Weird and wonderful

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What is a deodand?

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The reverend in the lion’s den

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Were vampires buried with a stake through their heart?

Dresses worn at court during the Georgian period were often very heavy, and required wide doorways. (Photo by Florilegius/SSPL/Getty Images)

How to survive in the Georgian court

The dark art of blackmail prepared Charles Théveneau de Morande well for a career in espionage. (Alamy)

18th century espionage: the French spy in London

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Credit: Detail of a red figure squat lekythos (terracotta) (see also 325673) by Greek, (4th century BC)
Private Collection/ Photo © Heini Schneebeli/ The Bridgeman Art Library
Nationality / copyright status: Greek / out of copyright

Sex in Ancient Greece: to have or not to have?

British soldier, explorer and big game hunter Frederick Selous, pictured in 1914. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The hunter who became a naturalist

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Obesity and the modern lifestyle: what can we learn from history?

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The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England

Transport minister Ernest Marples on a road bridge near the London end of the newly opened M1 motorway, 2 November 1959. (Photo by George W. Hales/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

The first day on the M1

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When does history end?

Kennel Special

The surprising history of Victorian dog shows

A 1950s illustration of Vladimir Lenin on the sealed train between Switzerland and Russian. (Alamy)

10 ways to start a revolution

Henry VIII, Princess Mary and William Somers

Playing the fool: Tudor jesters

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The 10 worst Britons in history