The post 3 of Europe’s Oldest Libraries You Have to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>This stunning Baroque-style library hosts many thousands of texts, some dating to the medieval period. While the library has existed since the 8th century AD, the current building in which the books are housed dates to the mid-1700s. It is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world, and well worth a visit.
One of the most famous libraries in Europe, it’s said that the Milk Abbey library inspired the author Umberto Eco when he was writing his novel, “The Name Of The Rose”. Founded in the 1700s, the library holds many rare and valuable texts, including some that date back to 900AD!
Founded in 1602, the modern Bodleian Library is in fact a collection of 26 separate libraries spread across the University of Oxford. Many of these are open to the public (although some cost money to enter), and it really is impressive to enter and see the rows upon rows of ancient, highly valuable books.
The post 3 of Europe’s Oldest Libraries You Have to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Nottingham, England Has Some Amazing History, Here Are 3 Sites to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Whether or not you believe Sherwood Forest was the haunt of Robin Hood and his merry men, the trees here are certainly ancient. It’s a great chance to experience walking within a truly old English woodland, with several native species including oak, ash and birch. A hike or stroll through these woods will certainly set the tone for what you’ll see in the city of Nottingham.
Although several other sites may dispute it, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem in Nottingham lays claims to being the oldest pub in England. Supposedly dating to 1189 AD, the interior of this pub is wonderfully crooked and unique. The pub also claims to be haunted by at least one ghost which, given its age, is perhaps unsurprising.
The original castle was built in the medieval period. What stands on the site today is a Stuart-era restoration, but it’s definitely worth a visit to gain a sense of the city’s long history. You can also access the great tunnels which run from the castle through the cliff, and which were historically used to store precious goods and grain.
The post Nottingham, England Has Some Amazing History, Here Are 3 Sites to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Abbeys to Visit in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Perhaps the most powerful abbey during the medieval period, Rievaulx Abbey now stands as a shell of its former self. However, despite the destruction the ruins are incredibly compelling, and it’s easy to see how powerful and influential the men who once ruled the abbey would have been. The abbey stands at the edge of a very pretty village which is also worth visiting, once you’re done gazing at the remains of this historical site.
Starkly silhouetted against the sky, it’s easy to see why Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to set a portion of his Gothic novel Dracula in the Yorkshire town. Like Rievaulx, not much remains of the abbey that once stood on the clifftop, but the structure that still stands is undoubtedly compelling and beautiful.
Unlike the previous abbeys mentioned here, Buckfast does not stand in ruins. Built on the site of a medieval abbey which was indeed levelled according to the orders of Henry VIII, the modern church was constructed in the early 20th century. However, this site is still well worth visiting from a historical perspective, especially as the formal grounds and gardens have been laid out in imitation of a medieval monastic garden.
The post 3 Abbeys to Visit in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The Double Life of Roald Dahl: From Author to Spy appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Dahl joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the outset of World War II, becoming a fighter pilot. After sustaining serious injuries in a crash in Libya, he was grounded and subsequently recruited by the British Security Coordination (BSC), a covert organization based in New York. The BSC was tasked with promoting British interests in the Americas and countering Axis propaganda.
While in the United States, Dahl’s charm, wit, and literary skills were leveraged to influence public opinion in favor of Britain’s war efforts. His role involved gathering intelligence and fostering British sympathies among American politicians and businessmen. He even engaged with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to secure support for British policies. His activities contributed significantly to the British mission.
After the war, Dahl shifted his focus entirely to writing. He channeled his rich experiences and imagination into stories that captured the hearts of children and adults alike.Â
The post The Double Life of Roald Dahl: From Author to Spy appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Here’s Why Denmark is a Must-Visit if You’re Into Iron Age Archaeology appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Perhaps the most famous “bog body” (human remains found preserved in peat bogs) is Tollund Man. His remains are housed in the Silkeborg Museum, and there is a fantastic exhibition that accompanies these to explain how he might have lived and died.
While many of the country’s greatest artifacts are housed in larger museums in the capital of Copenhagen, local museums have plenty to offer visitors. There is an ongoing practice in Denmark of housing artifacts in the museum most local to the find site, meaning that apparently small, unimportant museums can house world-famous archaeological materials and remains.
