"A treasure trove of pictures showing the unknown soldiers of the Somme caused a sensation when it was published here last May. But that was only the beginning of the story..."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More unseen photographs from the First World War
From The Indy
"A treasure trove of pictures showing the unknown soldiers of the Somme caused a sensation when it was published here last May. But that was only the beginning of the story..."
"A treasure trove of pictures showing the unknown soldiers of the Somme caused a sensation when it was published here last May. But that was only the beginning of the story..."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
History of MI6 detailed in new book
From the BBC
"A book detailing the first 40 years of the UK's foreign intelligence service has been published.
Author Professor Keith Jeffery was given access to the archives at MI6, which has the official title of the Secret Intelligence Service."
"A book detailing the first 40 years of the UK's foreign intelligence service has been published.
Author Professor Keith Jeffery was given access to the archives at MI6, which has the official title of the Secret Intelligence Service."
Greek archaeologists uncover ancient tombs
From Yahoo News
"Greek archaeologists on Thursday announced the discovery of 37 ancient tombs dating back to the iron age in a cemetery near the ancient Macedonian capital of Pellas.
Discoveries at the site included a bronze helmet with a gold mouthplate, with weapons and jewellery, in the tomb of a warrior from the 6th century BC."
"Greek archaeologists on Thursday announced the discovery of 37 ancient tombs dating back to the iron age in a cemetery near the ancient Macedonian capital of Pellas.
Discoveries at the site included a bronze helmet with a gold mouthplate, with weapons and jewellery, in the tomb of a warrior from the 6th century BC."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Last 'sin-eater' to be celebrated with church service
From the BBC
"The restored grave of the last known "sin-eater" in England will be at the centre of a special service in a Shropshire village churchyard later.
Campaigners raised £1,000 to restore the grave of Richard Munslow, who was buried in Ratlinghope in 1906."
"The restored grave of the last known "sin-eater" in England will be at the centre of a special service in a Shropshire village churchyard later.
Campaigners raised £1,000 to restore the grave of Richard Munslow, who was buried in Ratlinghope in 1906."
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Benares tragedy: 'All I can remember were the screams and cries for help'
From the Guardian
"There will be a poignant wartime anniversary tomorrow, but amid all the services commemorating the Battle of Britain and the Blitz this one has crept under the radar. On 17 September 1940, a passenger ship called the City of Benares was sunk by a German U-boat while crossing the Atlantic. It was carrying 406 passengers and crew, of whom 100 were children being evacuated to Canada and the US, most of them as part of a government scheme organised by the Children's Overseas Reception Board (Corb). Only 19 of the children survived. When the U-boat crew got back to their base in France and discovered that the Benares's cargo had been children, they wept."
"There will be a poignant wartime anniversary tomorrow, but amid all the services commemorating the Battle of Britain and the Blitz this one has crept under the radar. On 17 September 1940, a passenger ship called the City of Benares was sunk by a German U-boat while crossing the Atlantic. It was carrying 406 passengers and crew, of whom 100 were children being evacuated to Canada and the US, most of them as part of a government scheme organised by the Children's Overseas Reception Board (Corb). Only 19 of the children survived. When the U-boat crew got back to their base in France and discovered that the Benares's cargo had been children, they wept."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Prison ship records from 19th Century published
From the BBC
"A picture of life on board Britain's 19th Century prison ships has emerged with the publication online of details of some of the 200,000 inmates.
The records outline the disease-ridden conditions on the "prison hulks", created to ease overcrowding elsewhere."
"A picture of life on board Britain's 19th Century prison ships has emerged with the publication online of details of some of the 200,000 inmates.
The records outline the disease-ridden conditions on the "prison hulks", created to ease overcrowding elsewhere."
Monday, September 13, 2010
Rare Roman suit of armour found at Caerleon dig
From BBC (includes video)
"Archaeologists digging at a site in south Wales have uncovered an entire suit of Roman armour and some weapons.
The rare discovery was made during an excavation at the fortress of Caerleon in south Wales, one of Britain's best known Roman sites."
"Archaeologists digging at a site in south Wales have uncovered an entire suit of Roman armour and some weapons.
The rare discovery was made during an excavation at the fortress of Caerleon in south Wales, one of Britain's best known Roman sites."
