Tag: United Kingdom

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 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 harbour - Valletta, Malta

The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry

There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened, Bulkley's life in Malta and how we know what happened.
A photo of world leaders at the signing of the Munich agreement

The truth behind the Sudetenland

Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history in the region/s that carry this name. This article is my attempt at straightening out the facts from the commonly-held myths.
A photo of the plaque commemorating the SAS - Ghent, Belgium

For people interested in World War II stories

There's a plaque on the wall in the castle in Ghent, Belgium, thanking the city for the symbolic establishment of the SAS. In Belgium. The SAS? Symbolic establishment? I started digging deeper to find out what this was all about.
A copy of Maniac ravings or Little Boney in a strong fit by James Gillray

How did the British take control of Malta?

I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is not true, but few are aware of this part of our history.
A photo of the Savoy hotel - London, United Kingdom

Do you know when to drive on the right in London?

Many people become anxious when they have to switch from left-hand driving to right-hand driving. I've had people tell me they won't drive in England because they're so used to driving on the right. In London, you may need to switch from driving on the left to driving on the right depending on which road you're in!
A photo of Cock Lane - London, United Kingdom

The Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane

Nothing cheers up a good ghost story than a juicy double entendre. One of London’s most famous 18th century hauntings took place in the marvellously named Cock Lane.