The sheer quantity of historically significant finds that come from Denmark is staggering. These point to a successful, thriving Iron Age community living here, and also indicate the usefulness of the boggy environment in preserving materials that might otherwise decay.
The post Here’s Why Denmark is a Must-Visit if You’re Into Iron Age Archaeology appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Reasons to Visit The White Horse of Uffington in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>There are several horse hill carvings around the British Isles, but the White Horse of Uffington is the only genuine Neolithic example. It is markedly different in design compared to later versions, and some people have disputed whether it is in fact a horse—it could be a dog or another quadruped. Whatever you believe the carving represents, there is something seriously special about standing and viewing an artwork from several thousand years ago.
Once you’ve had your fill of admiring the white horse, you can enjoy the rest of your surroundings. The horse is carved onto one of a chain of gently rolling hills, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the area with the promise of great views. It is worth being aware that as this area is fairly remote, you won’t find a cafe or restrooms nearby.
The location of the hill on which the horse is carved means that it’s a particularly good spot for sunrises and sunsets. On a warm summer’s day, while away the afternoon with a picnic on the hill, before you enjoy a stunning sunset that will light up the valley and plains below you.
The post 3 Reasons to Visit The White Horse of Uffington in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Road Trip Gone Wrong: The Strange Mystery of the Tromp Family appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>To the outside world, the Tromps were like any other family. But after piling into their car and leaving their Australian home with no explanation, it soon became clear that this was no ordinary road trip. Before long, the entire nation was searching for the Tromps. What pushed the family to flee their lives with no destination in sight? What happened to the Tromps?
The post Road Trip Gone Wrong: The Strange Mystery of the Tromp Family appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta By Scaglietti is Expected to Be Sold for $7.5 Million appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti is widely considered one of the best Ferraris ever made. A total of 165 units were manufactured, and the car had a shorter wheelbase compared to the standard 250 GT and featured a lighter chassis and more aerodynamic bodywork for better road performance. It won the Tour de France Automobile for three consecutive years between 1960 and 1962.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti offered by RM Sotheby’s is numbered 34 out of 165. It was featured in a number of races and rallies, including Tour de France, Le Mans, and Goodwood Motor Circuit. The car was previously owned by British car driver Robert Lamplough and was fully restored by reputable car restorer Carrozzeria Autosport back in 2009.
The vehicle will be part of the Cliveden House sale organized by RM Sotheby’s in June.
“As an example of one of Ferrari’s most famous designs, this car is ready to be enjoyed as part of a collection, on show at marque events, or entered into its latest competitive outings,” RM Sotheby’s said in a press release.
The post Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta By Scaglietti is Expected to Be Sold for $7.5 Million appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Family Discovers More Than 1,000 Rare Coins During Home Renovation appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Betty and Robert Fooks were in the midst of remodeling their cottage at South Poorton Farm when they decided to scrape the concrete floor in the kitchen in order to add more height to the ceilings. After removing the floor and a layer of dirt, Robert discovered a ceramic vase filled with gold and silver coins.
“One evening, I was with the children and my husband was digging with a pick axe when he called to say they’ve found something. He put all the coins in a bucket. If we hadn’t lowered the floor, they would still be hidden there. I presume the person intended to retrieve them but never got the chance,” Betty described the discovery in a chat with The Guardian.
The family notified the local finds liaison officer, after which the coins were sent to the British Museum for further inspection. The museum experts dated the coins to the 17th century.
The coin throve was recently put up for auction by UK auction house Duke’s Auctioneers and sold for £60,740 (approximately $76,000), surpassing the estimated price of £60,740. Some coins were auctioned off individually, like a gold coin depicting Charles I, which went for £5,000 ($6,260), while others were sold in batches.
The post Family Discovers More Than 1,000 Rare Coins During Home Renovation appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Laci Peterson’s Murder: The Case That Sent the Country on a Search for Justice appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>When Laci Peterson suddenly disappeared on Christmas Eve, her family was desperate to find her. But before long, all evidence—and the entire nation—was pointing to Scott Peterson, her husband. Though he claimed innocence, the trial found him guilty. Still, the mystery surrounding the case was never fully revealed—until 20 years later, when Scott Peterson decided to drag the case into the light yet again.
