On the 26th October 1859, one of the fiercest storms of the 19th century raged in the Irish Sea, leaving behind a trail of destruction stretching from Devon to the west coast of Scotland. The Royal Charter Storm, also known as the Great Storm of 1859, claimed the lives of more than 800 people, twice … More The Royal Charter Storm: The Storm That Transformed Weather Forecasting
On the morning of the 21st October 1966, the Welsh mining town of Aberfan was bustling with activity. Schoolchildren hurriedly took their seats as classes began while life in the village carried on as usual.
Then disaster struck. … More Aberfan Disaster: 55 Years Since Tragedy Struck
Shortly after midnight on 30th April 1975, the final broadcast from the CIA station in Saigon rang out.
“Those who fail to learn from history are forced to repeat it.”
Nearly half-a-century later, it appears little has changed and lessons have not been learned. … More Afghanistan, The Fall of Saigon and the Lessons Never Learned
For a period of around 100 years from the mid-18th century onward, the Scottish Highlands changed dramatically. The Highland Clearances in the wake of the ’45 Jacobite Rebellion prompted vast cultural changes throughout the region. With a rising population toward the end of the 18th century, this (traditionally) sparsely populated area was booming. Although a … More Power to the People: The Battle of the Braes, 1882
Some might assume experimentation with psychedelic drugs during the 1960s was a pastime limited to hippies, trippers and youngsters. However, an operation conducted by the British military would suggest otherwise. … More Operation Moneybags: That Time the British Military Dosed Troops with LSD
On this day, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon. Back on Earth, more than 700 million watched with baited breath. … More On This Day 1969: A Real ‘Space Race’ Victory was Secured
On the 1st July 1916, hellfire rained down upon the fields of the Somme as one of the most devastating battles in history began. … More Unparalleled Carnage: The Battle of the Somme, 1916
On this day 1314, the First War of Scottish Independence reached its climax at the Battle of Bannockburn. … More On This Day, 1314: Scots Victorious at the Battle of Bannockburn
The Battle of Glen Shiel, fought on the 10th June 1719, is as a key moment in the protracted struggle to restore the Stuart dynasty, yet it still remains largely unacknowledged. … More Through the Smoking Heather: The Battle of Glen Shiel, 1719
Fought on 10th September 1547, the Battle of Pinkie is a notable event in British history as it marks the final pitched battle between the Kingdoms of Scotland and England before the Union of the Crowns. … More On the Banks of the Esk: The Battle of Pinkie, 1547
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