I was lucky enough to interview the History department’s most electric member: DrYangwen Zheng. Joining the university and effectively starting its Chinese history curriculum, she has been on an academic warpath since 1995. From studying at Oberlin College and Cambridge, then teaching at the University of Pennsylvania and the National University of Singapore before finally Continue Reading
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Tradition
Forget the John Lewis Christmas advert: as far as traditions go, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree given to Britain by Norway is one of the most established and deeply symbolic parts of the British festive season. Since 1947 the gift has been given every December as a token of friendship between the two nations, and Continue Reading
Infidelities of Rulers
The infidelity of those in the limelight is an issue that always has, and probably always will be, one of public interest. In the modern day, famous individuals including politicians, those in show business and sportsmen are constantly in the press amidst claims of infidelity. One of the most notorious adulterers in history is the Continue Reading
What You Didn’t Know About William Wilberforce
William Wilberforce was born in 1759 to a wealthy merchant family in the north eastern city of Hull, England. He became a Member of Parliament for Hull at the age of 21. This made him the youngest member of the House of Commons. Following this, he became the MP for the whole of Yorkshire. Wilberforce Continue Reading
The Middle Passage
The Middle Passage was a route which slaves were transported through from West Africa to America. It was part of the Transatlantic Triangle. The triangle started in the West Indies and transported products such as sugar, tobacco and cotton to Europe. Then from Europe, textiles, rum and manufactured goods were transported to West Africa. In Continue Reading