October 2011

In our October issue, John Cooper analyses the dark practices employed by Sir Francis Walsingham to protect Elizabeth I from her enemies.

Tracy Borman takes a closer look at the role of Matilda, wife of William the Conquerer, a woman she hails as inspiring a "new model of queenship".

Gary Sheffield reveals how Douglas Haig retained huge influence with veterans after the First World War.

As the Rugby World Cup kicks off, Gavin Mortimer profiles past players who were heroes not just on the pitch but on the battlefields of war too.

Patricia Fara introduces some of the objects that have transformed our understanding
of the world (and universe) around us over the past 500 years.

Mark Burman explains how Soviet author Vasily Grossman fell foul of the Communist regime.

Simon Jenkins discusses the history of England – from parliament to Norman bureaucracy.

BBC History Magazine's Charlotte Hodgman speaks to Ryan Lavelle about eight places related to Alfred and the Vikings.

Dominic Sandbrook picks another big day in history – this month, 28 September 1928, the date that Alexander Fleming apparently discovered penicillin.