Alderney’s Elizabethan Wreck
In 1977 one of the most important marine archaeological finds in the British isles was discovered right here in the Channel Islands off of the treacherous coast of Alderney. The find was so great that it is considered second only to that of King Henry VII’s warship the Mary Rose
Heresy and Infanticide in ‘Catholic’ Guernsey
When we think of the reign of Queen Mary I we often reflect on the prominent Protestant victims but there was one victim, local woman Perotine Massey, who’s name is not a familiar but her death was none-the-less just as controversial as the higher profile victims.
When Sark was a pawn in international politics
The history of the Channel Islands is anything but dull. Even the little island of Sark has been invaded, abandoned, sacked and liberated several times in the course of its’ history. However none has been more intriguing than the 16th century tale involving the French, a Holy Roman Emperor, the Governor of Guernsey and a Flemmish pirate no less!
Has the Fabled Viking ‘Magic Crystal’ been discovered … in the Channel Islands ?
This is a true story of a mystery that’s puzzled archaeologists for a long time. Namely how to explain the nautical prowess of the Vikings in an age long before the invention of reliable magnetic compasses.. Up until now only strange and vague references to their use of a ‘Magic Sun Crystals’ has been offered up as part of the solution to this conundrum.
A Close Run Thing – England’s Lucky Escape from the Spanish Armada
We like to think of the Royal Navy, led by the likes of Drake & Raleigh, as plucky little fighters whittling down the Spanish leviathan as it chugged up the English Channel on its inexorable path of conquest. However the truth is a little different and if it weren’t for some key items of luck, 1066 wouldn’t be the date that British schoolchildren remember as the last time England was invaded but 1588 (and we’d all probably be speaking Spanish as well).
The Language of Shakespeare – Modern Terms Coined by the Bard
We really do speak the language of Shakespeare today. You will be amazed at the expressions and words that we commonly use and are attributed to the great bard himself.
How To … Make a Christmas Pudding
The Christmas Pudding, that most lovely, in my opinion, of all the scrummy Yuletide fayre. In this article we look at that one of the most famous exponents of this dish, the Victorian cook Mr’s Beeton. Christmas Pud Origins Christmas pudding, or plum pudding or figgy pudding, is believed to originate from the medieval period (early 15th centuary probably) when plum pottage was served during festivities. Plum pottage was a meat...
Kings & Queens of England
From the 10th century Athelston to our very own Elizabeth II, the history of the British monarchy is one of religious conflict, political intrigue, invasion, love, murder, gluttony and colourful connections. Here’s a time line of them all.