The post Laci Peterson’s Murder: The Case That Sent the Country on a Search for Justice appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 of Europe’s Oldest Libraries You Have to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>This stunning Baroque-style library hosts many thousands of texts, some dating to the medieval period. While the library has existed since the 8th century AD, the current building in which the books are housed dates to the mid-1700s. It is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world, and well worth a visit.
One of the most famous libraries in Europe, it’s said that the Milk Abbey library inspired the author Umberto Eco when he was writing his novel, “The Name Of The Rose”. Founded in the 1700s, the library holds many rare and valuable texts, including some that date back to 900AD!
Founded in 1602, the modern Bodleian Library is in fact a collection of 26 separate libraries spread across the University of Oxford. Many of these are open to the public (although some cost money to enter), and it really is impressive to enter and see the rows upon rows of ancient, highly valuable books.
The post 3 of Europe’s Oldest Libraries You Have to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Nottingham, England Has Some Amazing History, Here Are 3 Sites to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Whether or not you believe Sherwood Forest was the haunt of Robin Hood and his merry men, the trees here are certainly ancient. It’s a great chance to experience walking within a truly old English woodland, with several native species including oak, ash and birch. A hike or stroll through these woods will certainly set the tone for what you’ll see in the city of Nottingham.
Although several other sites may dispute it, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem in Nottingham lays claims to being the oldest pub in England. Supposedly dating to 1189 AD, the interior of this pub is wonderfully crooked and unique. The pub also claims to be haunted by at least one ghost which, given its age, is perhaps unsurprising.
The original castle was built in the medieval period. What stands on the site today is a Stuart-era restoration, but it’s definitely worth a visit to gain a sense of the city’s long history. You can also access the great tunnels which run from the castle through the cliff, and which were historically used to store precious goods and grain.
The post Nottingham, England Has Some Amazing History, Here Are 3 Sites to Visit appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Abbeys to Visit in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Perhaps the most powerful abbey during the medieval period, Rievaulx Abbey now stands as a shell of its former self. However, despite the destruction the ruins are incredibly compelling, and it’s easy to see how powerful and influential the men who once ruled the abbey would have been. The abbey stands at the edge of a very pretty village which is also worth visiting, once you’re done gazing at the remains of this historical site.
Starkly silhouetted against the sky, it’s easy to see why Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to set a portion of his Gothic novel Dracula in the Yorkshire town. Like Rievaulx, not much remains of the abbey that once stood on the clifftop, but the structure that still stands is undoubtedly compelling and beautiful.
Unlike the previous abbeys mentioned here, Buckfast does not stand in ruins. Built on the site of a medieval abbey which was indeed levelled according to the orders of Henry VIII, the modern church was constructed in the early 20th century. However, this site is still well worth visiting from a historical perspective, especially as the formal grounds and gardens have been laid out in imitation of a medieval monastic garden.
The post 3 Abbeys to Visit in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post The Double Life of Roald Dahl: From Author to Spy appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Dahl joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the outset of World War II, becoming a fighter pilot. After sustaining serious injuries in a crash in Libya, he was grounded and subsequently recruited by the British Security Coordination (BSC), a covert organization based in New York. The BSC was tasked with promoting British interests in the Americas and countering Axis propaganda.
While in the United States, Dahl’s charm, wit, and literary skills were leveraged to influence public opinion in favor of Britain’s war efforts. His role involved gathering intelligence and fostering British sympathies among American politicians and businessmen. He even engaged with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to secure support for British policies. His activities contributed significantly to the British mission.
After the war, Dahl shifted his focus entirely to writing. He channeled his rich experiences and imagination into stories that captured the hearts of children and adults alike.Â
The post The Double Life of Roald Dahl: From Author to Spy appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Here’s Why Denmark is a Must-Visit if You’re Into Iron Age Archaeology appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Perhaps the most famous “bog body” (human remains found preserved in peat bogs) is Tollund Man. His remains are housed in the Silkeborg Museum, and there is a fantastic exhibition that accompanies these to explain how he might have lived and died.
While many of the country’s greatest artifacts are housed in larger museums in the capital of Copenhagen, local museums have plenty to offer visitors. There is an ongoing practice in Denmark of housing artifacts in the museum most local to the find site, meaning that apparently small, unimportant museums can house world-famous archaeological materials and remains.
The sheer quantity of historically significant finds that come from Denmark is staggering. These point to a successful, thriving Iron Age community living here, and also indicate the usefulness of the boggy environment in preserving materials that might otherwise decay.
