The UK Parliament is made up of the Monarch, House of Lords and the House of Commons. Known as 'The Mother of Parliaments' this parliamentary system has been copied by many countries around the world.

It could be argued that the concept of a parliament has its roots in Anglo-Saxon England with the Witan, or Witenagemot. This was a meeting or council of wise men whose role was to advise the ...

The term ‘hangover’ is universally understood to mean the disproportionate suffering that comes after a night of over-indulgence. But where does the term actually come from? One possible explanation ...

Aged 61, Lady Blanche Arundell, her children, a handful of servants and a garrison of just 25 men, held Wardour Castle for six days against a large Parliamentarian force during the English Civil War.

Welcome to Historic UK’s Living History Events Diary! One of the most enjoyable ways to experience history first hand is to attend one of the many Living History re-enactments taking place this year.

An historic Scottish palace, a stunning Queen Anne stately home in Kent, or a fairytale turreted castle in Ayrshire – the perfect venue for your family get-together, corporate weekend away or the ...

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Rudyard Kipling. One of the best known stories in English history is that of King Alfred and the cakes. Children are ...

For over 300 years, the coastlines of the south west of England were at the mercy of Barbary pirates (corsairs) from the coast of North Africa, based mainly in the ports of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli.

England held its breath as the mighty Spanish Armada sailed up the English Channel. Invasion appeared imminent. Then Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have made a rousing speech to her troops as they ...

Most people have heard of the famous American brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who are universally viewed as the successful pioneers of powered flight in 1903. Far fewer know of Percy Pilcher, the ...

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove ...

The Calcutta Cup is the trophy presented to the winner of the England versus Scotland rugby union match which takes place during the annual Six Nations Championship – also currently known as the ...