January – named after the Roman god Janus, the god of gates and doorways who has two faces that look in opposite directions – the year past and the year to come.
Pack your imagination and your finest Victorian attire—on January 3, 1892, the literary legend John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, better known as J.R.R. Tolkien, is born in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (modern-day South Africa). This unassuming day will mark the beginning…
Welcome, intrepid time travellers, to the bucolic charm of Westerham, Kent, on New Year’s Day, 1727. This quaint English village is about to witness the arrival of one of Britain’s most celebrated military figures, James Wolfe, the future hero of…
Ah, New Year’s Day—the one day of the year when everyone is a little sleep-deprived, slightly optimistic, and (if we’re honest) still digesting their weight in festive food. Whether you’re nursing a sore head from too much bubbly or simply…
Picture this: you’ve woken up on New Year’s Day in London, possibly groggy from last night’s revelry, only to step outside and find a carnival bursting through the streets. London’s New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) is the city’s way of…
In the shadow of England’s historic churches, there exists a curious and ancient tradition: the Andrews Dole. If you’re a fan of medieval history with a side of intrigue—and a pinch of bread—then this peculiar custom is worth a closer…
New Year’s Eve is a universal celebration of fireworks, fizz, and midnight resolutions you probably won’t keep. But in Scotland and parts of northern England, it’s not just about ringing in the New Year—it’s about who crosses your threshold first.…
When it comes to New Year traditions, Scotland has an undeniable knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Take the Lanark Het Pint, for example—a local custom that combines community spirit, fiery drinks, and a good dose of history.…
When it comes to quirky New Year traditions, the Mapleton Bridge Jump might just take the plunge—literally. Each New Year’s Day, thrill-seekers, locals, and a fair few bemused onlookers gather in the charming village of Mapleton, Derbyshire, to watch (or…
When it comes to quirky British traditions, the Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race ranks high on the list. Held annually on New Year’s Day in the picturesque Northumberland village of Ponteland, this race isn’t your average sprint. It’s a madcap dash through…
In the rolling Shropshire hills, nestled amidst ancient stone walls and centuries-old oak trees, lies the quaint village of Winsbury. But don’t let its picturesque charm fool you—Winsbury is home to one of England’s quirkiest traditions: the Winsbury Dole. This…