The post Here’s Why Denmark is a Must-Visit if You’re Into Iron Age Archaeology appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post 3 Reasons to Visit The White Horse of Uffington in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>There are several horse hill carvings around the British Isles, but the White Horse of Uffington is the only genuine Neolithic example. It is markedly different in design compared to later versions, and some people have disputed whether it is in fact a horse—it could be a dog or another quadruped. Whatever you believe the carving represents, there is something seriously special about standing and viewing an artwork from several thousand years ago.
Once you’ve had your fill of admiring the white horse, you can enjoy the rest of your surroundings. The horse is carved onto one of a chain of gently rolling hills, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the area with the promise of great views. It is worth being aware that as this area is fairly remote, you won’t find a cafe or restrooms nearby.
The location of the hill on which the horse is carved means that it’s a particularly good spot for sunrises and sunsets. On a warm summer’s day, while away the afternoon with a picnic on the hill, before you enjoy a stunning sunset that will light up the valley and plains below you.
The post 3 Reasons to Visit The White Horse of Uffington in The UK appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Road Trip Gone Wrong: The Strange Mystery of the Tromp Family appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>To the outside world, the Tromps were like any other family. But after piling into their car and leaving their Australian home with no explanation, it soon became clear that this was no ordinary road trip. Before long, the entire nation was searching for the Tromps. What pushed the family to flee their lives with no destination in sight? What happened to the Tromps?
The post Road Trip Gone Wrong: The Strange Mystery of the Tromp Family appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta By Scaglietti is Expected to Be Sold for $7.5 Million appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti is widely considered one of the best Ferraris ever made. A total of 165 units were manufactured, and the car had a shorter wheelbase compared to the standard 250 GT and featured a lighter chassis and more aerodynamic bodywork for better road performance. It won the Tour de France Automobile for three consecutive years between 1960 and 1962.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti offered by RM Sotheby’s is numbered 34 out of 165. It was featured in a number of races and rallies, including Tour de France, Le Mans, and Goodwood Motor Circuit. The car was previously owned by British car driver Robert Lamplough and was fully restored by reputable car restorer Carrozzeria Autosport back in 2009.
The vehicle will be part of the Cliveden House sale organized by RM Sotheby’s in June.
“As an example of one of Ferrari’s most famous designs, this car is ready to be enjoyed as part of a collection, on show at marque events, or entered into its latest competitive outings,” RM Sotheby’s said in a press release.
The post Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta By Scaglietti is Expected to Be Sold for $7.5 Million appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Family Discovers More Than 1,000 Rare Coins During Home Renovation appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>Betty and Robert Fooks were in the midst of remodeling their cottage at South Poorton Farm when they decided to scrape the concrete floor in the kitchen in order to add more height to the ceilings. After removing the floor and a layer of dirt, Robert discovered a ceramic vase filled with gold and silver coins.
“One evening, I was with the children and my husband was digging with a pick axe when he called to say they’ve found something. He put all the coins in a bucket. If we hadn’t lowered the floor, they would still be hidden there. I presume the person intended to retrieve them but never got the chance,” Betty described the discovery in a chat with The Guardian.
The family notified the local finds liaison officer, after which the coins were sent to the British Museum for further inspection. The museum experts dated the coins to the 17th century.
The coin throve was recently put up for auction by UK auction house Duke’s Auctioneers and sold for £60,740 (approximately $76,000), surpassing the estimated price of £60,740. Some coins were auctioned off individually, like a gold coin depicting Charles I, which went for £5,000 ($6,260), while others were sold in batches.
The post Family Discovers More Than 1,000 Rare Coins During Home Renovation appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>The post Laci Peterson’s Murder: The Case That Sent the Country on a Search for Justice appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>When Laci Peterson suddenly disappeared on Christmas Eve, her family was desperate to find her. But before long, all evidence—and the entire nation—was pointing to Scott Peterson, her husband. Though he claimed innocence, the trial found him guilty. Still, the mystery surrounding the case was never fully revealed—until 20 years later, when Scott Peterson decided to drag the case into the light yet again.
The post Laci Peterson’s Murder: The Case That Sent the Country on a Search for Justice appeared first on History Chronicle.
]]>