History
Reading a building colonially
(8 minute read)
They’re pulling down statues, but what about houses? Adam Brocklehurst looks behind the bricks and mortar to discover challenging truths about the culture that crafted some of England’s most iconic buildings.
Covid-19: a chance to build bridges between generations
(7 minute read)
Lisa Fraser explains how volunteering to buy groceries for an isolated elderly neighbour has changed the way she relates to older people.
A guide for restless hearts: in conversation with a classic of world literature
(4 minute read)
It’s time to explore your own mystery, says Luca La Monica, guided by one of history’s greatest thinkers.
For the valleys I sing
(2 minute read)
Leonard Franchi writes a hymn to the life of valley villages, from the Vale of Leven to the Valle del Comino.
Illuminating the “Dark” Ages
(8 minute read)
Jasmine Jones reveals that the Middle Ages were not as dark as is often claimed and finds that women played a surprisingly powerful role in society.
Triumph and tragedy at the registrar
(5 minute read)
Martin Ketterer uses lockdown time to travel back into the lives of his German and Irish forebears, and discovers a world of colourful characters, drama and heroism.
Lost in golden times: how a 20th century literary masterpiece could help you cope with Covid woes
(5 minute read)
Martin Ketterer suggests that Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited could be just what you need in this time of confinement.
The Leningrad Symphony – Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony and how the Russians survived a siege
(4 minute read)
The Russian composer Shostakovich began writing his symphony while the city was besieged by German forces. Kenson Li believes we can draw lessons for our current crisis.
Do international courts of human rights promote or curb our freedom? One of Europe’s top judges replies.
(12 minute read)
Never afraid to express his views when his conscience demanded it, Judge De Gaetano talks about some of his experiences answering questions from our correspondent José Young.
Three lessons from a city under siege
(3 minute read)
Ronnie Convery draws lessons from his parents on how to confront coronavirus.
