Human history has been shaped by great catastrophic events. In this series of articles, I will explore a wide range of catastrophes throughout our history, ranging from natural disasters to pandemics and global conflicts. In September 1666, the Great Fire of London began its devastating rampage throughout the city. It is by all accounts the … More Great Catastrophes, Part 1: The Great Fire of London
The Battle of Largs, which took place on 2nd October 1263, was by and large an inconclusive engagement between the kingdoms of Scotland and Norway.
Although the battle itself proved rather indecisive, the repercussions of this engagement were immense; heralding a downturn in Norse influence in Scotland, the death of a king and the consolidation of Scottish influence in the north of Britain. … More The Battle of Largs: Norway’s Death Throes in Scotland
British history has featured some exceptional, innovative and fearless women. From Boudica to Elizabeth I, Ada Lovelace to the Suffragettes, the list goes on.
One of the most fascinating and relatively unknown characters from Scottish history is Agnes Randolph, Countess of Dunbar. … More Black Agnes: One of Scotland’s Most Fearless Female Figures
Commonly known as the Cadaver Synod, the ecclesiastical trial of Pope Formosus began in 897AD and is an event that wouldn’t be out of place in a Monty Python sketch. … More The Cadaver Synod
Scottish history is rich, vibrant and littered with colourful tales of bravery, deceit, violence and lust. It is no surprise that George RR Martin drew some inspiration from it.
There are many tales from Scotland’s past that aren’t immortalised in fantasy fiction, however, yet they are every bit as brutal and harrowing. … More Fact or Fiction? Scotland’s Darkest Historical Events
As the largest airship ever built, the Hindenburg was a symbol of mankind’s quest to conquer the skies and of Nazi Germany’s ongoing rise in power.
However, on the 6th of May, 1937, disaster struck the airship as it came into land in New Jersey, USA. … More On This Day, 1937: The Hindenburg Disaster
On 30th November each year, Scotland honours Saint Andrew. Many Scots will be familiar with the patron saint but how many actually know his story and legend? Saint Andrew is said to have been born in Galilee in the early 1st century AD, and it is claimed in the New Testament that he was the … More The Legend of Saint Andrew
Delving into the outright bizarre today we will be looking at the Dancing Plague of 1518. … More Historic Hysteria: The Dancing Plague of 1518
Throughout the late 13th to early 14th century, Britain and Ireland was the scene of intense bloody conflict. The Scottish Wars of Independence – which saw Robert Bruce secure his position as King of Scotland – were arduous, brutal conflicts that tore the very fabric of medieval Britain. Scotland had long been prized by the … More Dreams of the Past: A United Celtic Kingdom
