Medieval Underwear: What Did Our Ancestors Wear?
The gap in our knowledge of medieval underwear is due partly to the poor preservation of organic materials and the lack of visual evidence. Clearly, there’s still a lot to uncover.
Spring heeled Jack: The Leaping Devil Who Spread Hysteria in Victorian Britain
In 19th-century London, a fire-breathing demon known as “spring heeled Jack” reportedly leapt from walls and terrorized citizens—often women walking alone at night.
Götz von Berlichingen and His Famous Iron Fist
Götz von Berlichingen’s iron hand is one of the most renowned examples of innovative prosthetics in the 16th century.
Ulrich von Liechtenstein: Was he Real?
Ulrich von Liechtenstein was made famous by Heath Ledger in the film A Knight’s Tale. Did you know he was a real person? His real life exploits were arguably more outrageous than those portrayed by Hollywood.
Laudanum: The Rise and Fall of the Victorian Super Drug
In an era before the invention of aspirin, painkillers and sleeping tablets, to be in pain was a thoroughly unpleasant experience. Laudanum’s medical role, as a tool for pain management in sickness and end-of-life care, was crucial.
