Articles
Explore Malta During the Historic 1989 Summit
Witness history as the Cold War thaws and two superpowers reshape the world at the Malta Summit. On December 3, 1989, the Cold War—a decades-long geopolitical and ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union—effectively came to an end during the Malta Summit. US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev…
Travel Back to Joseph Conrad’s Origins in Berdychiv
Visit the birthplace of a literary icon and delve into the 19th-century world that inspired some of the most celebrated novels in English literature. On December 3, 1857, Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski—better known to the world as Joseph Conrad—was born in the bustling Polish town of Berdychiv, then part of the Russian Empire. From this…
Experience the Opening of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1697
Celebrate the grand opening of St Paul’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a symbol of London’s resilience. On December 2, 1697, St Paul’s Cathedral officially opened its doors for its first service. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this architectural marvel rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of London (1666), becoming a beacon…
Explore Victorian London: Birth of a Classical Maestro
Experience the birth of a musical legend and immerse yourself in the harmonious energy of Victorian London. December 2, 1899, marks the birth of Sir John Barbirolli, a celebrated conductor and cellist whose artistry would leave an indelible mark on 20th-century classical music. Born Giovanni Battista Barbirolli to an Italian father and French mother in…
Explore Lyons-la-Forêt: Witness History in December 1135
Witness the end of an era as King Henry I of England succumbs to a most curious culinary mishap, setting the stage for chaos in medieval England On December 1, 1135, King Henry I of England died in Lyons-la-Forêt, Normandy, after falling ill from an overindulgence of lampreys—a favourite dish of the time. His death…
Advent Sunday: A Guide to History and Modern Practices
If you’ve ever popped open an Advent calendar to find a sub-par chocolate or marvelled at the oddity of tiny beauty products stuffed behind numbered doors, you’re already familiar with the concept of Advent. But did you know that this tradition goes way beyond sweets and socks? Advent Sunday marks the beginning of the liturgical…
Experience the Birth of Henry VI in Windsor, December 1421
Witness the Birth of a King—and the Beginning of One of England’s Most Tumultuous Reigns. For history enthusiasts, royal-watchers, and time travellers seeking a truly regal experience, December 1421 in Windsor is a destination that combines pomp, politics, and a healthy dose of intrigue. On December 6, Henry VI—the future King of England—was born in…
Time Travel to Edwardian London: Markova’s Birth
Witness the arrival of a future ballet icon and step into the elegant world of Edwardian London. December 1, 1910, marks the birth of Alicia Markova, a trailblazing ballerina who would become one of the most celebrated figures in 20th-century ballet. Born Lilian Alicia Marks in a modest London home, she defied expectations, becoming the…
Small Business Saturday: The Day for Shopping Local and Supporting the Little Guys
Every year, on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, shoppers are encouraged to put down their big-box shopping bags, close those online mega-store tabs, and embrace the charm of Small Business Saturday. This relatively new tradition celebrates small, independent businesses, offering a chance to support local entrepreneurs, get unique finds, and keep…
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Traditions and Heritage
Every 30 November, Scotland honours its patron saint, St Andrew, with a day of national pride, festivity, and a hearty dose of haggis. It’s a day when Scots (and those who wish they were) revel in everything from ceilidh dancing to bagpipes, and the Saltire flies proudly across the land. St Andrew’s Day may not…
Forgotten Self-Care Practices of the Early 1900s
In the modern world, self-care is a billion-pound industry, with skincare routines, fitness regimes, and mindfulness apps dominating our lives. But a century ago, self-care looked very different. The early 1900s was a time when medical science was still developing, and many old-world remedies and practices were still widely used. People turned to natural cures,…
International Men’s Day: Celebrating the Chaps of the World
Every year on 19 November, a lesser-known celebration rolls around: International Men’s Day. Less glamorous than Father’s Day and often overlooked in the holiday calendar, International Men’s Day is a day to shine a light on men’s contributions to society, raise awareness about their health, and break down stereotypes. Think of it as a thoughtful…
The Wroth Silver Ceremony: Ryton-on-Dunsmore’s Ancient, Mysterious, and Slightly Peculiar Tradition
