Family and parenting

A medieval illustration showing a doctor bleeding a patient

General History

A history of medicine 14 surprising facts

Theban mural showing people plucking geese. (Photo by DEA / G Dagli Orti/De Agostini/Getty Images)

Life in Ancient Egypt: what was it like?

A man goes into a village at night on the eve of Samhain

What is the history behind the Celtic festival of Samhain and what does it have to do with Halloween?

Tutankhamun’s golden funeral mask

Your guide to Tutankhamun, plus 8 fascinating facts

An etching of a 17th-century coal merchant. (Photo by Culture Club/Getty Images)

Industrial revolution

Q&A Why do we say ‘get the sack’?

Elizabeth II poses for a portrait in Buckingham Palace in December 1958

Queen Elizabeth II 50+ facts about her life and reign

An illustration depicting the Great Fire of London.

Your guide to the Great Fire of London, plus 10 surprising facts

A portrait of King Henry VIII

Henry VIII The life and rule of the Tudor king, plus 5 surprising facts

A fierce clash between colonists and British troops in Boston on 5 March 1770

The American Revolution: your guide to the 18th-century war of independence

The Resurrection of Jesus

Eggs, bunnies and Jesus Christ: the history and origins of Easter

St Patick depicted in a 13th-century folio

The history of St Patrick’s Day traditions – and the importance of the colour green

Black and white photo of a group of women marching while holding a sign saying 'International Women's Day'

A brief history of International Women’s Day: what is it and why do we celebrate it?

Pancake day celebrations

The history of Shrove Tuesday: why do we eat pancakes?

An aerial photo of Stonehenge

Your guide to Stonehenge, plus 12 fascinating facts you might not know

(Illustration by Glen McBeth for BBC History Magazine)

Q&A What is the origin and meaning of the pirate expression ‘shiver me timbers’?