A massive rebuilding programme took place after London’s Great Fire in 1666 and took about fifty years to complete. The Great Fire destroyed three-quarters of the medieval city within one week, creating a damage bill estimated at nearly £10 million. The ground was too hot to walk on until the rains began on 11 September….
Author: Carolyn Cash
The Great Fire of London: The Dreadful Judgement
The Great Fire of London destroyed most of the medieval city within days. Some believed it was God’s judgement upon a sinful city, including Charles II’s debauched court. London was gripped by drought lasting from November 1665 to September 1666 – a cold dry winter followed by a prolonged hot summer. The water cisterns’ levels…
The Overbury Murder: Lust, adultery, corruption and witchcraft at James I’s Court
Sir Thomas Overbury’s murder caused a major scandal during James I’s reign. It damaged the monarchy and James’ court was condemned as evil and corrupt. Robert Carr became the King’s favourite after he broke his leg in a jousting tournament on 24 March 1607. James fancied young handsome men. He rose rapidly—knighted later that year…
Henry VII (1485-1509): The Businessman King
Henry VII brought peace, prosperity and national pride to England. His reign ended the bloody Wars of the Roses. He became an outstandingly successful English king.
Oliver Cromwell: The Republic Leader The ARM Never Mention on ANZAC Day
Britain’s former war-veteran-turned Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell was born on 25 April. In Australia, every Anzac Day, the Australian Republic Movement, notably Peter FitzSimons, usually raise the issue of Australia becoming a republic. Yet they never mention Britain’s Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell whose birthday is also commemorated as Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand and the…
Gallipoli 1915: Dardanelles Campaign
Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, ordered a bombardment of the Dardanelles in October 1914—a month before the Ottoman Empire formally entered the war. The Dardanelles Strait bridges and divides Europe and Asia, as it controlled the passageway between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara in Turkey. The Turks immediately reinforced the…
Elizabeth II: Heir-Presumptive
Princess Elizabeth was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as Heir-Presumptive when her father was crowned George VI. However, Elizabeth’s life changed after her beloved grandfather died in 1936, as her uncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne less than a year later. Many people, including Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin visited 145 Piccadilly to discuss the Constitutional…
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Early Life
No one predicted Princess Elizabeth of York would eventually become Queen, as her life dramatically changed when her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in 1936. Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York was born on 21 April 1926 at 2.40 am by caesarian at 17 Bruton Street, London—the eldest daughter of Albert Duke of York and his…
Joanna I, The Mad Queen of Castile
Joanna of Castile was declared unfit to rule by her father but many historians believe she suffered from bipolar disorder or clinical depression. She was born in Toledo, the capital of Castile, on 6 November 1479, the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand’s third child. She inherited her Trastámara ancestors’ very fair complexion, blue eyes and…
Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester: Australia’s First Royal Governor-General
Prime Minister John Curtin believed appointing a member of the royal family would improve chances Britain maintained its commitment to Australia’s defence during World War II. Australians will be deeply appreciative of his Majesty’s action in appointing a member of the Royal Family to be Governor-General of Australia. All in the country will look forward…