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June 2025

A history of… pineapples
In 18th-century London there was a thriving pineapple rental market…
 • 
Paul Lenz
The first First Lady, 1789
Like prison? But 'only a sojourning'.
 • 
Andrew Chapman
11
A history of… pizza
According to one Victorian reporter "The pizza shops are about the filthiest in Naples, and whoever knows Naples will admit that is saying a good deal."
 • 
Paul Lenz
11
Mrs Protector, 1650
He's away on business, and doesn't get in touch enough!
 • 
Andrew Chapman
12

May 2025

A history of… toilets
'Gong farming' had nothing to do with gongs. Or farming.
 • 
Paul Lenz
1
A promise to Mother, 1888
Death… or meat and wine? What a choice!
 • 
Andrew Chapman
A history of… blue jeans
Kids were wearing jeans jackets in the 1680s…
 • 
Paul Lenz
2
The very bowels of the earth, 1926
Psychological excavations… and some early urban explorations
 • 
Andrew Chapman
4
A history of… submarines
Including the incredible 'Urinator'
 • 
Paul Lenz

April 2025

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