“Whether the Belief that there are such Beings as Witches is so Essential a Part of the Catholic Faith that Obstinacy to maintain the Opposite Opinion manifestly savors of Heresy.”- Malleus Maleficarum With a decrease in loyal Christian followers across Europe, church leaders sought out way in which to re-establish church hegemony. Across early […]
Last month, the chief surgeon suggested that fat is becoming normal in our culture. Laura Robinson looks at the changing notions of fat over time. Following the death of Tony Benn, who was universally revered, Stephen Fulham looks at the cultural phenomenon that is the death of great statesmen and women. Missing planes are mysteries […]
When we say ‘al-Qaeda’, most people think of 9/11, the 2004 Madrid bombings and the attacks of 7/7. Less people know of their effect in the Maghreb region. However, since 2002 there has been a significant amount of activity attributed to the Islamic militant group here, the most recent being their attack on the Amenas […]
It’s a valid question. Why spend at least another three or four years slaving away to write the longest piece of work you’ve ever had to struggle with? Well, as any PhD student will tell you, it is hard, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have at University. In […]
Given that independence is one of the hottest topics of the year, Tom Oliver argues that there is an historical precedent for union. Our morbid fascination of crime is never more virulent than in the case of the serial killer. Evie Hull looks at serial killers throughout the ages. Last month, the Belgians legalised euthanasia, […]
The discovery of Richard III’s remains in Leicester marks a significant moment for both Historians and Archaeologists in this country. The fact that the remains of the king were situated in Leicester is not what is significant, although the ignominy of an English King being buried ungraciously under a car park does make for an […]
Nowadays, Thanksgiving is a national holiday. There’s a parade in New York, and everyone gathers with their families and loved ones to eat turkey, spend time with one another and give thanks. But Thanksgiving hasn’t always been like this. The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Pilgrims from Britain came over […]
Studying the relics of Pompeii has uncovered evidence providing not only a window into the past, but also a reflection of the present. Emperor Nero is as infamous for his brutal measures and unstable mental health as his politics. But what about the man himself? The Manchester Historian sets out to uncover the man behind […]
In 2008, after years of service as Minister of Defence, Raul Castro succeeded his ailing brother Fidel as the President of the Republic of Cuba. This change in leadership was due to the deteriorating health of the elder brother and was heralded by many analysts worldwide as a new political and economic epoch for the […]
For centuries, the ship and the stallion competed to be the dominant mode of transport. Katherine Almond look at the evolution of travel and how technological advancement helped open up new tourist trades. While we think of travel as a leisure activity, some take it to extremes. Lloyd Hammett looks at some of these epic […]
‘Remember the dignity of your womanhood. Do not appeal, do not beg, do not grovel. Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us’ – Christabel Pankhurst From Christabeland Emmeline Pankhurst to Pragna Patel, throughout history women have fought against the oppressive shackles that bind them to motherhood and the home. Whilst our society […]
Stephen Joseph is a name ingrained in the minds of Manchester’s drama students. The Stephen Joseph studio, named in his honour, is one of the Drama departments most frequented rehearsal spots. The studio itself was originally built as a German Protestant church, before being occupied by the university in 1949 and eventually taken over by […]
Manchester’s Dr. Chris Godden reveals his life long relationship with economic history, and the crucial importance of its study. Newspapers contain a wealth of information that can be useful, even vital, to the work historians do. Whether you need news reports, biographical information, or contemporary opinion, newspapers will support your work. However, finding relevant articles […]
When asked how a controversial Holy Father is linked to a superb brunch menu item, one might be tempted to say Benedict. Pope Francis’ predecessor shocked the world in 2013 when he became the first head of the Roman Catholic Church in more than half a millennium to resign. As it turns out, he was […]