Visit Heritage Blog (History and Heritage) - Visit Heritage

The anniversary of Winston Churchill’s death is marked this month, so here are some little known facts about the man voted to Best Briton in the world.

How many did you know?

Happy New Year, we hope 2023 will be kinder to you than history was to the poor souls we’ll be discussing today. There have been many horrific tales through history, from gruesome medical practices to bizarre punishments and even some very questionable cleaning habits but today, we’ll be diving into the world of executions with some of the worst in British history. Not only did these people get sentenced to death, which was bad enough, but their executions were botched.

Ask anyone about Boxing Day and no doubt they will tell you that although it is officially known as St Stephen’s Day, all they really know about it is that it is a day for huge discounts in the shops and watching the football. That hasn’t always been the case though – in fact the day only became a Bank Holiday in the 1970s! Here is the low down on Boxing Day – where it originated, why we celebrate it and what it means to us.

When it comes to Britain’s heritage, few bands have made quite the same impact as the Beatles. Encompassing the swinging sixties, John, Paul George and Ringo are an intrinsic part of Britain’s history and with the anniversary of John Lennon’s untimely death falling in December, we thought we’d see just how well you know the Fab Four.

With all the talk of the Winter of Discontent returning, we thought we’d give you some recipes from the past for you to enjoy over the next few months from similar bleak times.

The London Underground, affectionately known as the Tube, is celebrating a birthday next month, so here are some fascinating facts about the world’s first underground railway to wow your friends with next time you’re waiting for the train!

As we are coming up on the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was discovered in November 1922 by British Egyptologist and archaeologist, Howard Carter, we thought we would investigate the claims of a curse and find out more about the expedition.

We might have already talked about some of the UK’s spookiest sites but did you know that the tradition actually has a really long and rich history? Here are some fun facts about Halloween.

Remember, remember the 5^th November, gunpowder treason and plot… Bonfire Night is almost here and while we all know the story of Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and the rest of the plotters, here are some things about bonfire night and fireworks that you might not know.

As Halloween nears ever closer, you might be wondering which of the nation’s historical attractions are the best to visit for a thrill or two. If you’re hoping to encounter some spirits in the lead up to the spookiest night of the year, here are some of the locations you should definitely visit.

The 22^nd August 1485 spelled not only the end of the Battle of Bosworth but also the reign of King Richard III one of Britain’s most hated kings. As the anniversary of the battle takes place this month, it’s the perfect time to find out more about the end of the War of the Roses.

Over 400 years ago, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth in Devon, around 135 people were on board, some of whom were families intended to make up the first American colonies in the New World. Before they set sail however, there had already been attempts to start colonies in the New World. The Roanoke Colony was one of the first that was attempted to be established, initially by Sir Walter Raleigh.