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All in the month of May The Great Exhibition that started the V & A Remembering the General Strike of 1926 Happy 70th Birthday, Eurovision Song Contest RHS lifts its ban on gnomes for Chelsea National Biscuit Day – 29th May I’ll take Manhattan ** Editor:  We continue our column that looks at memorable dates...

It was: 400 years ago, on 4th May 1626 that the Dutch explorer Peter Minuit arrived on the east coast of what is now the USA. He negotiated the purchase of Manhattan Island from the Lenape Native Americans for $24 worth of cloth and buttons. (Equal to about $1,150 today.) 300 years ago, on 25th...

Some 175 years ago, from 1st May to 15th October 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. More than 10,000 exhibitors attended what is regarded as the first World’s Fair. Prince Albert was an enthusiastic promoter of the exhibition, which was described by some as a reaction to the successful...

One hundred years ago, from 4th to 12th May 1926, there was a General Strike in the UK. It was called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in support of 1.2 million coal miners. The strike lasted nine days, but had little effect in the long term. The aim was to force the Conservative government, led by...

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held 12th to 16th May in Vienna, will look a bit different as it marks its 70thbirthday. That is because Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have opted out, as a protest to the inclusion of Israel in the contest, following the war in Gaza. That is...

Did you know that Britain is the country with the highest biscuit consumption in the world? According to industry research, we each eat about 500 biscuits a year. And the great biscuit dunking debate – over which biscuit holds up best when dipped in tea – can spark surprisingly passionate discussion. Biscuits have been part...

‘I’ll take Manhattan’ was a popular song in 1929. ‘First, we take Manhattan’ was a popular song in 1987. But someone else got there first. For way back in May of 1626, ‘taking Manhattan’ was exactly what the Dutch colonist Peter Minuit, of the Dutch West India Company, did. It was 400 years ago this...

All in the month of April Remembering Francis Bacon Remembering the musical genius of Richard D’Oyley Carte What’s orange, sticky and worth preserving?  < National Parks Fortnight – 4th to 18th April International Day for Street Children – 12th April It’s National Pet Month International Jazz Day – 30th April National Gardening Week – 28th...

It was: 400 years ago, on 9th April 1626 that Francis Bacon, philosopher and politician, died. He served as Attorney General of England and Wales (1613-17) and then Lord High Chancellor of England (1617-21). Known as the ‘Father of Empiricism’, as his works influenced the scientific revolution in Europe. 125 years ago, on 3rd April...

Four hundred years ago, on 9th April 1626, Francis Bacon, philosopher and politician, died of pneumonia. He served as Attorney General of England and Wales (1613-17) and then Lord High Chancellor of England (1617-21). He was known as the “Father of Empiricism”, as his works influenced the scientific revolution in Europe. Although involved in high-end politics,...

It was 125 years ago, on 3rd April 1901, that Richard D’Oyly Carte, theatrical impresario, died.  He built the Savoy Theatre and the Palace Theatre in London, managed some of the most important theatrical stars of the era, and founded a touring opera company. Best known now for his association with Gilbert and Sullivan, Carte operated during...

This month sees National Marmalade Week (18th – 25th April). If you really want to celebrate, go to Dalemain Mansion and Gardens in Cumbria, where they hold the World Marmalade Awards & Festival. It celebrates, preserves and promotes artisanal marmalades, with thousands of entries. (Even Paddington Bear will be in attendance!) If you like marmalade,...