Modern British History

Nowadays, flushing lavatories are a fact of life facilitating the need to remove and treat human waste, hygienically, but this wasn't always the case

Nov 24, 2009 - Lynda Osborne

After Norway was invaded by the forces of Nazi Germany in 1940, a secret operation, the Shetland Bus, defied the perils of the North Sea to aid the Norwegian Resistance.

Nov 13, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

The Chapel built by Italian prisoners of war in the Orkney Islands during World War II turned two unlovely huts into a thing of beauty that proved to be a joy for ever.

Nov 11, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

A popular attraction in the Tower of London is the collection of Crown Jewels containing the famous Kohinoor Diamond.

Oct 13, 2009 - Diane Evans

Aneurin Bevan was a Welsh born and bred politician who played a key role in the creation of the post war Welfare State and the National Health Service in Britain.

Sep 29, 2009 - Jeffrey Baxter

The history of WW2 is littered with stories of terrible atrocities, balanced by stories of incredible courage. The story of Violette Szabo is one such example of heroism

Sep 28, 2009 - Lynda Osborne

Nicholas Winton was invited to visit Prague by a friend in the British Embassy; what he saw prompted him to conjure up a scheme to rescue Jewish children.

Sep 7, 2009 - Rupert Taylor

British naval officer Lord Louis Mountbatten accepted the Japanese surrender during World War II. He was the last Viceroy of India, and also mentor to Prince Charles.

Sep 1, 2009 - Carolyn M Cash

A concise account of the failed siege of Lathom House, one of the last major Royalist fortresses to hold out against Parliament during the English Civil War.

Aug 23, 2009 - David Pilling

A detailed summary of the cavalry battle at Winceby in Lincolnshire that was Oliver Cromwell's first major action in the English Civil War.

Aug 18, 2009 - David Pilling

The Piper Alpha platform was destroyed in 1988 by a series of explosions. The North Sea oil rig accident cost more lives than any other offshore disaster.

Aug 17, 2009 - Kevin Guthrie

The Irvings of Bonshaw were allies with the Johnstones of Annandale in the Reiving Times of the 16th century. Their feud with the Maxwells was both bitter and prolonged.

Aug 2, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

The Debateable Land was a region of contention between England and Scotland in the Reiver times. Often both disowned it but Canonbie was at its heart and hotly contested

Aug 2, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

General Charles Gordon, a British national hero and icon, died defending Khartoum against the Mahdi because the relief army sent to assist him arrived too late.

Jul 29, 2009 - Michael Streich

In March 1603 Elizabeth 1 of England died without issue.The Crown of England was bestowed on the King of Scots, James V1. He set about subjugating the unruly Border Clans

Jul 26, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

The Great Raid of Tynedale was carried out by a thousand men from the Border valleys of Southern Scotland. Its aim, it can be argued, to thwart the Union of the Crowns.

Jul 24, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

Lawlessness was endemic in the Border Lands in the Reiving times. The Church threatened hell and damnation unless the Reiving Clans were to mend their ways.

Jul 23, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

The English\Scottish Border lands were often laid waste in the Reiving Times. The Church, reliant for its welfare on the produce of its parishioners, suffered greatly.

Jul 21, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

'Auld' Wat of Harden was, without doubt, a memorable scottish reiver of the 16th century. His raids into England were formidable, yet his sense of humour was renowned.

Jul 19, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

Elsdon Pele is a magnificent example of the fortified towers built on each side of the English Scottish Border as both defence and sanctuary against the Border Reivers.

Jul 17, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

The Halls and the Reeds were the clans that vied for control in Redesdale, Northumberland in the reiving times. Outwardly allies, treachery would lead to lasting feud.

Jul 12, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

Throughout the centuries that the Reivers held sway in the English Scottish Border lands many of the families were at feud. None more so than the Johnstones and Maxwells

Jul 11, 2009 - Thomas William Moss

The Bournemouth Improvement Act 1856 included the requirement to build a pier. The first one was dogged by bad luck. The second was more fortunate.

Jul 2, 2009 - Elaine Findlay

How the enclosure of an area of Hampshire heath land paved the way for the creation of a large seaside town on the south coast of Dorset.

Jun 30, 2009 - Elaine Findlay

Boscombe has had a pier ever since Lady Shelley fixed the first pile in 1888.

Jun 26, 2009 - Elaine Findlay