History Matters

Thoughts, opinions and commentary on all things historical.

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The DNA of Rosalind Franklin

Though denied credit Rosalind Franklin’s work on the molecular structure of DNA was pivotal to Watson and Crick’s discovery of the double helix.

Belligerent Brits

Germany is the country most closely associated with militarism, but Britain has had its militarist moments, too.

Welcoming the Strangers

Norwich prospered in the 16th century, thanks to an influx of immigrants, who arrived fleeing persecution.

Justice, at What Cost?

As today, accusations of rape in 19th-century America inevitably, and repeatedly, met with harsh backlashes against the victims.

The Other Catalina

A previously unnamed slave in Catherine of Aragon’s bedchamber may have known the answer to one of history’s greatest questions.