Peru

 I wrote a brief history of the South American country of Peru 

Calais

 On 7 January 1558, the French captured Calais from the English. During the 14th and 15th centuries, English kings claimed they were also kings of France. At various times they conquered parts of France but in 1453 the French liberated all of France except Calais. However English monarchs continued to use the title king (or queen) of France for centuries. Finally, in 1800 King George III realised it was a bit too silly to keep that title.

Somerton

 I wrote a brief history of the small but charming town of Somerton, in Somerset 

Panama

 I wrote a brief history of Panama 

Ilchester

 I wrote about Ilchester in Somerset. It was once a large and important Roman town. 

Roxelana

 I read about a woman named Roxelana (Hurrem Sultan). She was born in Ukraine in about 1502 but she was kidnapped and made a slave. She was forced to be a concubine but later became the wife of the Ottoman Emperor Suleyman the Magnificent. She was a highly influential woman.

Bird Day

 5 January is National Bird Day