Every 11 November, just as dawn breaks, a group of villagers gathers in a chilly field near Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, to take part in one of England’s oldest, quirkiest ceremonies: Wroth Silver. With coins, a silver platter, a hearty breakfast, and a bit of confusion about what exactly they’re celebrating, this tradition is a delightful relic…
Fenny Stratford’s “Firing the Fenny Poppers”: An Explosive Little Tradition
Every 11 November, as the rest of the country settles into solemn reflection for Armistice Day, the small town of Fenny Stratford in Buckinghamshire marks the occasion with an eccentric twist: firing the Fenny Poppers. This curious tradition involves cannon-like devices, a healthy dose of gunpowder, and an ear-splitting series of blasts that reverberate through…
Remembrance Sunday: Poppies, Silence, and the Art of Remembering
Every year, on the second Sunday in November, the UK pauses for one of its most solemn occasions: Remembrance Sunday. As red poppies bloom on lapels across the country, this day is dedicated to honouring the men and women who gave their lives in military service. From grand parades to quiet moments of reflection, Remembrance…
Skinningrove Bonfire: The Fiery North Yorkshire Celebration That’s a Real Blast
If you think Bonfire Night is just about Guy Fawkes and sparklers, then Skinningrove is here to prove you delightfully wrong. Every year on 5 November, this small fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast lights up the night with a bonfire like no other. The Skinningrove Bonfire is less about just burning a few…
Turning the Devil’s Stone in Shebbear: Devon’s Most Peculiar Ritual
Every November, as Bonfire Night smoulders away and the dark, chilly nights settle in, the village of Shebbear in Devon gathers to perform one of Britain’s oddest and oldest traditions: turning the Devil’s Stone. It’s a ritual that involves a very large stone, a team of strong-armed villagers, and a bit of devilish history. No…
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels: Devon’s Fiery November Tradition
There are Bonfire Night celebrations, and then there’s Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels. Held every 5 November in a small Devon town, this isn’t your average Guy Fawkes night with bonfires and sparklers. Instead, locals don thick gloves, hoist flaming barrels of tar onto their shoulders, and sprint down the streets, surrounded by cheering crowds.…
Lewes Bonfire Night: The Bonfire Spectacle that Puts All Others to Shame
When it comes to Bonfire Night, the town of Lewes in East Sussex doesn’t just celebrate; it unleashes a fiery, explosive extravaganza that makes your average fireworks display look like a few sparklers at a garden party. Every year on 5 November, Lewes hosts what can only be described as the most intense, elaborate, and…
Bonfire Night: Guy Fawkes, Gunpowder, and the Ultimate British Blowout
Remember, remember the fifth of November! Every year, as the night falls and the air fills with the scent of burning wood, fireworks light up the skies of Britain. It’s Bonfire Night, a tradition that has it all: conspiracies, attempted regicide, pyrotechnics, and even the odd treacle toffee. But how did it all begin, and…
Whitby Goth Weekend: Where the Dark Meets the Seaside
Welcome to Whitby Goth Weekend, the festival where high Victorian fashion, gothic romance, and a dash of the macabre collide with the bracing sea air of North Yorkshire. Twice a year, in April and October, goths, steampunks, punks, and curious onlookers gather in Whitby for a weekend of music, style, and spooky spectacle – all…
All Saints’ Day: The Feast for Every Saint (Even the Forgotten Ones)
Ah, All Saints’ Day, the holiday that manages to be both solemn and celebratory, ancient yet very much alive in the calendar. Held on 1 November each year, it’s a day dedicated to all the saints – not just the famous ones like St. Peter or St. Francis, but every saint in the heavens, including…
Martin Luther Nails His “95 Theses” to the Church Door – And the World Will Never Be the Same
Picture this: It’s a chilly autumn day in Wittenberg, Germany, on the eve of All Saints’ Day, 1517. People are busy preparing for the holy day, maybe polishing up relics or muttering their prayers. Then, along comes a monk with a hammer, a stack of parchment, and a revolutionary streak the size of a cathedral.…
The Edinburgh Samhuinn Fire Parade: A Fiery Festival of Celtic New Year Mystique
As the leaves crunch beneath your feet and the air gets crisper, the dark skies over Edinburgh spark to life with a festival that is both ancient and otherworldly: the Samhuinn Fire Parade. Held on 31 October, this spectacle celebrates Samhuinn (also known as Samhain), the traditional Celtic New Year, which marks the end of…
Cafan Gaeaf: The Welsh Festival of Ghosts, Apples, and Creepy Whispers
As the days grow shorter and the shadows stretch longer, autumn in Wales brings a peculiar chill. This isn’t your average nippy air; it’s the kind that creeps into your bones and makes you look over your shoulder. Welcome to Cafan Gaeaf, an ancient Welsh celebration held on the eve of 1 November – a…
