Britain

What’s in Store

Andrew Ellis introduces a huge on-going project to publish a series of catalogues showing every oil painting in public ownership in the United Kingdom.

Hugh Dalton

John Plowright examines the career of one of the key ministers in Attlee’s postwar governments.

The Great Reform Act of 1832

Robert Pearce introduces the First Reform Act and asks why parliamentary reform succeeded in 1832 when earlier reform bills had failed.

Hogarth’s London: Satire and the Street

Christine Riding looks at William Hogarth’s particular view of the street life of 18th-century London, and at what his interpretation presents in comparison with the artistic offerings of his Continental competitors.

The Satirical Eye

Cartoon historian Mark Bryant looks at the origins of the satirical magazine that has attracted a generation of outstanding cartoonists.

The First Christmas Tree

Contrary to popular myth, it wasn't Prince Albert but another German royal transplant who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain: Queen Charlotte.

The Suez Crisis and the British Empire

The political fallout of the Suez Crisis was keenly felt at home, but how did it change Britain’s approach to the Middle East? And what did it mean for the British Empire?