Millie Castleton 16th century, Culture, Exploration and discovery, Historic Figures

The Roanoke Colony: Foundations

During the 16th and 17th Century, Europeans where racing to lay claim to the newly ‘discovered’ America’s. It was a New World, filled with promise and mystique. Europeans were lured by the tales of riches, resources and land that was just begging to be developed and shaped in their favour. But that’s not to say … Continue reading The Roanoke Colony: Foundations

Millie Castleton 19th Century, Historic Figures, Social issues

Anne Lister:The Diaries that shocked the Country

Anne Lister, a landowner who is best remembered because of her letters and diaries. She broke the expectations of her time and became a renowned businesswoman. What did it take for a woman to excel in these times? Anne was born as the second child of the notable soldier Jeremy Lister, but out of four … Continue reading Anne Lister:The Diaries that shocked the Country

Millie Castleton 14th century, 15th Century, 16th century, Culture, Culture and belief, Medicine, Middle ages

Scrofula: The King’s Evil.

In times before modern science and medicine the world was a terrifying place. The looming fear of one’s mortality in the face of illness or simple wounds was ever present. The worst part was probably the inability to explain the cause or reason for these sudden illnesses. Many misunderstood illnesses came in waves over the … Continue reading Scrofula: The King’s Evil.

Millie Castleton 19th Century, Arts, Biography, Historic Figures, Victorian

Branwell Bronte: A story of addiction and lost potential.

Anyone who has taken a literature course has likely heard of the Bronte sisters. Three sisters who became some of the most significant figures in the cannon of English writers. But the family had its fair share of skeletons hiding in their closet. Their family home in West Yorkshire. Three of his daughters found fame, … Continue reading Branwell Bronte: A story of addiction and lost potential.

Millie Castleton 14th century, Historic Figures, Law and Order, Middle ages

The Folville Gang: England’s medieval mafia

NEW MORE DETAILED AUDIO ESSAY: In 1310 Sir John Folville dies, a respected part of the gentry and a commissioner knight of the shire. As per custom his wealth and land are given to the eldest of his sons, John. Leaving the remaining six to find their own paths. This was nothing unusual. The younger … Continue reading The Folville Gang: England’s medieval mafia