Articles

Travel Back to Joseph Conrad’s Origins in Berdychiv

black text on gray background

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…

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Experience the Opening of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1697

black and brown concrete building

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…

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Explore Victorian London: Birth of a Classical Maestro

printed musical note page

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…

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Advent Sunday: A Guide to History and Modern Practices

four yellow lighted candles

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…

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Experience the Birth of Henry VI in Windsor, December 1421

windsor castle round tower under blue sky

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…

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Small Business Saturday: The Day for Shopping Local and Supporting the Little Guys

shallow focus photo of white open sigange

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…

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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,…

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International Men’s Day: Celebrating the Chaps of the World

three men standing while laughing

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…

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The Wroth Silver Ceremony: Ryton-on-Dunsmore’s Ancient, Mysterious, and Slightly Peculiar Tradition

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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…

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Fenny Stratford’s “Firing the Fenny Poppers”: An Explosive Little Tradition

close up photography of red poppy flower

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…

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Turning the Devil’s Stone in Shebbear: Devon’s Most Peculiar Ritual

natural stone landscape in estado de mexico

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…

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Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels: Devon’s Fiery November Tradition

spectacular celebration fireworks display

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.…

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Whitby Goth Weekend: Where the Dark Meets the Seaside

red rose with black leaves on grey textile

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…

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Martin Luther Nails His “95 Theses” to the Church Door – And the World Will Never Be the Same

gray concrete statue of man holding book beside brown building

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.…

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The Edinburgh Samhuinn Fire Parade: A Fiery Festival of Celtic New Year Mystique

calton hill

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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Exploring St. David’s Day: A Time Traveller’s Perspective

traditional welsh cakes with a daffodil flower on top

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…

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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…

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Ballater: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

view of a river and trees with orange leaves

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…

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Ballachulish: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

lake argyle from above

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…

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Bala: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

woman standing beside the river

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…

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Bakewell: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

food on white ceramic plate

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…

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Babbacombe: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

white seagulls

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…

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Ayr: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

a picturesque shot of the turnberry lighthouse

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…

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Aviemore: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

black suv driving on an uphill road

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…

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Ascot: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

giddy up

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…

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Arthog: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

farmhouse at the feet of a mountain cadair idris gwynedd wales

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…

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Arnside: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

trees and houses by lake in cumbria united kingdom

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…

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Arbroath: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

rocks on sea shore

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…

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Ambleside: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

lake near mountain

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…

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Aldeburgh-on-Sea: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

brexit affecting the fishing industry in the uk a moored boat on the aldeburgh beach suffolk uk

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…

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Achill: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

a picturesque view of keem bay

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…

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Aberystwyth: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

view of a person on a bicycle in rocky mountains

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…

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Aberfeldy: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

stone gateway in castle

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…

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Aberdovey: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

aerial view of coastline of costa brava spain

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…

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Aberdeen: “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907

sea coast of aberdeen

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…

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“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…

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Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Valentine’s Day Through Time

pink white and red heart stone lot

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…

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The Flipping History of Pancake Day: A Time Traveller’s Guide

pile of pancake with honey

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…

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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…

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Uncovering History at The Eisenhower Centre, Bloomsbury, London

Black and White photo of men at work at an underground telephone exchange

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…

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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…

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Step into Timeless Elegance at Claridge’s Hotel

Claridge's Hotel, Mayfair, London

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…

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Step Back in Time at Brown’s Hotel: A Luxurious London Legacy

Front white brick facade of Brown's Hotel

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…

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