Brandy for the parson, baccy for the clerk...' We have an image, mostly from movies and novels, of a tall ship riding gently at anchor in a moonlit, secluded bay with the 'Gentleman' cheerfully hauling kegs of brandy and tobacco ashore, then disappearing silently into the night shadows to hide their contraband from the excise…
When John Cadbury came to Birmingham in 1824, he sold tea, coffee and drinking chocolate in a small shop on Bull Street. Drinking chocolate was considered a healthy alternative to alcohol, something Cadbury, a Quaker, was keen to encourage. In 1879, the Cadburys moved to Bournville and created their 'factory in a garden - an…
I have the great pleasure to be sharing my review of this amazing book; A History of Women in History (Cunning Women, Physicians, Witches) by Sinead Spearing, so sit back grab a cuppa and let me tell you all about this brilliant book. ‘Witch’ is a powerful word with humble origins. Once used to describe…
I have the pleasure to share with you all my review of The Scandal Of George III's Court by the hugely talented Catherine Curzon, grab a cup of tea and maybe a biscuit and delve into some scandalous Georgian history. From Windsor to Weymouth, the shadow of the scandal was never too far from the…
Exploring the Lives of Women, 1558-1837 is an engaging and lively collection of original, thought-provoking essays. Its route from Lady Jane Grey's nine-day reign to Queen Victoria's accession provides ample opportunities to examine complex interactions between gender, rank, and power. Yet the book's scope extends far beyond queens: its female cast includes servants, aristocrats, literary…
One hundred years on, it is hard to imagine the violent disruption caused by the suffragette movement. After a century of peaceful protest had brought no progress a small group of determined women took matters into their own hands and turned to direct action. Through their actions, the cry ‘Votes for Women’ was heard throughout…
Chicks,Rogues and Scandals 