Long History

The Second and the Third Voyages of Columbus: Top Ten Surprises

On Columbus' second journey he went to find out what happened to the men he left behind on Hispaniola. On the third journey he headed towards the southern Caribbean on his search for new lands. What were the main surprises along the way?

Random UK Prime Minister of the Week. 1902-1905: Arthur Balfour

Victoria's reign was over; the 20th century had begun. Balfour represented the last gasps of the Victorian era. Why has he, even recently, raised controversy?

The Second and the Third Voyages of Columbus: Top Ten Events

Columbus’ first journey is of course his most famous, but what happened on the journeys were he returned to the Americas?

Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia. Part 18. The Remnants and the Return

(18 of 18) John White left possessions behind when he left Virginia in 1587. Three years later he return, to find out what happened to the more than 120 people he'd left behind to found a settlement. They had all disappeared, but there was another question: what had happened to his possessions?

Random UK Prime Minister of the Week. 1970-1974: Edward Heath

Who was the prime minister mentioned in The Beatles' Taxman ("Haha Mr Heath")? Edward Heath took office as the 70s began, leading to a turbulent decade in British politics.

Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia. Part 17. Roanoake Abandoned

(17 of 18) What clues did the early English settlers of Virginia leave behind to explain their disappearance?

Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia. Part 16. Caribbean Piracy

(16 of 18) Where do the English visit on this fifth journey to Virginia? Before reaching Virginia, John White sailed the Caribbean, picking fights with the Spanish along the way, leading to what amounts to a first-hand account of 16th century piracy. 

Random UK Prime Minister of the Week. 1916-1922: David Lloyd George

Why is Lloyd George seen as one of the best prime ministers ever? Yes, he won World War One, but what were his other transformative achievements?

Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia. Part 15. Who Remains and Who Returns

(15 of 18) Why did the governor John White return to England, leaving the colonists behind?

Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia. Part 14. Deadly Mischance

(14 of 18) What mistake led to the English killing friendly locals instead of their enemies?