The First Christmas Tree
Contrary to myth, it wasn’t Prince Albert but another German royal transplant who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain.
Religion
The Expulsion of the Jews of Spain
Graham Noble examines the origins and traces the consequences of the notorious Edict of 1492.
The Cross and the State
Christopher Tyerman explains why he believes the crusades were important in shaping the ideology and fiscal and political structures of the secular state.
Was Leonardo a Christian?
The beliefs of the man who painted some of the most famous Christian images are shrouded in mystery. Alex Keller coaxes Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts out of some little-known personal writings.
Death of St Ignatius Loyola
The founder of the Society of Jesus died on July 31st, 1556.
Caliph Uthman Murdered
Richard Cavendish describes how Caliph Uthman was murdered on 17 June 656.
Creating Elizabeth’s Via Media
R. E. Foster reconsiders the origins of the Church Settlement of 1559.
Archbishop Makarios Deported from Cyprus
Richard Cavendish marks the anniversary of the deportation of an important figure in Greek Cypriot nationalist history, on March 9th, 1956.
Christians and the First Crusade
Douglas James explains why so many in the Christian West answered Urban II’s call to arms following the Council of Clermont in 1095.
Foxe's Book of Martyrs and the Face of England
John Foxe’s graphic and angry work depicting the persecutions inflicted by the Roman Catholic church, was partly a response to the rising tide of intolerance across Europe in the mid-sixteenth century, but more specifically to the recent persecution of Protestants in England. David Loades describes the impact of one of the most significant books of its time.