Francesca Raine wrote this article about music on the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's warship
Sunday, 31 August 2025
Thursday, 28 August 2025
Martha Place
I wrote an article about Martha Place. In 1899, she became the first woman to be executed in the electric chair.
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Rhazes
The famous Persian physician Al-Razi, known in the West as Rhazes, was born on 27 August 885. He had a huge influence on medicine in the Middle Ages.
Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Polly Nicholls
Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, who many believe was the first victim of Jack the Ripper, was born on 26 August 1845. She died in 1888. I looked for a meme, but they all propagate the myth that he was a 'toff' in a top hat. In reality, several witnesses saw a man with the victims shortly before they were killed. They all described a similar individual, and he wore ordinary working clothes. He was completely nondescript and probably lived and worked in the area.
Monday, 25 August 2025
Prehistoric Jericho
I wrote an article about prehistoric Jericho
Sunday, 24 August 2025
Nazi Euthanasia
In 1939, Hitler began a euthanasia programme for the disabled. It was called Aktion T4. Victims were gassed using carbon monoxide gas. The bodies were then cremated. The family were informed that the victim had died of some natural cause. But the news leaked out. On 24 August 1941, Hitler ordered an end to the gassings, partly because of the opposition from the churches. However, euthanasia of the disabled continued ad hoc using drug overdoses, until the German surrender in 1945. About 250,000 people were murdered. Aktion T4 provided a blueprint for the Jewish Holocaust.
Friday, 22 August 2025
Here Come The Tudors!
For all you lovers of Tudor history, I wrote a book in three parts. The first part is a description of life in Tudor England. The second part is a brief history of Tudor England. The third part is a description of Tudor Portsmouth and Tudor Southampton.
Thursday, 21 August 2025
Myths About Women's Clothes
I found an interesting video that debunks myths about 19th century women's clothes
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
USS Constitution
On 19 August 1812 the frigate USS Constitution defeated a British ship in battle. It earned the nickname Old Ironsides. It's now a museum in Boston. https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/
Sunday, 17 August 2025
The Last Teenager Hanged in Britain
On 22 December 1960 19-year-old Anthony Miller was hanged for murder in Glasgow. He was the last teenager to be hanged in Britain.
Friday, 15 August 2025
India Independence Day
15 August is India Independence Day. This is my history of India.
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
The last executions in Britain
On 13 August 1964, the last executions in Britain were carried out when Gwynne Evans and Peter Allen were hanged in separate prisons. The death sentence for murder was abolished for a trial period of 5 years in 1965. It was permanently abolished for murder in 1969.
Monday, 11 August 2025
Ruth Ellis
I wrote about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain
Here Come the Tudors!
For all you lovers of Tudor history, I have written a new book. It's called Here Come the Tudors! and it includes a description of life at the time and a history of Tudor England. It also includes a look at Tudor Portsmouth and Tudor Southampton.
Sunday, 10 August 2025
A History of Women from Ancient Times to Today
I wrote another book. I called it A History of Women From Ancient Times to Today. When I read about the history of women I was amazed at how many prominent women there were in the past, who are largely overlooked today. Many women philosophers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, artists and musicians were famous in their own day but have been largely overlooked today. In my book I try to redress the balance. It's available from Lulu Books.
Saturday, 9 August 2025
The Acid Bath Murderer
John George Haigh, the acid bath murderer, was hanged on 10 August 1949.
Friday, 8 August 2025
Passion Fruit Day
9 August is National Passion Fruit Day. This is my history of fruit.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
Sunday, 3 August 2025
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
2 August is Roma Holocaust Memorial Day. The Nazis hated the Roma and they murdered hundreds of thousands of them.