By Tim Lambert Well-off people lived in very comfortable houses in the 19th century. (Although their servants lived in cramped quarters, often in the attic). For the first time, furniture was mass-produced. That meant it was cheaper but unfortunately standards of design fell. To us, middle-class 19th-century homes would seem overcrowded with furniture, ornaments, and… Continue reading Homes in the 19th Century
17th Century Scientists
By Tim Lambert Science flourished in the 17th century. The ancient Greeks could be said to be scientists. They thought by using their reason they could work out why the natural world behaves as it does. However, the Greeks never tested their theories by carrying out practical experiments. As a result, many of their ideas… Continue reading 17th Century Scientists
17th Century New York
By Tim Lambert An Italian, Giovanni da Verrazano discovered New York Harbor in 1524. In 1609 an Englishman, Henry Hudson, sailed up the Hudson River. Then in 1624, the Dutch founded the first permanent trading post. In 1626 the first governor, Peter Minuit, bought the island of Manhattan from the Native Americans. The Dutch built… Continue reading 17th Century New York
London in the Middle Ages
By Tim Lambert Edward the Confessor (1042-1066) built a wooden palace at Westminster. Later Parliament met here. Because of this Westminster became the seat of government not the city of London itself. Edward also built Westminster Abbey, which was consecrated a few weeks before his death. After the battle of Hastings, an advance guard of… Continue reading London in the Middle Ages
Tudor Astronomy
By Tim Lambert Nicolaus Copernicus In the 16th century and the early 17th century, there were huge advances in astronomy. People’s view of the universe changed completely. The first great astronomer was Nicolaus Copernicus. He was born on 19 February 1473 in the Polish town of Torun. An ancient Greek called Aristarchus (c 310-230 BC)… Continue reading Tudor Astronomy
19th Century America
By Tim Lambert Early 19th Century America In 1803 American territory was greatly increased by the Louisiana Purchase. France claimed a vast amount of land in central North America around the Missouri River and the Arkansas River. In 1803 Napoleon agreed to sell the lot for $15 million. Buying the French land meant there was… Continue reading 19th Century America
The Origins of English Place Names
By Tim Lambert BURY, BOROUGH This is usually a corruption of burh, which meant a fort of fortified place. Aylesbury was Aegel’s burh or burgh. Boarhunt was burh funta the spring by the fort. Narborough in Leicestershire was nor (north) burh. BY By was the Danish word for village. Derby was Deor By the deer… Continue reading The Origins of English Place Names
A Timeline of Britain in the 19th Century
By Tim Lambert 1801 The first census is held Another Act of Union joins Ireland to England and Scotland 1805 The battle of Trafalgar 1807 The slave trade is abolished 1811 Prince George becomes Prince Regent as his father is insane 1812 Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is shot by John Bellingham Charles Dickens is born… Continue reading A Timeline of Britain in the 19th Century
A Timeline of Punishments
By Tim Lambert 337 AD Crucifixion is abolished in the Roman Empire 1307 In Dublin a device for beheading people is mentioned 1401 In England a law makes burning the punishment for heresy 1431 In France Joan of Arc is burned 1531 In England a law makes boiling alive the punishment for poisoners 1547 Boiling… Continue reading A Timeline of Punishments
The Reformation in England
By Tim Lambert In 1501 Arthur the oldest son of King Henry VII married Catherine of Aragon. However, Arthur died in April 1502. Henry VII’s son Henry now became heir to the throne. Henry married Catherine of Aragon, his brother’s widow in 1509. Normally such a marriage would not have been allowed but the Pope… Continue reading The Reformation in England