When we think of the Flapper we think of Gatsby, champagne, cropped hair and extravagant parties. Behind this image was in fact a deeply symbolic figure of the cultural and social changes that took place in 1920s and 30s Britain. A major product of this disordered era, Flapper culture was one which transgressed notions of […]
When talking about war between Britain and the USA, most people think of the American War of Independence at the end of the eighteenth century. Many are not aware that Britain and the USAwent to war just over thirty years later in what would simply become known as the War of 1812. The origins […]
Modern day experts look at the past in an attempt to understand the present. The eruption of Pompeii is one of classical civilisation’s most documented events. This article uncovers the secret sexuality embedded in Roman society.
In Shakespeare’s day, theatre was intended for all realms of society; the upper and lower classes experienced the same masterpiece, albeit through financially segregated seating zones. Strangely, with the birth of cinema and the inevitable birth of Shakespearean cinematic depictions, this intentional accessibility vanished – Shakespeare became a product of high culture, intended for a […]
“Four score and seven years ago…” So began one of the most iconic speeches in modern history, spoken by the President who led the USA through the horrors of the Civil War and ended the legal practice of slavery. You can’t deny it, Abraham Lincoln is everywhere in the USA from the colossal Lincoln Memorial, […]
The practice of castration dates way back to before recorded human history, and has been used by various societies for mainly religious and social reasons ever since. Many countries are familiar with cases of castration but in particular, countries in Southern and Eastern Asia, as well as Africa. Both female and male castrations have been […]
The region occupied by the people of Israel and Palestine has seen more than a thousand years of bloodshed. Modern conflict follows a long line of violent history. Historically the state now known as Israel was located along the lucrative Silk Road from China, what Samuel P. Huntington would describe as the ‘cultural edge’ or […]
The University of Manchester is recruiting students to provide guided historical tours around campus. The tours cover our major buildings, landmarks and sites of discovery as well as notable individuals from the University’s past. The tours run on a regular basis and last approximately an hour. Our University Heritage Guidesrepresent the University and convey […]
The canvas on which tattooing is etched on may only be skin deep, but the history of this art form goes much deeper. If, like me, you have partaken in the joy of the needle (having a professional doodler draw upon your skin not, I hasten to add, drugs) we are participating in a social […]
While advertising originally evolved to answer the needs of industry, it is now a key element of the political world too. Thom Iddon looks at how political leaders have used advertising. We are all familiar with the faces of the famous splashed across billboards, TVs and magazines dubiously endorsing all manner of products from face […]
An Imperialist Aggressor or The Truly Great Britain? As the populist left and right separated, conversations about Britain’s history of international involvement became dangerously simplistic. Amidst the ongoing culture wars, fuelled by both political division over Brexit and the populist candidates at the last general election, British people have found themselves increasingly segregated by their […]
Young upper-class men embarked on luxury adventures on the Continent in the eighteenth century. Xan Atkins explores the world of these comfortable pioneers who brought back art and culture from their travels which inspired British taste for centuries to come. For centuries, the ship and the stallion competed to be the dominant mode of transport. […]
Hatshepsut was an ancient Egyptian female pharaoh who reigned from 1473 to 1458 BCE. Her reign was successful and prosperous, as it was one that saw increased trade, military victories, and a flourishing in architecture. Her time as pharaoh has led to her being referred to as the “first great woman in history”. Hatshepsut is […]
The Ordnance Survey is a well-known British institution providing comprehensive geographical data for a multitude of purposes. Utilised during Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and a vital organ of the National Curriculum, Ordnance Survey maps will be familiar to most students through the education system. Weekend exploration in the Lake District, Peak District and other areas […]