Oldest Roman Baths in Asia Minor Discovered in Sagalassos
From Science Daily
"Professor Marc Waelkens' archaeological team has discovered the oldest Roman baths in Asia Minor known to date in Sagalassos, Turkey. Sagalassos was inhabited as a city until the 7th century AD, when it was destroyed by earthquakes. Waelkens has directed excavations at the sight every summer for the past 21 years.
Until now, the Capito Baths in Miletus, built during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), were considered the oldest known Roman bathing complex in Asia Minor. This summer, however, in addition to the previously unearthed Imperial Baths (ca. 120-165 AD -- with a surface area of more than 5,000 square metres), a second bathing complex was discovered in Sagalassos, below the remains of the Imperial Baths. It is much older and smaller than the Imperial Baths and is dated to 10-30 AD, though it was probably built somewhat earlier, during the reign of Augustus or Tiberius. The complex measures 32.5 by 40 metres and is far better preserved than was originally thought. The walls must have been at least 12 metres high, of which 8.5 metres remain erect today."
"Professor Marc Waelkens' archaeological team has discovered the oldest Roman baths in Asia Minor known to date in Sagalassos, Turkey. Sagalassos was inhabited as a city until the 7th century AD, when it was destroyed by earthquakes. Waelkens has directed excavations at the sight every summer for the past 21 years.
Until now, the Capito Baths in Miletus, built during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), were considered the oldest known Roman bathing complex in Asia Minor. This summer, however, in addition to the previously unearthed Imperial Baths (ca. 120-165 AD -- with a surface area of more than 5,000 square metres), a second bathing complex was discovered in Sagalassos, below the remains of the Imperial Baths. It is much older and smaller than the Imperial Baths and is dated to 10-30 AD, though it was probably built somewhat earlier, during the reign of Augustus or Tiberius. The complex measures 32.5 by 40 metres and is far better preserved than was originally thought. The walls must have been at least 12 metres high, of which 8.5 metres remain erect today."
Treasure hunter finds rare antique in Cumbria
From the BBC (includes video)
"A metal detector enthusiast in Cumbria has discovered a rare Roman bronze helmet complete with face-mask.
It is believed to be one of only three of its kind to be found in Britain.
The helmet would have been worn, possibly with colourful streamers attached, as a mark of excellence by Roman soldiers at sport parades."
"A metal detector enthusiast in Cumbria has discovered a rare Roman bronze helmet complete with face-mask.
It is believed to be one of only three of its kind to be found in Britain.
The helmet would have been worn, possibly with colourful streamers attached, as a mark of excellence by Roman soldiers at sport parades."
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Lost tapes of classic British television found in the US
From the Guardian
"A rediscovered haul of television dramas that has been lost for 40 years or more is set to change the way we think about many of Britain's biggest acting stars.
The extraordinary cache of televised plays – described by experts as "an embarrassment of riches" – features performances from a cavalcade of postwar British stars. The list includes John Gielgud, Sean Connery, Gemma Jones, Dorothy Tutin, Robert Stephens, Susannah York, John Le Mesurier, Peggy Ashcroft, Patrick Troughton, David Hemmings, Leonard Rossiter, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith and Jane Asher. The tapes have been unearthed in the Library of Congress in Washington DC."
"A rediscovered haul of television dramas that has been lost for 40 years or more is set to change the way we think about many of Britain's biggest acting stars.
The extraordinary cache of televised plays – described by experts as "an embarrassment of riches" – features performances from a cavalcade of postwar British stars. The list includes John Gielgud, Sean Connery, Gemma Jones, Dorothy Tutin, Robert Stephens, Susannah York, John Le Mesurier, Peggy Ashcroft, Patrick Troughton, David Hemmings, Leonard Rossiter, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith and Jane Asher. The tapes have been unearthed in the Library of Congress in Washington DC."
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Cultural heritage – a new dimension
From Euronews (includes video)
"Anne Coulié is a preservation expert at the Louvre, specialising in ceramics from ancient Greece. David Kolin is an IT expert, working on 3D technologies at this Research and Restoration Centre in the basement of the Louvre in Paris. One of its purposes is to preserve the documentation relating to tens of thousands of artworks. David and Anne are also experimenting with a new technology – digitalising artifacts in 3D.
