Who was James VI? How did he escape the Gunpowder Plot?
King James oversaw a relatively peaceful reign, despite Guy Fawkes trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was King of Scotland as James VI from 1567 and King of England and Ireland...
Remarkable portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots discovered under 16th-century painting of a man
Unfinished portrait of controversial 16th-century queen Mary Stuart found under painting of Sir John Maitland. The picture may have been painted and then covered up in dangerous times
A rare portrait of Mary, Queen of...
Why Mary, Queen of Scots lived one of the most dramatic lives in British...
The life of Mary, Queen of Scots was dramatic. From the day her father died, when she was a week old, to her death at the hands of an English executioner 45 years later,...
Lost Rubens painting of Jacobean duke found in Glasgow stately home
Oil painting by leading 17th-century Flemish artist is of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham - a controversial figure in Jacobean times
For years it was thought that a portrait hanging in a stately home...
Kings and Queens of England & Britain: the monarchs who have shaped our history
The monarchy has been at the heart of British life for almost 1,200 years. Whether performing ceremonial duties or ruling absolutely, the Kings and Queens of England and Britain have shaped the direction, character...
Elizabeth II: Britain’s longest reigning monarch
HM The Queen's sense of duty has made her one of the world's most respected heads of state. She has been on the throne since 1952
Queen Elizabeth II was born Princess Elizabeth Windsor on 21...
Who was George IV? What were his Regency achievements?
King George IV loved the arts, architecture, fashion and furniture, presiding over the Regency era. He reigned from 1820-1830
George IV was Prince Regent since 1811 during his father’s illness. He was eventually crowned king...
Who was George VI? How did he boost morale during WWII?
King George VI boosted morale during the Second World War but struggled to keep the British Empire together. He reigned from 1936 to 1952
King George VI's place in popular culture has been cemented thanks to...
Royal letter about ‘shy’ future king up for sale
Father's note shows intimate portrait of King George VI as a young boy, defending his shy nature against 'too forward' boys of the day
King George VI - portrayed by Colin Firth in the 2010...
William Wallace, Scotland’s greatest hero
Mel Gibson played him in Braveheart, but William Wallace was, of course, also a real person. He was Scotland’s greatest hero.
William Wallace was a knight who became one of the main leaders during the...
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