History Today

Alan D. Dyer describes how Britain’s industrial development began when coal replaced wood during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Having failed to introduce a new Irish coinage, writes John S. Powell, this ambitious projector set out to revolutionize contemporary iron-production.

‘The pleasure of books possessed me from childhood’ wrote this twelfth-century historian. Among other work, William of Malmesbury, writes J.J.N. McGurk, produced an Historia Novella, extending until 1142.

John Godfrey describes how the capture of Constantinople in 1204 was an unexpected result of the Crusading movement.

In the thirteenth century, writes Diana E. Greenway, one of the Bishops in the important see of Winchester was a rich and noble monk; the second a warrior accountant turned prelate.

J.H.M. Salmon describes how the Philosophes of the French eighteenth century had an unshakeable belief in their own achievement and the progress of mankind.

A.L. Rowse describes how the centre of administrative life in Cornwall has enjoyed a varied history, from Plantagenet to modern times.

Ross Watson describes how Jefferson came to English shores on public business, but travelled widely, and made many purchases.

Francis J. Bremer introduces a true Renaissance man; Thomas Hariot, man of action and ideas.

Reginald Watters offers a profile of one of the founding-father of modern journalism; Thomas Barnes brought tremendous dash and energy to the conduct of his long professional career.