Historical Figures Who Claimed to Time Travel
Time travel has long been a topic of fascination in both science fiction and scientific theory. The idea of travelling through time, whether to the past or future, has sparked the imagination of millions and raised countless questions about its possibility. While most associate time travel with fictional stories or theoretical physics, history is full…
Cursed Objects Found in British Museums
Museums are places where history comes to life, showcasing artefacts that tell the stories of past civilisations, cultures, and people. However, not all objects within their walls have a benign history. Some are believed to carry dark and mysterious powers, earning reputations as cursed objects. From strange accidents to unexplained deaths, these artefacts have left…
Unsettling Historical Myths about Famous Landmarks
Many of the world’s most famous landmarks are steeped in history and grandeur, drawing millions of visitors each year. However, beyond the well-documented stories and architectural marvels, these places often harbour myths and legends that can be as captivating—if not more so—than the truth. From cursed structures to mysterious deaths, these myths have become part…
Strange and Forgotten Travel Practices from History
Travel today is often about convenience, speed, and ease, but throughout history, people had to endure a variety of bizarre, dangerous, and sometimes downright weird travel practices. From elaborate rituals performed before a journey to strange methods of transportation, travel in past centuries was vastly different from the modern experience. While we now have GPS,…
10 Obscure Haunted Sites in the UK You’ve Never Heard Of
When it comes to haunted places, the UK is rife with eerie castles, ancient manors, and dark forests. While sites like the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle dominate ghost tours and television documentaries, there are far more chilling and lesser-known spots brimming with terrifying legends and supernatural activity. Many of these places are tucked…
10 Bizarre Rituals from the Victorian Era
The Victorian era (1837–1901) was a time of extraordinary social, scientific, and technological changes, and while many of these advancements are well documented, the more unusual customs and rituals of the time are often forgotten. Amid the strict moral codes, there were strange and downright bizarre practices that pervaded everyday life, particularly in the realms…
Exploring St. David’s Day: A Time Traveller’s Perspective
Imagine stepping out of the bustling streets of today and into the breathtaking Welsh landscape, centuries ago. The untamed beauty of the valleys, the rolling hills, and the rugged coastline remain as constant as the culture, steeped in tradition, that has shaped it. A time traveller’s dream destination, particularly on St. David’s Day – the…
Unlocking the Mysteries of Leap Day: A Time Traveller’s Perspective
If time were a tapestry, the Leap Day would be one of its most intricate threads. In the grand fabric of time, it’s the peculiar, blue toadstool popping up in fields of clocks and calendars. Baffling, yes, but essential in its own right. Journey with me through the history and the hypothetical, as we ponder…
Ballater: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Ballachulish: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Bala: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Bakewell: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Babbacombe: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Ayr: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aviemore: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Ascot: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Arthog: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Arnside: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Arbroath: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Ambleside: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aldeburgh-on-Sea: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Achill: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aberystwyth: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aberfeldy: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aberdovey: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
Aberdeen: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907
The Travel Guide The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of…
“The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel a Guide to Home and Foreign Resorts: 1907
“The Queen” Newspaper As the title suggests the Book of Travel is the fourth edition of a guide compiled by the newspaper’s Travel Editor – M. Hornsby and published by “The Queen” newspaper (now known as Harper’s Bazaar). The guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two…
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Valentine’s Day Through Time
