Featured Stories in History

The origins of the idiom “happy as Larry” date back to the 19th century—but whether it’s attributed to a New Zealand writer, Australian boxer, or Cornish slang word is anyone’s guess.

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.

Though the ten-gallon hat doesn’t actually hold 10 gallons, this Stetson classic has become an indisputable part of cowboy culture.

The phrase “shiver my timbers” first appeared in a book by Captain Frederick Marryat published in 1834. Since then, it’s appeared in numerous books and films.

Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it is the oldest such commemoration.

In 1932, the Australian army started an offensive against a horde of itinerant emus. The Australian Emu War would be chalked down as a victory for the emus.

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.

In Indian mythology, the god Indra rescues the world by killing an evil serpent with a thunderbolt. In Norse mythology, Thor famously slays the serpent Jörmungandr with thunder. This similarity is one tantalizing clue to the fact that the mythologies and languages of Europe and India share a common source—a lost culture about which we know little, but owe much.

17th century plague doctor’s outfit included bird-like mask… eery but effective

Mad Jack Churchill was the only soldier during World War Two credited with dispatching an enemy with a longbow. If his longbow wasn’t handy Mad Jack was just as comfortable with a Scottish broadsword.

Ivar the Boneless is a legendary figure from the Norse sagas, apparently inspired by a real Viking who led a brutal army into England in 865 AD.

When his country needed him Bob Semple stepped forward. Some wished he hadn’t bothered. Fearing Japanese invasion, New Zealand desperately needed to boost an armoured force which only numbered 6 Bren gun carriers in the whole country. The Bob Semple Tank was born.

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.

Everyone has a side hustle these days don’t they? Even 16th century sailors took part in the gig economy by making particularly horrendous looking Jenny Hannivers for extra income. However, these ‘devil fish wouldn’t look out of place on the movie set of Aliens.

What was bath time like for you as a child? Loads of bubble-bath, maybe the obligatory rubber duck or some colorful plastic cups? Did you ever enjoy your soapy adventures with a porcelain doll embodying the spirit of a teenage girl who froze to death on her way to a New Year’s ball? Those Victorians were a dark bunch.

Snap, Crackle and Pop have been around since 1932 and pocketed their creator, Vernon Grant, a cool $250,000. They even have a lesser known fouth ‘band member’ called Pow who made a brief appearance in the 1950’s.

Your knowledge of Vikings weddings and Vikings may begin and end with the antics of Ragnar Lothbrok and his clan in the TV show Vikings. However, a Viking wedding was an elaborate and meticulously planned event, from the opening of financial negotiations to the ending bestowment of the morning-gift.

A 106 year old fruitcake has been found in Antarctica which was likely brought during Captain Scott’s ill-fated 1910 Terra Nova Expedition.