England

Was Sir Thomas More born on Milk Street – and does it matter?

The people of late medieval and early modern England were almost universally numerate. Is our ability to count the thing that makes us human?

Highwaymen’s reputations plummeted in the 17th century. Once praised as heroes in the manner of Robin Hood, the media now lauded the brave bystanders who resisted them.

Remembered today as a national hero, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, had an upbringing which spanned Essex to Ulster. He was a hybrid king to the last.

Could a text thought to be by Shakespeare’s father actually be his sister’s writing?

Following his accession, the majority of James I’s new English subjects accepted their Scottish king with ‘comforte and contentmente’. Such sentiments would not last.

A Nottinghamshire election in 1593 descended into farce, violence and, ultimately, futility.

As told by one medieval chronicler, Britain’s past and future had been prophesied by Merlin, who foresaw its rise, fall and conquest. Did the magician have warnings for the present?

The Anglo-Saxons knew that life – and land – is precarious, which makes its gifts precious.