Upstairs Downstairs
We explore what relationships were really like between the upstairs and downstairs residents of Britain’s big houses
In the new Downton Abbey film, veteran housekeeper Mrs Hughes is unequivocal in briefing staff: “I want every...
How to celebrate Christmas like Charles Dickens
Don’t be a Scrooge! Celebrate the spirit and former haunts of Charles Dickens, the Victorian author who shaped our vision of the modern festive season
On the evening of October 5 1843, Charles Dickens took his...
Guy Fawkes: the man behind the guy
The effigy of Guy Fawkes is burned throughout Britain at this time of year, but how much do we really know of the famous Gunpowder Plot conspirator?
The classic rhyme “Remember, remember the fifth of November" features one of...
Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War: Part II
Oliver Cromwell was quick to seize control after the shocking death of Charles I, but was he hero or villain?
On January 30, 1649 48-year-old King Charles I said goodbye to his children at St...
Hotel Indigo, Stratford upon Avon review
While house-hunting in 1597, William Shakespeare would have known the handsome pub opposite his New Place. The Falcon was not a five-minute walk from Shakespeare’s Birthplace and across the road from Shakespeare’s Schoolroom. The world-class theatres built...
Northumberland Castles
Northumberland is home to more castles than any other English county. We travel to England’s northernmost region to hear tales of theft, murder and spooky apparitions
Its location close to the Scottish border has meant...
Hidden British libraries
We take a tour of some of the most historic and beautiful British libraries to find reading rooms worthy of our literary greats
Oxford
Oxford’s university libraries are among the oldest and most celebrated in the world....
Summer reading: British book settings
We visit the places that inspired iconic summer scenes in the works of some of our favourite authors.
It is the brightest day you ever saw. The sun is sparkling on the water… The tide...
Where JMW Turner lived in Britain
Great English painter, JMW Turner, hailed by the critic, John Ruskin, as ‘the father of modern art’, undertook annual summer tours of Britain, but where did he live and love?
As the Turner Prize, an...
House Rules
Combining a thousand years of history, the drama of modern-day politics and majestic architecture, a visit to the seat of British government is quite an experience
If the walls of Westminster Hall, the oldest part...
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