut Day so here is my revamped history of space exploration https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-space-exploration/

Catherine the Great

 Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia was born on 2 May 1729 https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-catherine-the-great/

Mayday

 Happy Mayday everyone https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-mayday/

George Washington

 On 30 April 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the USA https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-george-washington/

History of Drinks

 This is my revamped history of drinks, bottoms up! https://localhistories.org/a-timeline-of-drinks/

Mary Wollstonecraft

 Famous writer Mary Wollstonecraft was born on 27 April 1759. She is famous for her book A Vindication of the Rights of Women. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-mary-wollstonecraft/

Ironing board

 A man named John B. Porter invented a portable ironing board in 1875. But on 26 April 1892, Sarah Boone patented an improved version. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-housework/

St George's Day

Happy St Georges Day everyone. This is a little article I wrote: https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-st-georges-day/

History of Sweets

 22 April is National Jelly Bean Day so here is my revamped history of sweets https://localhistories.org/a-timeline-of-sweets/

Henry VIII

 On 21 April 1509, Henry VIII became King of England https://localhistories.org/a-short-biography-of-henry-viii/

History of Washing

I wrote a history of washing. I hope it is showered with praise! https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-baths-and-showers/ 

Bananas

Bananas were first recorded in England on 10 April 1633 when they went on sale in London. https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-fruits/

The Titanic

On 10 April 1912, The Titanic set sail from Southampton

Senegal

4 April is Senegal Independence Day

Easter

 Happy Easter everyone https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-easter/ 😊

Florida

 On 2 April 1513, the Spanish set foot on Florida for the first time. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-florida/ 

Alaska Treaty

 On 30 March 1867 US Secretary of State William Henry Seward signed a treaty to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million - less than 2 cents an acre. localhistories.org/a-history-of-alaska

Botley

This is my Youtube video about the history of Botley in Hampshire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3DYXlLWC0c

Selling your wife (or husband)

 In the 18th century and 19th-century men sometimes sold their wives. (There were also cases where women sold their husbands). This strange custom arose because poor people could not divorce. (Until 1857 it took an act of parliament to dissolve a marriage so divorce was only possible for the rich). However, the wife had to consent to the sale, and often she was sold to her lover. Selling your husband or wife was not actually legal but in the early 19th century it was tolerated, especially in rural communities. However, divorce became easier after 1857 and the police began to prosecute men who sold their wives. The last known case of a man selling his wife in Britain was in Leeds in 1926. He sold her for £10 (a large amount of money at that time). The woman consented to be sold but the man was prosecuted.

Thomas Cranmer

 On 21 March 1556 the Thomas Cranmer, Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury was burned to death during the reign of the Catholic Queen Mary https://englishhistory.net/tudor/thomas-cranmer-death/?fbclid=IwAR3Gh9MSbCIVFo2SVEPEj4T-jd_Ts2SZu8r3jMHHZvIR2KnSqi16_pt_XEE

Myths About Corsets

 Most of us have grown up with myths about corsets - they were like instruments of torture, they made women faint etc. This article says it's all myths, corsets were not dangerous or even uncomfortable. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/everything-you-know-about-corsets-is-false/?fbclid=IwAR1mhjfZ66EG1ZHBBdWJHCu1GBsZdWXpdQ65QXOlMuqUbOr7bwMnrmkU6Lo

Saint Patrick

 According to legend Saint Patrick was captured when he was young and made a slave in Ireland. He escaped back to Britain but eventually returned to Ireland to preach. It's probably not true. It's more likely Patrick was a slave trader himself. https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/saint-patrick-slave-trader?fbclid=IwAR3x6HLSaykzwliVIjcwqzld4L7rbVMEyag49EUBQsbH7XnV6kVpClaF4yE

Caroline Herschel

 The great astronomer Caroline Herschel was born on 16 March1750. In 1828 The Royal Astronomical Society awarded Caroline the gold medal for science. In 1846 she was given the Prussian Gold Medal for science. https://localhistories.org/a-brief-biography-of-caroline-herschel/

The Jersey Martyrs

 I found this video about the horrifying about murder of Protestants on the Island of Jersey in the 16th century. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HjGBpY8_DQ&list=WL&index=2

Shoe the World

 15 March is National Shoe the World Day. Sadly for many people in the world shoes are a luxury. localhistories.org/a-history-of-shoes

Lithuania

 On 11 March 1990, Lithuania declared its independence from the USSR. 

Barbie

 Happy birthday Barbie. (She made her debut at a toy fair on 9 March 1959). https://localhistories.org/a-history-of-dolls/

Toronto

 The great Canadian city of Toronto was incorporated on 6 March 1834 

Slaves in Anglo-Saxon Bristol

 I found this interesting article about slaves in Anglo-Saxon Bristol https://www.buildinghistory.org/bristol/saxonslaves.shtml 

Milton

 I made a video about the history of Milton, Portsmouth https://youtu.be/-XeKnhYW5AM

Chicago

 Chicago was incorporated as a city on 4 March 1837. Happy birthday Chicago. 

Telephone

 Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone was born on 3 March 1847 

19th Century Food

 Four years ago I made this video about food in the 19th century https://youtu.be/q97BiiNzwNU

Denmead, Hampshire

 I made a Youtube video about the history of Denmead (a village in Hampshire). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiNbuxkTFp4