HistoryExtra
type: channel
link: https://www.historyextra.com
description: Home of Britain’s bestselling history magazine and award-winning podcast
date: 2025-04-24T09:02:33.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The day the machines fell silent at Bletchley Park
items: Want to own a unique piece of history?
items: How did Bletchley Park shape the success of D-Day?
items: Save lives in the Great War with this fascinating new video game
items: Want to channel your inner naval commander?
items: You can bid on these stunning rare coin collections from The Royal Mint
items: Uncovering stories about places looked after by the National Trust using Findmypast’s records and newspapers
items: Game your way to the zenith of power in ancient Egypt in Total War: Pharaoh

The day the machines fell silent at Bletchley Park
type: item
subject: Advertisement features
description: To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Bletchley Park’s research historian, Dr David Kenyon, reveals how staff reacted to the momentous occasion all those years ago
encoded: When Germany’s surrender was declared on 8 May 1945, the news came as a surprise to many of the staff working at Bletchley Park. Although they knew the end of the European war was near, few predicted it would happen that Tuesday morning, except for some of those in Hut 6, who were reading the surrender negotiations. On VE Day, the Government Code and Cypher School (the official name of Bletchley’s codebreaking organisation) was still fully operational. German Enigma traffic was still being deciphered and analysed, while the Bombe machines, which were used to find the daily keys, continued to click and hum – although, towards the war’s end, breaking Enigma had become harder due to last-ditch changes to the German machines and operating procedures. In fact, according to the official internal history of Hut 6, the introduction of two mechanical additions to the Enigma – the ‘Uhr’ plugboard adapter and the field-rewireable reflector ‘D’ – had created a great deal of extra work for the team. So, despite the nearness of victory on the battlefield, success in codebreaking had become increasingly difficult. The sound of silence For some staff, things immediately stopped on 8 May. “I was actually on an evening or night shift when the German war ended, because suddenly the machines were all switched off,” recalled Wren Colossus Operator, Diana Anderson. “It was very cold because the machines had kept the room warm, and I remember climbing up on the table and trying to sleep there. We couldn’t go home, as transport would only be coming for us when the shift ended.” Like so many at Bletchley Park, Diana’s immediate reaction was relief, followed by the desire to finally get some sleep. Her colleague, Wren Rachel Kimber, shared the same sentiment: “We were on watch, and somebody came in and said, ‘The war has ended, the war has ended!’. I can’t remember if it was in the morning or afternoon, but I remember at some point going to sleep on the hard stone of the cloakroom floor, eve…

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Want to own a unique piece of history?
type: item
subject: Advertisement features
subject: Period
description: Make a bid at The Royal Mint’s latest trial pieces auction, and you could be in with a chance of owning some of the UK’s rarest coins
encoded: Renowned for its prestigious designs and a reputation built on centuries of craftsmanship, The Royal Mint has been striking the coins of British monarchs for more than a thousand years. From celebrating the reign of Alfred the Great in the ninth century to honouring His Majesty King Charles III today, the world-leading mint has commemorated some of history’s most iconic figures. And now, it’s offering you the opportunity to bid on some of the UK’s most unique coins at its Trial Pieces auction, which boasts an impressive selection of remarkable pieces, complete with hallmarking by the London Assay Office. The auction is live online until 2 February 2025, and any bids placed in advance will compete with those made live at the auction that evening. Perfect for both numismatists and collectors alike, the catalogue features gold, silver and base metal pieces struck to either Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated or Bullion standard, displaying a variety of themes. So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary coin to add to your collection, read on to discover some of this auction’s highlights. View the catalogue What is a trial piece? Trial pieces are prototypes struck to test various aspects of a coin, such as physical characteristics, metal composition or the viability of technique. But with only around 30 pieces made and most destroyed after testing, they’re exceptionally rare. Meanwhile, die trial pieces are even rarer, as they are struck specifically to assess design details and the quality of the dies, with only a small number being kept for reference purposes. Two national icons One of the standout pieces in the auction is the British Lion and American Eagle 2024 1oz gold Bullion trial piece. Struck in 999.9 fine gold to Bullion Standard, this golden coin not only unites two national icons, but is also designed by John M. Mercanti, one of the most prolific coin designers in the history of the United States Mint. The British lion features on the coats of arms of many powerfu…

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How did Bletchley Park shape the success of D-Day?
type: item
date: 2024-05-09T11:00:36.000Z
subject: Advertisement features
subject: Period
subject: Second World War
description: D-Day was a turning point in the Second World War, but its success was many months in the making. Learn the exciting history of how the teams at Bletchley Park played a pivotal role in the Normandy landings of 1944
encoded: D-Day, 6 June 1944, was a turning point in the Second World War. This date marked the Normandy landings, the beginning of the Allied invasion of German-occupied Europe. It was a calculated combination of aerial, naval, and ground forces, in order to liberate France and push back Adolf Hitler’s forces on the Western Front. It was the culmination of many long months of ferocious planning, and it set the stage for the concluding chapters of the deadliest war in human history. The D-Day operations exacted a heavy toll on the Allied forces. However, despite the cost, it still stands as a military triumph – one in which logistics, intelligence information, and combat success all coalesced to deliver a pivotal victory. But the success of D-Day, and more broadly of Operation Overlord – the name given to the battle for Normandy – wasn’t just a result of the efforts of the armed combatants in the air, on the ground, and at sea. Many miles away from the shores of Normandy, in Buckinghamshire, a group of thousands of individuals was contributing to D-Day on a different front. The country estate of Bletchley Park became the home of British code-breaking efforts, providing crucial information that shaped the preparations for D-Day and Operation Overlord, and continued to do so after the Normandy landings. This signals intelligence gathered and shared by the team at Bletchley Park, both before and after D-Day, informed how military operations were conducted and, in some instances, was vital in helping the Allies outmanoeuvre the German war machine. Venture to Bletchley Park today and you’ll find an immersive maze of corridors and rooms, now filled with documents, books, and images, serving as a museum dedicated to preserving the story of the building and the codebreakers who worked there. But who were these codebreakers, and nearly eight decades after D-Day, how do we understand the role they played in the Normandy landings and Operation Overlord? The workforce at Bletchley Park A…

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Save lives in the Great War with this fascinating new video game
type: item
subject: Advertisement features
subject: Period
description: In the realistic management simulator War Hospital, you’ll experience World War I like never before
encoded: This new game flips the script on what you may have come to expect from war-based interactive experiences. Of course, war has long been a source of inspiration for video game designers, but even if you've played hundreds of war video games before, you've probably never experienced one like this. War Hospital, which has been developed by Poland’s Brave Lamb Studio, invites you to take on the role of a retired combat medic who is drafted back into service in 1918. With World War I entering its brutal, final stages, you must manage the tricky tactics and moral dilemmas of frontline medical care. But will you manage to fight for life while so many are shooting to kill? Play now Explore a rarely seen side of an under-explored conflict While there have been countless games focused on World War II, many of them geared around shooting Nazis or tactically overcoming them, War Hospital is a very fresh proposition. Not only does it focus on World War I – a comparatively unexplored war in the videogame realm – it also offers a totally different gameplay experience to your average war game. As a management game positioned from a unique perspective, you'll find yourself participating in this conflict in a way that you may have never considered before. Instead of worrying about how many enemies you can eliminate and how much ground you can gain, with War Hospital it's all about how many lives you can save as Armistice Day nears. You'll be using the medical techniques of the time to get as many soldiers as possible back on their feet and back to the front lines. With the end of the war inching ever closer, morale is a major currency, along with boots on the ground – and you can influence both. Your key weapons include your time management skills, your nose for prioritisation, and your ability to make snap decisions when there are multiple lives at stake. Play now Challenging gameplay and moral choices With the violence rarely letting up, you'll face plenty of tough choices and many…

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Want to channel your inner naval commander?
type: item
date: 2023-12-08T12:31:46.000Z
subject: Advertisement features
description: With World of Warships, you can sail into battle in some of military history’s most iconic vessels – better yet, you can play for free
encoded: Whether you’re well-versed in military combat games, or a total novice, the unique dynamics of naval battle make World of Warships a tantalising prospect for gamers and historians alike. And with the ability to choose and customise some of the most famous ships from from the last century, this impressively realised online game might even teach you a few facts you didn’t know. You’ll be joining millions worldwide in a shared passion, and even play with or against people you know. The best part is that it’s completely free to start playing. So, if you’re looking for the perfect blend of brain-testing tactics and genuinely exhilarating gameplay, read on to find out what awaits when you begin your World of Warships campaign. Play for free Sail with iconic vessels One of the game’s great lures is the sheer choice of ships available, selected from some of history’s most feared navies. You can pick from either side of the traditional WWII alliances, including Japan, Germany, Italy, the US, Great Britain and France, allowing you to sail and battle in legends of the sea, including HMS Belfast, USS Midway and the much-feared Bismarck. But it’s not just about iconic names – the type of ship you pick will have a large bearing on your style of play. Battleships offer unmatched firepower and considerable resilience in the face of damage if you’re willing to sacrifice on speed and manoeuvrability. If you’re not, destroyers are your best bet, as they’ll excel at daring assaults without being detected, thanks to torpedo capability. Aircraft carriers are of paramount strategic importance, chiefly due to their ability to launch airstrikes that can turn a battle on its head if you’re struggling, or help inflict the final blow if you’re on top. Meanwhile, if you’re after the perfect all-rounder, versatile cruisers boast a rapid rate of fire, while their anti-aircraft weaponry can help shield your fleet from the most devastating blows. Play for free How will you play? You’ll start life i…

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You can bid on these stunning rare coin collections from The Royal Mint
type: item
date: 2023-11-16T11:43:47.000Z
subject: Advertisement features
description: The 2009 commemorative Kew Gardens 50p coin headlines The Royal Mint’s largest consignment auction to date, with more than 300 lots available
encoded: As the oldest company in the UK, The Royal Mint is home to some of the world’s most significant and fascinating historical artefacts, spanning thousands of years. From the Alfred the Great Penny to coins bearing the image of King Edward VIII that were never released following his short-lived reign and subsequent abdication in 1936, its archive is a genuine treasure trove. And now, The Royal Mint is giving you the opportunity to own your very own piece of history. From 10 November to 3 December, the UK’s official coin maker will run its largest consignment collection to date, including the highest ever number of gold kilos in one catalogue. With more than 300 historic and modern consignment lots available to view and bid on, including the Queen’s Beasts coins from 2021, as well as 2009’s commemorative Kew Gardens 50p piece, there are some exquisite items and collections to choose from. View the collection Here are some of the highlights from this exclusive auction, along with their intriguing origins. If you want to start your own collection or add to an already curated catalogue, why not have a browse and stake your claim? 2020 Three Graces Two-Ounce Gold Proof Coin This golden coin is part of a collection celebrating the greatest engravers throughout The Royal Mint’s history. The 2020 edition commemorates the artistry of William Wyon, based on his original 1817 crown design. This was inspired by Antonio Canova’s breathtaking statue ‘The Three Graces’, which depicts Zeus’s three daughters. Thalia is said to represent beauty, Euphrosyne mirth and Aglaia elegance. View now Did you know… William Wyon’s storied career also saw him create numerous famous coins and medallions for the young Princess, then Queen, Victoria. The most revered being his neo-classic 1838 portrait – the first full year of her reign. Kew Gardens 50p You might come across this highly desirable coin in general circulation, but you’d have to be extremely lucky. Just 210,000 of these were minted in 20…

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Uncovering stories about places looked after by the National Trust using Findmypast’s records and newspapers
type: item
date: 2023-11-09T09:39:58.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Advertisement features
description: Findmypast hopes the stories they have uncovered will encourage others to research their own wartime ancestry.
encoded: This Remembrance Day, the team at online genealogy service Findmypast is determined to highlight all manner of extraordinary wartime stories. They want to honour the sacrifice of all those who served on the front line, as well as those on the home front, and make sure no one is forgotten. Harnessing the power of their database, which includes over 71 million historical newspaper pages and billions of records, they’re on a mission to ensure that we #RememberThemAll. Collaborating with the National Trust, they’ve taken a specific look at ten of England’s historical places which are looked after by the National Trust. They’ve uncovered dozens of stories from our wartime ancestors who lived and worked at these sites. Among their discoveries, anecdotes can be found from across the UK. From a country house-turned-wartime hospital in Devon, to the working-class struggle in Birmingham’s ‘Back to Back’ houses. All of this has been uncovered using material that is accessible with a Findmypast subscription. This includes exclusive access to the 1921 Census, which helps provide an understanding of how people lived in the years during and just after WWI. The team at Findmypast hopes these stories of places cared for by the National Trust will encourage others to delve deeper into their own ancestors' wartime history. To help inspire this, Findmypast is offering a 7-day free trial for all new subscribers. You can research your own history, look back at historical places of interest, view more stories about places cared for by the National Trust, or just browse from their library of resources – all without paying a penny. Sign up to Findmypast and get a free trial to explore records and newspapers for free Knightshayes: stories from a WWI hospital When the team at Findmypast was researching the historical stories of sites cared for by the National Trust, one place which stood out was Knightshayes Court, in Tiverton, Devon. Using their extensive library of newspaper records, they w…

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Game your way to the zenith of power in ancient Egypt in Total War: Pharaoh
type: item
date: 2023-10-16T11:59:35.000Z
subject: Advertisement features
description: You can scheme and battle to the summit across three civilisations in the latest edition in the award-winning Total War series
encoded: The end is nigh for the great pharaoh Merneptah, and the people of Egypt are crying out for a new leader. That’s the situation that greets you when you start your campaign in Total War: Pharaoh. What follows is an impressively realised, highly detailed unfolding of a new history forged by your character, in which you must work your way to the seat of power. How you choose to do it is completely up to you. This is the latest in the all-conquering Total War series from British developers Creative Assembly – a series that has previously taken users through medieval Japan, the Napoleonic Wars and the Roman empire. Total War: Pharaoh allows you to immerse yourself in the different civilisations, factions and landscapes of Egypt around the collapse of the Bronze Age. It’s a period of massive turmoil and upheaval that’s reflected brilliantly in the gameplay. If you’re ready for a tilt at being the last great Pharaoh, read on to find out about the available civilisations, storylines and devilishly clever in-game mechanics that’ll make every scene and battle feel that much more real as you take on the challenge. On sale now Explore three different cultures Your map stretches over three distinct – but very much overlapping – areas: Egypt in the south, Canaan in the mid-east, and Anatolia in the north, home to the Hittites. Across these three peoples are eight playable characters you can choose from to inhabit for your assault on power: Ramesses, Seti, Amenmesse and Tausret in Egypt; Bay and Irsu in Canaan; and Šuppiluliuma and Kurunta in Anatolia. The aggression or guile with which you operate will vary greatly depending on which character you choose, ranging from skilful diplomats such as Bay right through to maniacal sociopaths like Kurunta. Each character reflects different aspects of the unique cultural, religious and political identities that surround them. The accurate reproduction of these worlds is one of this game’s greatest strengths; you can expect barren deserts a…

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