Sir Isaac Brock, Guernseyman and Hero of Upper Canada
Guernseyman General Sir Isaac Brock is credited with saving Canada for the Empire from the attack by the Americans 1812. Knowing how much the Canadians gave in manpower and support in the 2 World Wars to Britain, who knows, but if he had failed the history and fate of modern Britain may have been very different indeed.
Did Richard the Lionheart really meet Robin Hood?
Most of us would like to think that Richard the Lionheart did in fact encounter history’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood. So is there any chance that he ever did ?
The Last Invasion of Britain
Napoleon wanted to invade and conquer Britain so too did Hitler but they both failed. So … When exactly was the last Invasion of Britain ?
A very short history of Bonfire night
No one was more delighted by the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot than King James I, who had narrowly avoided becoming the first king to sit on a rocket-propelled throne. In this article we look at the history of the partying mayhem that grew up surrounding this quintessentially British tradition.
Why are British Soldiers called ‘Tommies’ ?
The British ‘Tommy’ going over the top to battle the evil Hun is synonymous with World War I and World War II but this slang term for the British soldier originated much earlier than this and is credited as being coined by one of Britain’s most famous Generals
Great British Battles – Part II
There are some events in history upon which turn the fate of nations. A point at which history can go either way. Battles have always played a part in defining what Britain is. Here we look at The Battles of Mons; Battle of Britain; & D-Day.
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 Bayeux Tapestry – The Missing Ending
The Bayeux Tapestry is a beautiful historical artefact that never fails to impress. However this thousand years old embroidery, has a secret. It’s ending is missing! That is until the residents of Alderney crafted a new ending for this iconic artefact.
Great British Battles – Part I
There are some events in history upon which turn the fate of nations. A point at which history can go either way. Battles have always played a part in defining what Britain is. Here we look at The Battles of Hastings; Agincourt ; The Spanish Armada & Waterloo.
Magna Carta – The Beginning of our Modern Law System
A big deal is made out of Magna Carta. But could a document that is over 800 years old really be that influential in our modern society ?. In this article we take a very brief look at what it is and why it IS actually a big deal.
Guernsey and the English Civil War
A brief look at what happend in Guernsey during this pivotal moment in British History
Castel Cornet’s most famous prisoner – General Lambert
Choosing sides in the English Civil War was never easy. Guernsey sided with Parliament whilst Guernsey’s Governor, Sir Peter Osbourne, chose the King. He fled to Castle Cornet and thus began a 9 year siege between Castle and island. Even after the war was over and the Monarchy restored Castle Cornet’s part in this great upheaval was not over as we see in this article.
Some Notes on a not so ‘Civil’ War
The English Civil War was a complex affair. Even today historians are unable to completely agree on the exact causes of it. In this article we look at some simple notes and observations on this seminal conflict that gave the British the democracy and constitutional monarchy they still enjoy today.
Speak Like a Saxon
Despite first appearances, the English we speak now is a direct descendant of Anglo-Saxon. So have you ever wondered what Anglo-Saxon might have sounded like ? In this article we look at how Anglo-Saxon was written and how it would have sounded.
