Hugh Dalton
John Plowright examines the career of one of the key ministers in Attlee’s postwar governments.
Britain
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 Birth of Henry Tudor
The man who founded the Tudor dynasty was born on January 28th, 1457.
The Satirical Eye
Cartoon historian Mark Bryant looks at the origins of the satirical magazine that has attracted a generation of outstanding cartoonists.
Benjamin Disraeli – Conservative leader and Prime Minister
Mark Rathbone assesses the degree of success achieved by one of the great Victorian Prime Ministers.
The First Christmas Tree
Contrary to myth, it wasn’t Prince Albert but another German royal transplant who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain.
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?
The Suez Canal Before the Crisis
When the Suez Canal was opened its creator predicted that he had marked the site of a future battlefield. When Britain occupied Egypt in 1882, it seemed inevitable they would be the ones to fight for it.
Death of Thomas Sheraton
The furniture maker died on October 22nd, 1806.