Tag: Europe

A photo of Karlovo Namesti - Prague, Czechia

The Allied bombing of Prague

During World War II, Prague wasn't as affected by bombing as many other European cities were. This was because planes didn’t have the range to reach Prague, and also because the Allies had more important targets in mind. This article describes the few Allied bombings of Prague, which happened towards the end of the war.
A photo of Bouzov castle - Olomouc, Czechia

The improvements to Bouzov castle

Many people marvel at European historical sites. Few realise that what we see today may be quite different from what was in use. People restored, rebuilt or enhanced many sites over the years. Sometimes the restoration and re-imagining of some historical sites is a crucial part of the story. This article explains the changes in Bouzov castle, in Czechia.
A photo of the Central Bank - Valletta, Malta

The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta

In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country like Malta. This article explains why this bank did so and why it was in Malta.
A map of the Battle of Ferozeshah

The Battle of Ferozeshah

British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle of Ferozeshah, and its small connection to Malta.
A photo of St Martin's rotunda

St Martin’s rotunda

I'm fascinated by the rotundas in Prague. This city has more of them than I'd ever seen in my life. St Martin's rotunda sits inside the Vyšehrad castle complex and its history is as varied and complex as any other.
A photo of the outer part of Špilberk castle - Brno, Czechia

Italian political prisoners in Czechia

One of the most dangerous secret societies in 19th century Italy was the Carbonari. Fighting for a united Italy, many across Europe feared them and what they represented. This article explains who they were and how they ended up in prison in Brno, Czechia.
A photo of world leaders at the signing of the Munich agreement

Preserving Malta’s money supply

European geopolitics in the 1930s caused plenty of uncertainty. The British worried about riots in the Middle East, and the possibility of another major war with Germany. They hatched a secret plan to reinforce Malta’s money supply in case of war.
A photo of the menhirs in Hagar Qim - Qrendi, Malta

Blue eyes in the Mediterranean

Thomas McGill’s 19th century tourist guide to Malta is fascinating for the way he describes Malta with a foreigner's eyes. I’ve used him as a reference before and many anecdotes are verifiable using other sources. This article examines his claims about people from the Maltese village of Żurrieq.
A photo of the mysterious menhir - Prague, Czechia

Prague’s mysterious menhir

Prague has continued to expand in the same way many other cities have grown over the centuries. We may never know what they used the land for before becoming part of the city. Sometimes, there are a few tantalising remnants which tell a fragment of a story. This article is about the lone mysterious Prague menhir - the Petrified Servant.
A photo of narrow Valletta streets

Every parents’ worst nightmare: The carnival deaths

In the 19th century, the monks at the convent annexed to the Ta' Giezu church in Valletta would help young boys stay out of mischief during carnival. They would pray together and then give the boys food. In 1823, this act of charity turned into a catastrophe.