In 1688, for the second time in the 17th century, Parliament removed the English king. The first time in 1649 had been an overall messy affair: “Pride’s Purge” had removed over 200 MPs in December 1648, preventing any chance of a negotiated settlement with King Charles I and leading to his trial and execution in… Continue reading How revolutionary was the “Glorious Revolution”?
Author: Joseph Burman
Were the Anglo-Saxons Violent Invaders or Peaceful Immigrants?
The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons is one of the most important events in the history of Britain. It set this island on a course that would lead it to become one of the most powerful nations in the world, and also changed its culture irrevocably. But, despite its significance, there is still a massive debate… Continue reading Were the Anglo-Saxons Violent Invaders or Peaceful Immigrants?
Robert the Bruce and the Spider
After a disastrous first year as king in 1306, Robert the Bruce settled in for a winter on the Isle of Arrans at a sight called Fionn’s cave. The English had been pursuing him across the country, and now he found himself sheltering in a cold coastal cave, bracing for the long winter ahead. After… Continue reading Robert the Bruce and the Spider
Could Woden (Odin) have been a real person?
The Germanic pantheon of Gods is often one of the most disregarded in society, with pop culture and historians having little to say on the subject. The Norse, Greek, Roman and, to an extent, Egyptian gods are very well known across the western world, with all having some basis in education and popular learning, with… Continue reading Could Woden (Odin) have been a real person?
The tales of Jack O’Lantern
“Stingy Jack” had always been known as frugal. Everyone had given up asking for favors or money: there was just no point. Before the words had even left the mouths of those asking, he was making up some excuse as to why he couldn’t, and then sloping off. This meant that he was generally disliked… Continue reading The tales of Jack O’Lantern
The Hexham Heads
Dr Anne Ross was a respected and venerated doctor of ancient British mythology and culture, who had been studying the ancient earthworks in and around Hadrian’s wall. It was here in 1971 she was asked to examine two carven heads found on the site, and to give her professional opinion on them. A few days… Continue reading The Hexham Heads
The Tragedy of Jan Tregeagle
Jan Tregeagle was not loved by the people of Cornwall, so when he died there was no great outpouring of grief in the local area. Hardly anyone attended his funeral, and even less visited the grave in the churchyard. Tregeagle was a frugal man, who spent his days up in his office looking at county… Continue reading The Tragedy of Jan Tregeagle
The Warrior of the Gog Magog Hills
The windswept summits of the Gog Magog hills have always been of incredible strategic importance. From its iron age fort on Wandlebury to queen Boadicea, whoever controlled the hills controlled Cambridgeshire. The hills are shrouded in mystery and legend, with its very name being given to it from two giants, Gog and Magog, who are… Continue reading The Warrior of the Gog Magog Hills
The Legend of Moonrakers Pond
The county of Wiltshire was once famous for its smugglers, with thousands of pounds worth of illegal brandy, tobacco and black market goods being brought in every week. They would use the many canals of the county to manoeuvre stolen goods towards the north, in which they would sell for high prices. This angered the… Continue reading The Legend of Moonrakers Pond
Hereward the Wake and the Candles of St Peter
Hereward the Wake was the bane of the Normans. From his Isle of Ely in the Lincolnshire marshes, he lead his band of Anglo-Saxon rebels against the Norman invaders, causing much harm and damage to their occupation. He is in many fantastical tales, some of which will be recounted at later days on this page.… Continue reading Hereward the Wake and the Candles of St Peter