History

Moments that defined the British Monarchy – The execution of Charles I & the restoration

Let’s go back to September 1648. Negotiations between the Long Parliament and King Charles I were in full swing. Parliament wanted to restore Charles I to the throne after the Second English Civil War but to limit his power. King Charles agreed but later admitted this was only to avoid being detained. In November of that year, Charles I started to cause havoc again, and the New Model Army…
Read more
FeaturesHistoryPrince & Princess of Wales

Foundling Hospital: Royal Support that goes back centuries

As we look at the marvellous monies raised by Comic Relief, and the other support that the Arts give to charity we may think that this is a modern phenomenon – not so and the Foundling Hospital now known as Coram is an excellent example. When the Duchess of Cambridge makes a visit this week, she is continuing a royal association with the charity that goes back to King George II and one of the…
Read more
FeaturesHistory

If Argentina was a monarchy – who would be their king?

Monarchy isn’t necessarily the most fashionable form of government in the 21st century. In the world today, we have republics which were once monarchies. Among them are Serbia, a nation with a strong royal family even though the nation officially is a republic. On the other hand, we have countries like France, where three different families claim the title of King or Emperor of the nation…
Read more
History

The story of Queen Victoria's miniature crown

Queen Victoria acquired many pieces of jewellery throughout her lifetime – both small, personal items and grander, regal items associated with her role as Queen. One item, about which there is an interesting background, is the miniature crown that Victoria would wear…
History

Moments that defined the British Monarchy - The introduction of the Magna Carta

From the introduction of the first English Monarch [William the Conqueror] in 1066, Monarchs ruled absolutely, with no requirement for public input, government or indeed any opportunity for it, with the exception of a comparatively weak and more-or-less disregarded charter under Henry I in 1100. This almost absolute, unquestioned autocracy continued for nearly 200 years until a revolution took…
Read more