History & Nostalgia

Here's where we take a look at some of Britain's past: genealogy, social history, ancient times...

British War Memorial Project: The British War Memorial Project is a volunteer project set up in August 2003 by Richard Howman to document online the graves and memorials of British Service personnel from 1914 to the present day, including those killed in recent conflicts and peace keeping operations. Find out how you, too, can support this worthwhile cause.
The Magic Enigma: "Between 1939 and 1945 a group of magicians were working in total secrecy deep in rural Buckinghamshire. But these were mathematical magicians tasked with cracking the most complex codes ever devised. Their objective: an early end to World War Two." Terry Mitchell of Bletchley Park Post Office reviews the launch of a set of stamps to commemorate the cracking of Enigma...
American Designer for Queen's 80th Birthday Issue: "For the Royal Mail stamps celebrating the Queen's 80th birthday, Bletchley Park Post Office is issuing a very special first day cover. The cover design to carry the new stamps on their first day of issue is by a young American who is the British Royal Family's biggest fan." Terry Mitchell of Bletchley Park Post Office previews the commemorative issue of a new set of Royal stamps...
Genealogy: "Genealogy has become a very popular hobby. People like to find out who they are and where they came from. Researching family histories isn't simply about collecting names and dates. It can unearth all sorts of interesting facts about migration and other social history." Some hints on how to get started with this fascinating hobby.
The 1901 Census: "The complete 1901 census for England and Wales published on the Internet on 2 January has to be one of the most ambitious projects of its kind undertaken by the Public Records Office [PRO]." David Stockton writes about the 1901 Census.
Maid in West Ham: "Born in 1924, Ivy Alexander was the third of six children. She grew up in Old Canning Town. Like much of the East End of London, it was economically, culturally, and environmentally damaged." A review of Ivy Alexander's book: Maid in West Ham.
Robert the Bruce: "In February 1306 two cousins embraced as they entered the Church of the Minorite Friars in Dumfries. Within minutes the veneer of friendship had slipped. As they stood deep in earnest conversation their voices began to rise. Rage boiled over. A dagger was drawn..."