By Tim Lambert The First Satellites Artificial satellites have had a huge impact on daily life since the first one was launched in 1957. They have helped science, communications, navigation, and spying!. The idea of launching an artificial satellite around the Earth occurred as early as the 19th century. In 1869, Edward Everett Hale wrote… Continue reading A History of Satellites
Tag: History
A History of Colours
By Tim Lambert Black In the 13th century, Dominican friars arrived in England. They were called Blackfriars because they wore black cloaks. The Black Death of 1348-49 killed about one-third of the population of England. In the West, black is the colour of mourning. However, in many Asian cultures, white is the colour of mourning. Writer Anna… Continue reading A History of Colours
A History of Anaesthesia
By Tim Lambert Early Anaesthesia The word anaesthesia is derived from Greek words meaning without feeling or sensation. The word was used in England by the early 18th century. However, it wasn’t used to mean lack of pain during an operation until 1846. Before the advent of modern anaesthesia, there were ways of dulling pain.… Continue reading A History of Anaesthesia
A History of Light
By Tim Lambert Human beings have always needed artificial light. Today, we take it for granted. You press a switch, and it appears. However, for our ancestors, providing light after dark was far more difficult. At first, a fire provided the only light at night. Oil Lamps However, Prehistoric people used stones with natural depressions… Continue reading A History of Light
A History of Sex Work
By Tim Lambert Sex Work in the Ancient World Sex work is often called the world’s oldest profession. Exchanging services for food or other goods probably occurred in Prehistoric times. It certainly was common in the earliest civilizations in Iraq and Egypt. Sex workers were recorded in Ancient Iraq as early as 2,400 BC. Sex… Continue reading A History of Sex Work
A History of Dogs
By Tim Lambert Ancient Dogs Dogs are man’s best friends. Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated, and they have been companions and helpers ever since. About 40,000 years ago, wolves began to live with humans. At that time, people were hunter-gatherers. Some wolves may have gone to their camps looking for scraps. In… Continue reading A History of Dogs
A History of Swimming
By Tim Lambert Early Swimming Swimming was a common skill in the Ancient World. People in Egypt and other parts of the Ancient World went swimming. It was popular with the Greeks and Romans. Roman soldiers were trained to swim well. In the Middle Ages, knights were expected to be able to swim well. In… Continue reading A History of Swimming
A History of Bras
By Tim Lambert Ancient Bras Ancient Greek women wore a form of bra called an apodesme. Roman women also wore a band of cloth or leather around their chest called a strophium or mamilare. However, for hundreds of years after the fall of Rome, women usually did not wear anything for support. From the 16th… Continue reading A History of Bras
Last Orders at The Bar
By Gabriella Bowe-Peckham This is a dissertation by Gabriella Bowe-Peckham about the loss of British heritage and community values as seen through the decline in pubs in Hampshire. It looks particularly at the town of Romsey, which once had an important brewing industry. It was also famous for its pubs!
A History of Blandford Forum
By Tim Lambert Dedicated to Catherine Greenway Early Blandford Forum Blandford Forum began as a Saxon settlement by the River Stour. (It’s believed the river’s name is derived from a Saxon word meaning strong or mighty). At the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Blandford was called Blaneford. It’s not certain where the ‘Blane’… Continue reading A History of Blandford Forum