Historical
Somerset: some literary connections
Although the historical county of Somerset is associated in most people's minds with just two dominant figures in English literature, namely Jane Austen and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, there are several other notable writers for whom the county had particular significance. That said, Austen and Coleridge should be the starting point for any discussion of Somerset writers.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
HENRY VIII
The larger than life King, Henry VIII, was one of the most influential monarchs in English history. We remember him from our school days with such words as: Hampton Court, 6 wives, the originator of the Church of England --- and yet --- he must have had some good qualities? The second King from The House of Tudor, Henry VIII left his mark within the pages of history. His actual life story is quite an interesting one!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff5 years ago in FYI
2 Life Lessons from the First African American to Attend an All-white School
When American Vice-President, Kamala Harris was inaugurated, you may have seen pictures of a young black girl popping alongside her. You may have even wondered what the connection was between them. That little girl made history back in the sixties.
By Rejoice Denhere5 years ago in FYI
Transatlantic Migration from England During the 17th Century
The story of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed across the Atlantic in the Mayflower from Plymouth (England) to the New World in 1620, is well known, but what is not so widely appreciated is that this was just the start of a virtual torrent of emigration from England to the colonies during the rest of the century.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
Events leading to the 1917 "October Revolution" in Russia
The October Russian Revolution, which actually took place on 6th and 7th November 1917 (the discrepancy was brought about by differences between the Julian and Gregorian calendars), had causes that went back many years and many events can be cited as contributory factors.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
Robert E Lee was born after his mother was buried alive
In the course of history, we find that every action indeed has a reaction and this story illustrates how true that is. If it were not for the decision made by a quick thinking caretaker, then United States history as we know it, related to the Civil War would have been altered drastically. There is an old saying that truth is stranger than fiction and this is true in the case of Confederate General Robert E Lee. The events that will be shared here took place 15 months prior to his birth and ensured his place in the Confederacy.
By Cheryl E Preston5 years ago in FYI
Elegabalus, Emperor of Rome
One would hardly expect many Roman emperors to make an appearance in a comic opera, but anyone who has seen “The Pirates of Penzance” by Gilbert and Sullivan might have been puzzled by the claim of Major-General Stanley that he can “quote in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus”. Even though the name is more usually given as Elagabalus, not many opera-goers will know to whom he is referring, or what crimes he might have committed.
By John Welford5 years ago in FYI
