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A history of… the Christmas pudding
It was originally a kind of meat porridge…
4 hrs ago • Paul Lenz
Today in history: December 19
A famous flotilla, a brutal battle, a mild-mannered murderer?
Dec 19 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… hotels (Part 2)
According to Erasmus, French inns were much more welcoming than German ones...
Dec 12 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: December 5
Ice, fog and an enduring mystery…
Dec 5 • Andrew Chapman

November 2025

A history of… hotels (Part 1)
The poet Horace's hotel nearly burned down due to the inept roasting of some "scrawny thrushes"
Nov 28 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: November 21
A flight, a marvel, a hoax…
Nov 21 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… shaving (Part 3)
Pretty much anything was better than injecting acid into hair follicles…
Nov 14 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: November 7
Three explosive events of very different kinds…
Nov 7 • Andrew Chapman

October 2025

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…
Oct 31 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: October 24
The Lost Colony, a daredevil plunge, and a master's last illusion…
Oct 24 • Andrew Chapman
A history of… shaving (Part 1)
It was important to shave before battle, lest your enemy hang on to your beard...
Oct 17 • Paul Lenz
Today in history: October 10
First contact, a devastating storm, and the winds of change…
Oct 10 • Andrew Chapman
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