In 1204, the great Angevin Empire created by the joining of the dynasties of Henry II of England and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was fragmenting. At its height, the family landholdings had been among the largest the world had ever seen. From the border of England and Scotland in the north to south of […]
Britain’s Worst Leader?
In the wake of Brexit, Tom Harper looks to history for comparisons. David Cameron probably doesn’t deserve to be impaled on a red-hot poker. But it wouldn’t be unprecedented. Trying to digest the enormity of the Brexit vote, I’ve been looking to history for comparisons. To be clear: I think it’s a catastrophe. Leave aside, […]
England’s Forgotten King
Exactly 800 years ago, a Frenchman set sail from the north-west of his country with an army of conquest. His plan was to cross the Channel, claim England as his own and have himself crowned king. Oaths had been sworn to him and he considered the throne to be his by right. Yes: 800 years […]