The origins of Easter | Historic figures in lockdown

The history and origins of Easter How does Easter relate to Jesus? Where does the word ‘Easter’ come from? And when did we start eating Easter eggs? Historian Emma J Wells explores the origins of this springtime celebration… Read more > WHAT'S NEW

Alternate history: what if the Spanish Armada had succeeded? Victory over the Spanish Armada is remembered as one of England’s greatest military triumphs and a key moment in the nation’s naval supremacy. What if the Spanish had broken through and landed in England? Jonny Wilkes talks to historian Robert Hutchinson about how things could have gone differently... Read more > King Henry II: the Muslim monarch of medieval England? In the 12th century, furious with the archbishop of Canterbury, England's King Henry II threatened to forsake Christianity for Islam. But how serious was he? And what would have happened if he'd actually converted? Writing for BBC History Magazine, Claudia Gold investigates... Read more > Everything you wanted to know about the 1066 Norman invasion and battle of Hastings – but were afraid to ask Why did William the Conqueror win the battle of Hastings? Why is the battle called that, when it was fought somewhere else? And how did Harold I really die? In a recent podcast interview with Marc Morris, we went back to basics on the Norman conquest… Read more >

How did people cope with 'lockdowns' of the past? Plenty has been made of the great feats achieved by Isaac Newton and William Shakespeare during historical periods of quarantine. It is true that past pandemics have inspired creation, progress and discovery – but that’s not the whole story. Eugene Byrne explores how eight of our forebears fared during ‘self-isolation’… Read more > Stay Home, Get Inspired  HistoryExtra and Immediate Media’s family of brands have partnered to deliver you expert advice and great ideas to get you through the day. Sign up to our Stay Home, Get Inspired newsletter for a daily dose of inspiration from our experts by clicking on the link below. You can unsubscribe at any time...  Sign up now > PODCASTS: Artemisia | The Black Death and social change | Roman Britain In our latest podcasts, Catherine Fletcher discusses the life of Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi; Jane Whittle looks at how the Black Death reshaped the economy and society of England; and archaeologist Miles Russell tackles some of the main questions about Roman Britain... Listen here >