Says David Kolin: “This laser camera has two functions. First it photographs the object to capture the colours, and secondly a laser beam will slowly sweep the object to capture the topology. The detail captured is on the surface of the object. So if we take the colours out, and use a raking light, like we do for paintings, we can see all the little details of the surface. All this information will then be stored in the computer.”
"Anne Coulié is a preservation expert at the Louvre, specialising in ceramics from ancient Greece. David Kolin is an IT expert, working on 3D technologies at this Research and Restoration Centre in the basement of the Louvre in Paris. One of its purposes is to preserve the documentation relating to tens of thousands of artworks. David and Anne are also experimenting with a new technology – digitalising artifacts in 3D.
Says David Kolin: “This laser camera has two functions. First it photographs the object to capture the colours, and secondly a laser beam will slowly sweep the object to capture the topology. The detail captured is on the surface of the object. So if we take the colours out, and use a raking light, like we do for paintings, we can see all the little details of the surface. All this information will then be stored in the computer.”
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tolkien relation sculpts Cardinal Newman statue
From the BBC
"The great-nephew of author JRR Tolkien has made a statue of Cardinal John Henry Newman for the Pope's visit to Birmingham.
Artist Tim Tolkien said Pope Benedict XVI would bless the statue when he performs the cardinal's beatification in Cofton Park on 19 September."
"The great-nephew of author JRR Tolkien has made a statue of Cardinal John Henry Newman for the Pope's visit to Birmingham.
Artist Tim Tolkien said Pope Benedict XVI would bless the statue when he performs the cardinal's beatification in Cofton Park on 19 September."
Thursday, September 9, 2010
125 years of Margaret Street
Something history related from the University i work at (and created the website for).
"This year the University celebrates a very special milestone - 125 years of art at Margaret Street
The School of Art building, more widely known as ‘Margaret Street’, opened in 1885 and has been providing opportunities for students to study art and design ever since."
I have also put a few videos onto Youtube by staff recounting their memories of being at Margaret Street, you can see one below or check out the others on the uni's Youtube channel.
"This year the University celebrates a very special milestone - 125 years of art at Margaret Street
The School of Art building, more widely known as ‘Margaret Street’, opened in 1885 and has been providing opportunities for students to study art and design ever since."
I have also put a few videos onto Youtube by staff recounting their memories of being at Margaret Street, you can see one below or check out the others on the uni's Youtube channel.
Did the Blitz really unify Britain?
From the BBC
"The defiance of Britain as it endured eight months of German bombing 70 years ago is etched on the collective memory and immortalised in the phrase "Blitz spirit". But does this image of national unity tell the whole story?
Even for those lucky enough not to have been there, the sound of the sirens is enough to evoke those nights of 1940 when British cities were under constant attack."
"The defiance of Britain as it endured eight months of German bombing 70 years ago is etched on the collective memory and immortalised in the phrase "Blitz spirit". But does this image of national unity tell the whole story?
Even for those lucky enough not to have been there, the sound of the sirens is enough to evoke those nights of 1940 when British cities were under constant attack."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The UK visits of Benedict XVI and John Paul II compared
From the BBC
Much has changed since Pope John Paul II toured the UK - on a pastoral visit - in 1982, and the forthcoming trip has not been short of controversy. How do the two compare?"
"Pope Benedict XVI will next week become the first head of the Catholic Church to pay a state visit to the UK.
Much has changed since Pope John Paul II toured the UK - on a pastoral visit - in 1982, and the forthcoming trip has not been short of controversy. How do the two compare?"
The Presence of Absence: Detroit's haunting architectural relics
"There's faded grandeur. And then there's Detroit. Once the fourth-largest city in the US, its spectacular economic and social decline is writ large in the disintegration of its architectural fabric. With its former manufacturing industries decimated and parts of downtown Detroit becoming a depopulated wasteland, leading American photographer Sean Hemmerle has created 'Rust Belt' a series of compelling images – at times poetic, at others unnerving – of the city's former urban glory, both industrial and residential. His striking work serves as both architectural record and effective social commentary."
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Remembering the blitz: was it an avoidable tragedy?
