By Tim Lambert The Middle Class In 1912 only about 20% of the population of Britain was middle class. (To be considered middle class you would normally need to have at least one servant). In 1912 well-off people lived in very comfortable houses. However, middle-class homes would seem overcrowded with furniture, ornaments, and knick-knacks. Gas… Continue reading Life in 1912
Category: Articles
A History of Women’s Sports
By Tim Lambert Early Women’s Sports Greek women were not allowed to participate in the Olympic Games. However, women had their own games dedicated to the goddess Hera (wife of Zeus). The Heraean games were held once every 4 years. In Rome from about 55 AD, some women fought as gladiators, but the practice was… Continue reading A History of Women’s Sports
A History of Women Doctors
By Tim Lambert Early Women Doctors There were women doctors in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. There were also women doctors in the Roman Empire. One famous woman doctor was Antiochis of Tlos. She lived in what is now Turkey in the First Century. Another famous woman doctor was Metrodora. She wrote a textbook called… Continue reading A History of Women Doctors
Famous People Born in South East England
By Tim Lambert ALDERSHOT Ian McEwan 1948- Writer ALTON Catherine McCormack 1972- Actress ARUNDEL Judy Geeson 1948- Actor ASHFORD Patsy Byrne 1933-2014 Actor Frederick Forsyth 1938- Writer Sir Malcolm Sargent 1895-1967 Composer John Wallis 1616-1703 Mathematician BASILDON, BERKSHIRE Jethro Tull 1674-1741 He invented the seed drill in 1701 BASINGSTOKE John Arlott 1914-1991 Broadcaster Thomas Warton 1728-1790 Poet BATTLE, SUSSEX Eliza… Continue reading Famous People Born in South East England
Technology and Inventions Since 1948
By Tim Lambert In the era after 1948 technology made great leaps forward. There were many improvements in transport after 1948. The breathalyzer was invented in 1954. A Swede named Nils Bohlin developed the three-point seat belt in 1959. The hovercraft was invented in 1955. Jet passenger aircraft were introduced in 1949. Meanwhile, medicine made… Continue reading Technology and Inventions Since 1948
Middle Class Life in the Late 19th Century
By Tim Lambert In the late 19th century about 80% of the population of the population was working class. To be considered middle class, you had to have at least one servant. Most servants were female. (Male servants were much more expensive because men were paid much higher wages). Throughout the century ‘service’ was a… Continue reading Middle Class Life in the Late 19th Century
Famous People From Southwest England
By Tim Lambert ALLER, SOMERSET Ralph Cudworth 1617-1688 Philosopher BAMPTON, DEVON Eliza Gould 1770-1810 Founder of Sunday Schools BARNSTAPLE Francis Chichester 1901-1972 Yachtsman John Gay 1685-1732 Poet and playwright Dermot Murnaghan 1957- TV Presenter Harry Welchman 1886-1966 Singer/actor BATH Ann Barry 1734-1801 Actress Bill Bailey 1964- Comedian Thomas Bowdler 1754-1825 who wrote a new version of Shakespeare… Continue reading Famous People From Southwest England
Britain Since 1948
By Tim Lambert Britain has changed greatly since 1948. Today people are much richer. They live in far more comfortable homes and ordinary people can afford things that were luxuries in 1948 (like foreign holidays). People are also healthier and they live longer. They also have things like the internet that were not even dreamed… Continue reading Britain Since 1948
A Biography of Pierre Curie
By Tim Lambert Pierre Curie was a great scientist of the late 19th century. He was born on 15 May 1859. His father was a doctor. As a child, Pierre was home-schooled. He then attended the Faculty of Sciences at the Sorbonne and he gained a degree in physics in 1878. Pierre became a laboratory… Continue reading A Biography of Pierre Curie
Poor Tudors
By Tim Lambert In the 16th century, about half the population lived at subsistence (bare survival) level. Life for them was hard and rough. During the 16th century, there was inflation, especially in the mid-century, and prices rose steeply. Wages rose too but less than prices so real earnings fell. They reached their lowest point in 1597.… Continue reading Poor Tudors