Princess Margaret versus the Crown

Golden moments

When we began thinking of how best to celebrate our

50 Decisions that Changed the World

To celebrate our 50th issue, we asked some of our favourite historians, writers and broadcasters to join us in selecting the key moments that shaped history. Read on to find out what they chose…

In Pictures: the Golden Age of Jazz

While war was raging, jazz music was booming. It was the quest of one photographer, William Gottlieb, to capture the magic of this era before it faded into darkness

The History Makers: Joan of Arc

Alice Barnes-Brown reveals how a peasant girl who ran away with the army became a martyr of the Hundred Years’ War

Seppuku: Japan’s Honour Suicides

For many Japanese, among them the mighty samurai, death was far more preferable than shame or disgrace. Hareth Al Bustani reveals the bloody details

Great Adventures: Francis Drake’s circumnavigation

Pat Kinsella follows Sir Francis Drake around the world on a swashbuckling, fortune-making, globe-trotting gallivant that incensed the Spanish and established the fearsome reputation of the Virgin Queen’s favourite dragon

Ask the Experts

Social historian, genealogist and author of Mr Darcy’s Guide to

In a Nutshell

This ancient and little-known peoples were fierce warriors, and counted the legendary gladiator Spartacus among their number

How Did They Do That?

The private world of the workers behind Britain’s Industrial Revolution

On our Radar

What’s on this festive season…

Britain’s Treasures

This popular landmark dominates the Scottish capital’s skyline, just as it has dominated Edinburgh’s colourful history

Books

This month’s best historical books

Snapshots

Competitors in the annual Peter Pan Cup prepare to dive

Letters

Get in touch – share your opinions on history and our magazine

Photo Finish

A girl sleeps in her family’s Anderson shelter, decorated for

CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES EXPLAINED

The origins of the Christmas carol – such a prominent