by openDemocracy Author: Michael Collins Of all Britain’s peoples, the English have traditionally been the centrepiece of ‘British history’. Nonetheless, argues UCL historian Michael Collins, it is they who have the most to worry about when it comes to their sense of the past. According to A. J. P. Taylor, in 1934 Oxford University Press commissioned its HistoryContinue reading “The English: a people without a history?”
Author Archives: cristian
A new world, new prospects. And Abelard in between
This post will answer some questions that I’ve been recently asking myself. Hopefully I will have time to address them all as I am so overwhelmed with my MPhil application. I’ll try to make time and fill in the gaps for I have so many things to tell you guys.
The Staffordshire Hoard: an Anglo-Saxon treasure unearthed
The Staffordshire Hoard is an unparalleled treasure find dating from Anglo-Saxon times. Both the quality and quantity of this unique treasure are remarkable. The story of how it came to be left in the Staffordshire soil is likely to be more remarkable still. The Hoard was first discovered in July 2009. The find is likelyContinue reading “The Staffordshire Hoard: an Anglo-Saxon treasure unearthed”
Historians Reassess Battle of Agincourt
Here is nn interesting article I found in the New York Times written by James Glanz and published on the 24th of October 2009. MAISONCELLE, France — The heavy clay-laced mud behind the cattle pen on Antoine Renault’s farm looks as treacherous as it must have been nearly 600 years ago, when King Henry V rodeContinue reading “Historians Reassess Battle of Agincourt”
The first Christmas card dates back to 1843
When London’s John Calcott Horsley invented the first Christmas card in 1843 as a favor to Henry Cole, neither man had any idea of the impact it would have in Britain and later in America. Even the early Christmas card manufacturers believed Christmas cards to be a vogue which would soon pass. They operated onContinue reading “The first Christmas card dates back to 1843”
Wallachian dinar from the 14th century
Now this is my most recent acquisition. It is a silver dinar from late 14th century that was minted during the reign of Radu I of Wallachia. Here are two photos and some characteristics:
The King and his castle: how Henry II rebuilt his reputation
taken from the BBC History magazine Henry II spent vast sums making Dover Castle the mightiest fortress in the land. Yet, as John Gillinghamargues, he did so not to protect his realm but to save face following the murder of Thomas Becket On the evening of the fifth day of Christmas 1170, as the monks ofContinue reading “The King and his castle: how Henry II rebuilt his reputation”
9th century Lorsch evangeliar: a beauty online
Here is an article I’ve recently written about the carolingian manuscript on the PECIA blog. If you’re interested and you read French, click here.
Partial cartulary online
I’ve just uploaded half of the manuscript I wrote about a couple of days ago (Luxembourg cartulary from the 14th century). It’s not final though as it needs some editing but the essential is there and the text is highly readable. I will try to complete the manuscript by the end of next week. InContinue reading “Partial cartulary online”
Punishment for coin forgery in 15th century France
The counterfeiter is shown being boiled in this 15th c. manuscript from Toulouse. During the 14th and the 15th centuries, French kings effortlessly tried to reduce coin counterfeiting or “faux-monnayage” as the kingdom was expanding and the royal authority was being reinforced in the provinces.
