I wrote a brief history of the great American city of Boston
A blog about history and true crime. Historical trivia and stories about true crime.
Thursday, 30 November 2023
Money Does Not Stink
In Rome, urine was used to wash clothes. The emperor Vespasian put a tax on urine collected from public toilets and sold for cleaning. His son complained that it was a disgusting way to raise money. Vespasian held a gold coin under his son's nose and said 'pecunia non olet' (money does not stink).
Wednesday, 29 November 2023
Tuesday, 28 November 2023
Monday, 27 November 2023
Arundel
I wrote the history of Arundel. It's a picturesque little town in Sussex, England. It's famous for its castle.
Tudor Christmas
My friend Wendy wrote a history of Tudor Christmas Read all about how they celebrated Christmas in the 16th century.
Sunday, 26 November 2023
Weigh anchor
Why do we say weigh anchor? It's a corruption of the Old English word wegan, which meant carry or lift. Find out more in my origin of sayings.
Saturday, 25 November 2023
Friday, 24 November 2023
Survived hanging
On 24 November 1740, William Duell was hanged for murder. He was taken to the surgeons and laid out to be dissected but he regained consciousness (in those days hanging killed by strangulation rather than by breaking the neck). Duell had his sentence commuted to transportation. This is my history of capital punishment in Britain
Thursday, 23 November 2023
Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Blackbeard
The notorious pirate Edward Teach AKA Blackbeard was killed on 22 November 1718. This is my history of pirates.
Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Monday, 20 November 2023
Women in Persia
In Ancient Persia, women could inherit and own property. Many of them had jobs. Some women were made managers, in charge of both male and female workers. If the king died the queen could rule until the crown prince came of age.
Sunday, 19 November 2023
World Toilet Day
19 November is World Toilet Day. So let's hear it for the men who invented the modern toilet. In 1775 Alexander Cumming was granted a patent for a flushing lavatory. Joseph Bramah made a better design in 1778. In 1883 Mr. A. Ashwell invented the vacant/engaged bolt for public toilets.
Women vote in Spain
On 19 November 1933 women in Spain voted in national elections for the first time. (Women were given the right to vote in 1931). All men in Spain were given the right to vote in 1892.
Saturday, 18 November 2023
Friday, 17 November 2023
Thursday, 16 November 2023
Escalators
The first escalator in Britain was unveiled on 16 November 1898 in Harrods (a famous store in London). This new device was so frightening, to some people that staff were ready at the top with brandy (for men) and smelling salts (for ladies) in case customers fainted or were overcome by the experience.
Wednesday, 15 November 2023
Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Monday, 13 November 2023
Sunday, 12 November 2023
Saturday, 11 November 2023
Friday, 10 November 2023
Thursday, 9 November 2023
Coventry
I wrote a history of Coventry. It was once one of England's largest and most important towns.
Wednesday, 8 November 2023
Julian of Norwich
According to tradition, the English mystic Julian of Norwich was born on 8 November 1342
Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Selsey
I wrote a history of Selsey. It was once a place of considerable importance but it is now a quiet town.
Bognor Regis
I wrote a history of the seaside town of Bognor Regis. For centuries it was a small fishing village till at the end of the 18th century it became a seaside resort.
Monday, 6 November 2023
Mighty Girl
This is an interesting website for anyone interested in women's history https://www.amightygirl.com/blog
Electric Razor
On 6 November 1928, Jacob Schick patented the electric razor. Well done Jacob. Find out more in my history of washing.
Basketball
James Naismith the man who invented basketball was born on 6 November 1861. Learn more in my history of sports.
Saxophone
6 November is National Saxophone Day. Adolphe Sax the man who invented the saxophone was born on 6 November 1814. Read more in my history of musical instruments.
Sunday, 5 November 2023
Fruit Fool
By the end of the 16th century, people in England were eating fruit fool. (Its name has nothing to do with idiots. It is derived from the French word fouler, meaning to mash.) Read more in my history of desserts.
Saturday, 4 November 2023
Going Underground
On 4 November 1890, the world's first electric underground railway opened in London. One of the first passengers was the future King Edward VII. Learn more about it in my history of transport.
Friday, 3 November 2023
Chichester
I wrote a history of Chichester. It has a long and fascinating history from its start as a Roman town to the present day.
Thursday, 2 November 2023
Marie Antoinette
Marie-Antoinette, queen of France was born on 2 November 1755. The unfortunate woman was guillotined in 1793 during the French Revolution.
Wednesday, 1 November 2023
Pastry Fork
A pastry fork can mean two things. A pastry fork for eating cakes was invented in Britain in 1886. A different tool, one used in cooking but also called pastry fork was invented in the USA by Anna Mangin.
Spencer Perceval
British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval was born on 1 November 1762. He was assassinated in 1812. So far he is the only British prime minister to be assassinated.






