The Traitors Castle – Ardross Castle

We are currently watching (and loving) season 2 of The Traitors. Like many others, I have often wondered where the…

My Review of Ancestry DNA

After toying with the idea for some years now, I finally bit the bullet and purchased myself an Ancestry DNA…

10 Interesting Facts about Queen Elizabeth II

Following the recent death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, we’ve compiled some interesting facts about our beloved monarch, Queen…

The Early Modern Witch Craze

I lecture on Early Modern England and one of the most interesting topics I teach (and the most popular with…

My Favourite Inspirational Quotes From History

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, we all need a good old pick me up! I’ve put together a…

The Colosseum, A Brief History

It is the most impressive, the most stately, the most solemn, grand, majestic, mournful sight, conceivable. Never, in its bloodiest…

Family Fun at Ordsall Hall

On a wet and cold February half term day, we explored a number of attractions in Salford. The morning we…

The English Reformation. Henry, Catherine and Anne

One of the most complicated subjects I have taught is English Reformation. It is quite often difficult to explain just…

Life For Women in the Late Medieval Period

Life for Women in the Late Medieval Period As I concluded one of my lectures last year on the Middle…

Who were the Knights Templar Anyway?

As an undergraduate, I fell in love with the Knights Templars and when I lecture on the topic of the…

The Alices of the Pendle Witch Trials

As a historian, one of my areas of interest is the history witchcraft and the witchcraft trials of the past.…

British Prime Ministers: 10 Amazing Facts

1. The Longest Serving Prime Minister Widely acknowledged as the first British Prime Minister, Robert Walpole was indeed the longest…

The Incredible Origins of Everyday Phrases

I have always been fascinated by the origins of everyday phrases. Here, I’ve decided to explore some of the origins…

“Let Them Eat Cake” One of History’s Greatest Misquotes

For decades the words “Let them eat cake” have been attributed to Queen Marie Antoinette in the 18th-century. But, history…

Royal Birth Traditions

As the nation awaits the news of the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first baby, I’m going to…

The Crown of Thorns – From Jerusalem to the Cathedral of Notre Dame

And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right…

International Women’s Day: My Medieval Heroine – Melisende of Jerusalem

In light of International Women’s Day, I wanted to share the story of a little known medieval heroine. Melisende of…

How to Create Your Own Family Tree

I’m a medieval historian by trade, holding a PhD and specialising in gender and the crusades. I am accustomed to…