Elizabeth 1. A Difficult Queen.

Have you noticed how the Tudors, especially Elizabeth 1, feature on so many TV programmes? Even today she is treated as a star. Was she really marvellous?  Her portraits flatter her,.She wanted people to see her power, but none of … Read More

Fidel Castro –
Beatnik Revolutionary

Past and some present day political leaders dress to look powerful in suits or uniforms. ‘Times were a-changing’ in the late 1950s, with Rock ‘n Roll music, young people in jeans, and wanting more freedom, ‘Beatniks’ – they were called. … Read More

ROLLS ROYCE ELECTRIC CAR –
125 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Put two men with ingenious ideas together, and you get the world-famous Rolls-Royce car. Henry Royce was an electrical engineer. He manufactured electrical motors developing electric doorbells. You name it, he had thought about it. Charles Rolls, also an engineer, … Read More

VENTURE SMITH – FROM SLAVERY TO SUCCESS

“My freedom is a privilege nothing else can equal.” Venture Smith made his feelings clear after buying his freedom. He was a slave from 1739-1765.  He was captured in a central part of West Africa  when he was 10, suffered … Read More

REMEMBERING THE REFORMATION

The English Reformation in the national Church affected the lives of ordinary people throughout the country more than it did Henry V111’s way of life. He remained the ruler, and got his own way. In villages and some towns people … Read More