The History of England Magazine
Every month we present new feature articles relating to the history of this green and pleasant land. From ancient battlefields to famous people, hangings to national celebrations, we’ve got something to interest everyone.
You may also be interested in our History of Britain section covering the period from the Act of Union during Queen Anne‘s reign to the modern day.
Mudlarks of London
Mudlarking was cold, dirty and dangerous work, but for the poor and destitute who scoured London’s muddy Thames banks, it gave them a meagre living. They hunted the shoreline for anything they could sell…
Medieval Field System – Ridge and Furrow
Ask any child who was at junior school in the 1960s or 1960s about farming in the Middle Ages and odds-on, they will all reply, “Ridge and Furrow”. This medieval field system consisted of exactly that: ridges and furrows…
Joan of Navarre
After the death of her husband King Henry IV in 1413, Joan of Navarre was accused of practicing witchcraft and imprisoned by her stepson, King Henry V…
Seeking Sanctuary – A History
Between 600 AD and 1624, those escaping justice could seek sanctuary in English churches, giving them 40 days of breathing space in which to plan their next move..
The Great Conspiracy – Fall of Roman Britain
During the 3rd and 4th centuries, barbarian tribes made increasing incursions against Roman held territory in Britain. Roman garrisons across the country found themselves overwhelmed as forces came from all directions: the Picts from the north, the Scotti from Ireland in the west, and the Saxons from the southeast…
When London shook: Elizabethan and Georgian earthquakes
Two earthquakes shook London in early 1750. Then a third was predicted. Cue thousands of Londoners fleeing the city in panic, women clutching their ‘earthquake gowns’…
The Queen of South Shields: The Extraordinary Story of Regina and Barates
The tombstone of Regina, found at Arbeia Roman Fort in modern-day South Shields, is extraordinary. The inscription tells us that it was erected by her husband Barates. So far, not unusual. However what Barates tells us about his wife is very unusual…
1842 – The Terrible Year
Often referred to as the ‘Hungry Decade’, the 1840s was characterised by social unrest, military losses and economic hardship. The year 1842 in particular was fraught with problems, which led to it becoming known as the Terrible Year, arguably the worst of the 19th century.