From the Guardian
"Just after 4.30pm on Saturday, 7 September 1940, 364 German bombers and 515 fighters flew across the Channel and followed the Thames estuary to London, using the fires caused by their bombs as markers. They came for a further 75 consecutive nights (except for one that was too cloudy for the bombers to operate). The blitz would last until 16 May 1941 – when most of the Luftwaffe was reassigned to the invasion of Russia. In 1940, 13,000 people were killed in London alone. Attacks on other major cities throughout the UK began on 15 October 1940, with the centre of Coventry being destroyed on the night of 14/15 November."
"Just after 4.30pm on Saturday, 7 September 1940, 364 German bombers and 515 fighters flew across the Channel and followed the Thames estuary to London, using the fires caused by their bombs as markers. They came for a further 75 consecutive nights (except for one that was too cloudy for the bombers to operate). The blitz would last until 16 May 1941 – when most of the Luftwaffe was reassigned to the invasion of Russia. In 1940, 13,000 people were killed in London alone. Attacks on other major cities throughout the UK began on 15 October 1940, with the centre of Coventry being destroyed on the night of 14/15 November."
Monday, September 6, 2010
Moving on to an MA
I have not mentioned it much this year but i have been studying the final module of my History degree with the Open University. The final assignment has been sent and now i am counting down the days to my final exam (next month!) Hopefully everything should be fine and in December i will finally gain the history degree i have always wanted.
But now i am thinking of what next. Well i know what next, an MA but which one exactly. I have looked at some other university masters but will probably stay with the OU. They have a 2-part MA which takes about 3 years to complete. It concentrates more on British and Irish history which has been an interest fostered by my BA. Starting in October 2011 then if all goes to plan. It never ends eh?
But now i am thinking of what next. Well i know what next, an MA but which one exactly. I have looked at some other university masters but will probably stay with the OU. They have a 2-part MA which takes about 3 years to complete. It concentrates more on British and Irish history which has been an interest fostered by my BA. Starting in October 2011 then if all goes to plan. It never ends eh?
Blitz 70th anniversary: Night of fire that heralded a new kind of war
From the Guardian
"It was late in the afternoon of an early September Saturday 70 years ago when the German bombers came, flying low, in formation, up the Thames, their engines roaring as they headed for London to start eight months of bombing the capital.
"It was the most amazing, impressive, riveting sight," wrote Colin Perry, a lad cycling that afternoon on Chipstead Hill, Surrey, in a memoir years later. "Directly above me were literally hundreds of planes … the sky was full of them. Bombers hemmed in with fighters, like bees around their queen, like destroyers round the battleship, so came Jerry."
"It was late in the afternoon of an early September Saturday 70 years ago when the German bombers came, flying low, in formation, up the Thames, their engines roaring as they headed for London to start eight months of bombing the capital.
"It was the most amazing, impressive, riveting sight," wrote Colin Perry, a lad cycling that afternoon on Chipstead Hill, Surrey, in a memoir years later. "Directly above me were literally hundreds of planes … the sky was full of them. Bombers hemmed in with fighters, like bees around their queen, like destroyers round the battleship, so came Jerry."
Medieval diet aids healthy eating message
From BBC
"The Horrible Histories series has been a great success in teaching children about the lives of the Romans, Aztecs and Egyptians, among others.
But could history also hold the key to encouraging our children to eat better?"
"The Horrible Histories series has been a great success in teaching children about the lives of the Romans, Aztecs and Egyptians, among others.
But could history also hold the key to encouraging our children to eat better?"
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saxon boat uncovered in Norfolk's River Ant
From BBC
"A Saxon boat has been found during flood defence work on a Norfolk river.
The boat, which is about 9.8 ft (3m) long and had been hollowed out by hand from a piece of oak, was found at the bottom of the River Ant."
"A Saxon boat has been found during flood defence work on a Norfolk river.
The boat, which is about 9.8 ft (3m) long and had been hollowed out by hand from a piece of oak, was found at the bottom of the River Ant."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ancient brewers tapped antibiotic secrets
From Emory University
"A chemical analysis of the bones of ancient Nubians shows that they were regularly consuming tetracycline, most likely in their beer. The finding is the strongest evidence yet that the art of making antibiotics, which officially dates to the discovery of penicillin in 1928, was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago."
"A chemical analysis of the bones of ancient Nubians shows that they were regularly consuming tetracycline, most likely in their beer. The finding is the strongest evidence yet that the art of making antibiotics, which officially dates to the discovery of penicillin in 1928, was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago."
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