UK

Just your average stroll with a baby carriage and knight's helmet.

Iron Man: The Weird Wager of Harry Bensley, Who Walked 2400 Miles in a Helmet

In 1908, a playboy made a bet he could walk around the world without being identified. Then things got weird.

A detail of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I painted to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada (depicted in the background).

15 Amazing Facts About Queen Elizabeth I

She spoke multiple languages, defeated Spain’s powerful navy, and never accepted a marriage proposal. Discover more fascinating facts about Queen Elizabeth I and her reign.

Paddington at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Paddington' (2014).

Paddington Just Got His Passport

‘Paddington in Peru’ required a prop passport, but Paddington Bear ended up with a real one.

The UK has more than its share of haunted homes.

28 Historic British Haunted Houses You Can Visit

From grand castles to more humble country manors, the UK’s centuries-old homes have seen plenty of occupants move in over the years. And some never moved out.

The Global Origins of Town Names in Every U.S. State (With Maps!)

There are lots of UK place names—and plenty of surprises in store.

Assault, Robbery, and Murder: The Dark History of “Bedsheet Ghosts”

Pretending to be a ghost was a popular pastime in 19th century England. But in London's neighborhood of Hammersmith, it could also get you killed.

George Joseph Smith was very unlucky in marriage.

The ‘Brides in the Bath’ Murders That Shocked Edwardian London

George Joseph Smith was widower three times over. His wives had a nasty habit of drowning in the bathtub.

7 Supposedly Haunted Artworks

From a weeping statue to painting that moves on its own, the stories behind these supposedly haunted pieces of art are downright spooky.

Peter’s poor wife did not have a good time.

The History—and Surprisingly Dark Theories—Behind ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’

‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ may not be the most kid-friendly nursery rhyme, as several interpretations of it involve murder.

Nuclear Bunker, Land Lying To The East Of Longridge Lane SK17 8AE

Take a Virtual Tour of a Post-WWII Bunker Up for Sale in England

Now is your chance to own an important part of British history.

People had some interesting ideas about eels (top) and lamprey (bottom).

Putting a Skirt on a Herring, and Other Fishy Folklore From the British Isles

This excerpt from Ben Gazur’s book ‘A Feast of Folklore: The Bizarre Stories Behind British Food,’ out September 19 in the UK and November 19 in the U.S., dives into some unusual history.

Three views of the gold Roman-era bracelet discovered in a West Sussex field.

12-Year-Old Boy Stumbles on Ancient Roman Bracelet While Walking His Dog

The rare golden bracelet was probably given to a soldier as a reward for bravery as Roman armies invaded England.

Arts and crafts can be fun and beneficial for your mental health.

Arts and Crafts May Boost Mental Well-Being as Much as Employment, Study Says

Don’t underestimate the power of a productive crafting session.

What British mail was like around the time Ewart's postcard was mailed.

Snail Mail: Welsh Postcard Sent in 1903 Arrives 121 Years Later

The recipient has been identified, but it’s still a mystery where the postcard has been all this time.

Was King George IV the real “Georgie Porgie”?

‘Georgie Porgie’: The Royal Origins of the British Nursery Rhyme 

“Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie / Kissed the girls and made them cry.”

Jack Sprat could refer to two historical royals.

The Possibly Royal Origins of the ‘Jack Sprat’ Nursery Rhyme

Although “Jack Sprat” may not be in the nursery rhyme limelight, the two theories behind its meaning—both of which involve royalty—are just as interesting as the origins of better-known rhymes.

The preserved hull of the Tudor warship ‘Mary Rose.’

12 Facts About the ‘Mary Rose,’ Henry VIII’s Legendary Warship

King Henry VIII built the English Royal Navy around his favorite warship, the ‘Mary Rose,’ which sank under mysterious circumstances in 1545.

Andrew Jackson has been on the $20 for less time than you think.

Andrew Jackson Hasn’t Always Been On the $20 Bill

America's seventh president has been on the $20 bill for less time than you might assume.

The Grisly 1924 Crime That Led to the Forensic “Murder Bag”

The portable forensics kits that modern investigators use were inspired by bare hands at the scene of a horrific murder of Emily Kaye, which occurred 100 years ago.

We can learn a lot from a letter written 300 years ago.

Letters Reveal the Life of a 20-Something in 18th-Century London

From money troubles to a forbidden romance, the life 27-year-old Ben Browne lived in 1719 London should sound relatable to today's young people.

Queen Elizabeth II sometimes went by Sharon.

11 Royal Code Names

When she was trying to fly under the radar, Queen Elizabeth II went by the name ‘Sharon.’

Why Is the Unicorn Scotland’s National Animal?

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The reason isn’t because Scotland is a nation of unicorn lovers; rather, it’s thanks to the country’s bygone kings.

The prime minister was no fan of his portrait.

‘Malignant’: Winston Churchill’s Most Hated Portraiture Is Headed to Auction

Winston Churchill so hated Graham Sutherland’s likeness of him that he had it set on fire.

The Unexpected History of the ‘Little Jack Horner’ Nursery Rhyme

Like most nursery rhymes, rumors have long swirled about its allegedly dark origin story—one that’s said to involve Henry VIII and bribery.