In a world where love letters dance across oceans of internet waves and crimson roses herald the passage of an amorous calendar date, where did the story of Valentine’s Day truly begin? Here, we unravel the intricate threads of this most enigmatic and cherished solemnity to fellow dreamers, history aficionados, and romance purists. In the…
The Flipping History of Pancake Day: A Time Traveller’s Guide
As members of The Time Traveller’s Guild, we’re accustomed to hopping between epochs, witnessing the unfolding of traditions and the peculiar customs that define different ages. Today, let’s set our dials to explore the deliciously intriguing history of Pancake Day, or as it’s more formally known, Shrove Tuesday, and discover how this culinary tradition became…
The Time Traveller’s Guild: A Lunar New Year Itinerary
Welcome to the Time Traveller’s Guild, where we explore the world through a unique lens – time travel! For this trip, we are taking you on an exciting adventure to celebrate Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year). This is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people around the world and…
A Journey Through Time: Exploring England’s First Parliament
Greetings, esteemed time travellers! Brace yourselves for a transcendent journey with The Time Traveller’s Guild as we venture back to the pivotal year of 1265, where history was made as England convened its first-ever Parliament at Westminster Hall in London. Join us on this extraordinary itinerary that will allow you to witness the birth of…
Exploring Elizabethan England: A Time Traveller’s Visitors Guide
Pack your bags and set your time dials for the 15th of January, 1559. For this trip, will be landing in the heart of London, right at the centre of it all – Westminster Abbey. This grand, gothic church has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, and it’s here that we’ll witness the…
Uncovering History at The Eisenhower Centre, Bloomsbury, London
13 Chenies St, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7EY Nestled away on Chenies Street, amidst the bustling heart of Bloomsbury, lies a building that defies convention. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, this structure bears the unmistakable design of the London Underground – a relic of its past incarnation. Originally constructed in the 1930s as part of the Northern…
April Fools, a Publisher’s Typo and Thanks for all the Fish
While not strictly a national day with specific planned events, April Fools Day has been a fixed day of mischief for centuries in most of the western world. However, no-one has a clear reason to why or how the practice got started. Here are three out of the hundreds of possible theories: Theory 1: Calendar…
Luxury Redefined: Grosvenor House Hotel
Indulge in timeless elegance at Grosvenor House Hotel, an iconic establishment overlooking Park Lane in London. With its proximity to Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, this historic hotel offers unparalleled luxury and convenience. From its inception in 1929, Grosvenor House Hotel has been synonymous with sophistication and comfort, setting the standard for luxury hospitality. A…
12th Night Fruitcake, Wassailers and Three Kings walk into a barn…
The stress of present buying, the turkey is defrosted and the threat of family fighting is all done and dusted for another year, all you need to do is pack away the decorations before the 12thnight of Christmas in order to avoid bad luck for the rest of the year. However, 12thNight was once considered…
Welcome to the Time Traveller’s Guild
Welcome to The Time Traveller’s Guild. Come on in. Feel free to browse… This is a place for everything time and space-related. Lifestyle, histories, possible futures, travel, food and everything in between. A place for those who dare to live and dream in more than one era. A place for those who are happy to…
Discover Timeless Luxury at the Great Northern Hotel
Situated within the historic King’s Cross Station on Pancras Road, London, the Great Northern Hotel has been a beacon of hospitality since its opening in 1854. Designed as one of the very first train station hotels, it embodies the opulence of the steam age and continues to serve as the ultimate pit-stop for travellers. Luxurious…
Step into Timeless Elegance at Claridge’s Hotel
Located on Brook Street in London’s prestigious Mayfair district, Claridge’s Hotel has been a beacon of luxury since its inception in 1854. Originally a single house hotel, it quickly expanded to encompass the epitome of art deco opulence, rivaling its esteemed neighbour, Brown’s Hotel. Luxurious Offerings at Claridge’s Indulge in the height of luxury with…
Step Back in Time at Brown’s Hotel: A Luxurious London Legacy
Nestled in the heart of London on Albemarle Street, Brown’s Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and history. Since its grand opening in 1837, this prestigious hotel has welcomed an array of distinguished guests, from royalty like Queen Victoria to luminaries of science and literature. With its prime location just a stone’s throw from…