History

The rich tapestry of Britain’s history is full of fascinating characters, imposing castles and literary heroes. From the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Battle of Britain, the Tudor period to the Victorian era, Shakespeare to Dickens, Britain has a unique heritage like no other. Much of this historical treasure trove has been preserved to inspire us today.

Timeline of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign

To mark her 90th year, we chart Queen Elizabeth II’s journey from young princess who was third in line to the throne to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, during her Diamond Jubilee tour, in 2012 Credit: Shaun Jeffers / Shutterstock.com

HM Queen Elizabeth II: 10 of our favourite anecdotes

To celebrate the monarch’s milestone, we reveal these royal titbits to shed light on Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary character.

70 fascinating facts about the Queen

As we pay tribute to the remarkable life and reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II, we look back at 70 fascinating facts about Her Majesty For more fascinating facts about the late Queen, order a…

the queen's favourite places

The Queen’s favourite places: Royal retreats

As we pay tribute to the remarkable life and reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II, we look back at the homes and landscapes Her Majesty returned to most over the years Words by Natasha Foges…

great fire of London facts

10 facts about the Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of 1666 is part of British folklore but how much do you really know about those dramatic three days in September?

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House & Woolroom luxury bedding: Stately sleep

The charming sheep of Chatsworth House are the stars of a new exclusive partnership between Chatsworth House and leading wool-bedding retailer, Woolroom Words by Sarah Feeley Sweeping down the long drive towards Derbyshire’s majestic Chatsworth…

King Edward I

King Edward I: The warrior king

From Flower of Chivalry to Hammer of the Scots, King Edward I had more nicknames than any other monarch, but how did he measure up to them? Words by Neil Jones The medieval chronicler Peter…

William Morris at Kelmscott Manor: Life’s rich tapestry

William Morris’s idyllic Cotswold retreat has reopened after a three-year renovation. We step inside to uncover the stories and scandals of Kelmscott Manor Words by Henrietta Easton A sunny day in June was the ideal…

British book settings

British book settings you can visit

We visit British book settings that inspired iconic scenes in the works of some of our favourite authors Come with us as we visit some famous British book settings that have inspired iconic scenes in…

real tennis

Real Tennis: the sport of kings

Literally the game of kings, real tennis is exactly what it sounds like. Unlike Lawn Tennis and Squash, it’s the genuine article: proper tennis Henry VIII was into it, wasn’t he? Like many pastimes, tennis…