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Today in history: December 5
Ice, fog and an enduring mystery…
 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… hotels (Part 1)
The poet Horace's hotel nearly burned down due to the inept roasting of some "scrawny thrushes"
 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: November 21
A flight, a marvel, a hoax…
 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… shaving (Part 3)
Pretty much anything was better than injecting acid into hair follicles…
 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: November 7
Three explosive events of very different kinds…
 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… shaving (Part 2)
At the start of the 12th century having a beard was said to have made you as filthily lascivious as a goat…
 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: October 24
The Lost Colony, a daredevil plunge, and a master's last illusion…
 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… shaving (Part 1)
It was important to shave before battle, lest your enemy hang on to your beard...
 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: October 10
First contact, a devastating storm, and the winds of change…
 • Andrew Chapman
Histories
Histories
Regular stories from the hidden corners of history. Histories uses the words of those who were there; The History of Things explores aspects of everyday life.
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