1400-1500
The Medici: A chronology
These Florentine bankers led a city-state, occupied the Vatican and married into many powerful European families. They also inspired and supported some of the greatest artists, thinkers and pioneers of the Renaissance.
Weapons that Made Britain
Details of three weapons – the sword, longbow and lance – and two types of protection: the shield and armour. Plus information on the development of each, the results of scientific tests on them and accounts of some of the major battles in which they featured.
- Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval
Britain
Everything the intrepid traveller needs to know to explore the age of chivalry. - The Worst Jobs in History: Medieval jobs
While the nobility flounce around in sumptuous clothes and are entertained at court and tournament, an army of unlucky souls toil away in some spectacularly hideous employment. - Monarchy
Dynamic timeline charts how England evolved from a land of warlords to one where dynasties could be built. - Children and war
The history of child warriors extends from the youths of ancient Sparta and the youngsters below decks in Nelson’s navy to the young people engaged in military activity in the 21st century. - Leonardo
da Vinci
Brief biography of the Italian genius, concentrating on his skills as architect and engineer. - Britain's Real Monarch
Was the 15th-century English monarch Edward IV illegitimate? Check out our royal family tree to see who should have been occupying the British throne since Henry VI. - The Vinland Map: Real
or hoax?
Some claim that the map – said to show North America – was made in about 1440, before Columbus's explorations. Others say it's a forgery. Read our guide to the controversy and make up your own mind. - Time Traveller's Guide
to Tudor England
Everything the adventurous traveller needs to journey to the time of Henry VIII, Bloody Mary and the Virgin Queen. - Perkin Warbeck: The great pretender
What is known about the mysterious young man who claimed to be one of the ‘princes in the Tower’, having escaped to Europe and gone into hiding, only to re-emerge in 1491 as a serious thorn in Henry VII’s side?
