After many months of lockdowns and closures, some form of normality seems to be returning to Britain’s heritage attractions. Museums and galleries are launching new exhibitions, and an undoubted highlight this month is Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens at the British Library. The display will chart the complex relationship between the two monarchs that ultimately led to one authorising the execution of the other. And this is also the subject of our cover feature, written by historian Susan Doran, who edited the exhibition catalogue. On page 50, Susan charts the dramatic events through 12 fascinating objects relating to the rival queens.
It’s a busy month for cinemas, too, and one standout release is The Last Duel, which is currently due to arrive in mid-October. The film centres on an episode of trial by combat in 14th-century France –a practice with long roots in European history. On page 28, Hannah Skoda explains how duels became a form of justice in medieval Europe and why, ultimately, the violent endeavour fell from favour.