By Tim Lambert Early Sweets People eat preserved fruits, jelly, and wafers The Tudors eat sweet foods called sweetmeats, preserved fruit, gingerbread, sugared almonds, and jelly. They also eat marzipan. 18th Century Liquorice sweets are made. Turkish Delight is invented. 1817 The first recipe for potato crisps is published 1848 Chewing gum is first made commercially c. 1850 Modern… Continue reading A Timeline of Sweets
Leisure in the Middle Ages
By Tim Lambert In the Middle Ages, the main pastime of the upper class was still hunting. Lords hunted deer with packs of dogs and killed them with arrows. They also hunted wild boars with spears. Both men and women went hawking. In the evenings they feasted, danced, and played board games such as chess… Continue reading Leisure in the Middle Ages
A History of Religion in the 17th Century
By Tim Lambert In the early 17th century king and parliament clashed over the issue of religion. In the 17th century, religion was far more important than it is today. It was a vital part of everyday life. Furthermore, there was no tolerance in matters of religion. By law, everybody was supposed to belong to… Continue reading A History of Religion in the 17th Century
16th and 17th Century Technology
By Tim Lambert Technology in the 16th Century In the 16th century guns transformed warfare. Early guns were lit by a slow match (string was soaked in saltpeter and when it was lit it smoldered). The slow match was touched to the gunpowder to ignite it. However, in the early 16th century, the wheelock was… Continue reading 16th and 17th Century Technology
A Timeline of America
By Tim Lambert 1585 Walter Raleigh attempts to fund a colony in Virginia. An expedition is led by Richard Grenville. 1586 The colony is abandoned 1587 John White leads another attempt to establish a colony in Virginia. However the colonists mysteriously disappear. 1607 The Virginia Company founds a colony at Jamestown 1612 John Rolfe begins growing tobacco in Virginia 1619 The… Continue reading A Timeline of America
A Timeline of 17th Century England
By Tim Lambert 1600 The East India Company is founded 1601 The Poor Law is passed. People are made to pay a rate to support the poor. 1603 In March Queen Elizabeth dies. James I becomes king. 1605 The gunpowder plot, a Catholic conspiracy to blow up parliament, is discovered. 1607 Jamestown, the first successful British colony in North America,… Continue reading A Timeline of 17th Century England
A History of Scotland in the 16th and 17th Centuries
By Tim Lambert Scotland in the 16th Century During the reign of James IV (1488-1513) Renaissance reached Scotland and it was a great age for literature. Also, the first printing press was set up in Edinburgh in 1507. Meanwhile, Aberdeen University was founded in 1495, and in 1496 a law was passed requiring all well-off… Continue reading A History of Scotland in the 16th and 17th Centuries
A History of Gambling in the UK
The British have long enjoyed different forms of gambling. In fact, if we look back at the history of wagering in the UK, we can see that this country has played a key role in the evolution of gambling over the centuries. The First National Lottery Draw Up to the 17th Century – horse racing… Continue reading A History of Gambling in the UK
Visit New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its diverse landscape and natural outlook. There are many exotic destinations to visit in New Zealand that it is challenging to decide where to go. Read on to learn about six destinations you can visit for a memorable trip. Bay Islands Bay Islands are one of the top tourist attractions in New… Continue reading Visit New Zealand
The Ashby Garrison in the Civil War
By Alan Roberts During the Civil War, the stronghold at Ashby-de-la-Zouch was the most troublesome royalist garrison in the county, a real thorn in the side of Parliament. This formidable stronghold was the seat of the Hastings family. Colonel Henry Hastings, the earl of Huntington, the leader of the East midlands forces, had executed the… Continue reading The Ashby Garrison in the Civil War