Author: Mary
Archaeologist and Journalist with a passion for history and travel.
The Real Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton
If you’ve been watching Bridgerton, you may be familiar with Queen Charlotte, the gossip loving Queen - but who was the real Queen Charlotte? Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was born in The Holy Roman Empire, a collection of territories in central and western Europe, where her father was the Duke and held power over Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She …
A History of Christmas
The birth of Jesus has been celebrated by Christians for centuries during Christmas. However, before the birth of Jesus, people celebrated the winter solstice. Easter was the most important holiday in the Christian calendar until the fourth century when officials decided to mark Jesus’ birthday as a holiday. Pope Julius decided the day should be the …
Samhain and Halloween
Halloween originated from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, where people would wear costumes and light bonfires to scare off evil spirits. In the 18th century, All Saints Day was celebrated on the first of November. Eventually, when the traditions of All Saints Day became intertwined with the Celtic festival, Samhain, a new celebration called, …
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
Sitting next to the beautiful and mysterious Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle has had many owners and seen many battles.It was a medieval stronghold for over 500 years. The Scots and the English fought over the castle's control during the Wars of Independence and the Lords of the Isles raided the castle well into the 16th …
Edinburgh’s Secret Underground Street: Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh’s buildings conceal a hidden street called Mary King’s Close. Underneath the Royal Mile, an underground street remained almost untouched for hundreds of years. A long street with narrow passageways conceals houses from the 17th century. The street was the second largest in Edinburgh and was used as a market. All different social classes lived …
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Swimming with Whale Sharks: A Mexican Adventure
The whale shark season in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is from May to September. The Adventure Begins Setting off at dawn, I traveled to Puerto Juarez port, near Cancun to start the adventure. In a small boat of around 10 people, you make your way deep into the ocean, speeding along and jumping over the …
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The Royal African Company and Edward Colston
In the early years of slavery, most enslaved Africans were brought from Dutch traders and sold on as property. In 1619, around 20 Africans were purchased from Dutchmen in Jamestown, Virginia to work in English colonies tobacco fields. The Royal African Company had a monopoly on the west African slave trade. It was originally led …
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New Video! Honfleur: France’s Amsterdam
https://youtu.be/q4FXYxTwcrk Even on a December day, whilst rainy clouds loom in the sky and the air is damp and cold, Honfleur is an enchanting French town, full of history and wonder. The beautiful medieval architecture in Honfleur is a travel and history lover's dream.
Trekking Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Three volcanoes overlook Antigua in Guatemala. FuegoIn June 2018 the volcano erupted, leaving the surrounding area destroyed by ash and mud over a year later.In November 2018 Fuego Volcano erupted again, causing 4000 people to flee for their livesAguaAcatenango Around a hour and a half drive away is Pacaya Volcano. When driving from Antigua to …
