Here For The History

Where Do Manners Come From?

Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton explore how Renaissance books on courtly conduct inspired an era of civility. They untangle the 18th century age of politeness, and we’ll

Why Do Scots Wear Tartan?

Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson dig through the folds of time to understand how Tartan became so woven into Scottish history. Just how did the material become so intrins

Why Do We Love Pubs?

How did the pub become so central to British culture? Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton reveal how women ran medieval alehouses, how the Reformation led to a golden age of

Why Does the Union Jack Look Like That?

Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson delve into the history of the Union Jack - the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It’s one of the most reco

Why Do We Have ‘Ugly’ Buildings?

Modern buildings are ugly - that’s what opinion polls suggest - but if it’s true, what’s the story behind it? Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton see how a Swiss architect tu

Who Invented the Weekend?

Have you ever wondered why we get Saturday and Sundays off each week? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson try to figure out who invented the weekend. We got Sunday, then S

Why Do We Wear Suits?

From royal coronations to criminal trials, the suit is men’s go-to uniform. But why? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson reveal the suit’s origins in the court of Charles II,

Package Holiday: Why do Brits go to Benidorm?

For decades Brits have enjoyed package holidays in sunnier climes of Spain, in resort towns like Benidorm. But why is that? Where did the package holiday itself come from

Stiff Upper Lip: Do Brits Have Emotions?

There’s a well known stereotype that Brits don’t show their emotions. George Gershwin even composed a song about the famous ‘Stiff Upper Lip’. This week Alice Loxton and

Why Don’t Women’s Clothes Have Pockets?

To the frustration of many, a lot of women’s clothes don’t have pockets. But why on Earth is that the case? Especially when men’s clothing seems to be full of pockets. A

Why Are Brits So Obsessed With Football?

Why are Brits so obsessed with football? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson explore the origins of football, how the game transformed from a gentleman’s hobby to the people’

English Language: Why Do We Speak Like That?

Why do our spellings not match our pronunciations? Why are so many words just really weird? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson take us on a whistle stop tour of some of the

Why does British food have such a bad reputation?

Is British cooking a crime against food? Or is this a foreign plot to do down Britain? Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton investigate the history behind Britain’s culinary

Why do British people love tea?

How and when did tea arrive in the UK? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson take a look at the mythological origins, the role of a Portuguese princess and even going to war for

Are You Here For The History?

Do you ever stop to think where the stereotypes, social norms, traditions, and beliefs that fill our everyday life come from? History lovers Alice Loxton and Ben Henders