Dreaded institution a history of the workhouse

Discover how the UK’s country houses defied the odds to survive as historic monuments and cultural centres

The year 1841 was an important one for family historians. It was the year of the first full UK census; at least it was the first time that the UK census had recorded details of named individuals, but

From the mid-16th century, anyone running an inn or alehouse needed permission from the justices of the peace. Later, landlords were required to pledge not to allow disorderly conduct in their establi

Thousands of workers stepping off their morning train has become an enduring image of the railway. But the custom of commuting has constantly evolved, as CHRISTIAN WOLMAR reports

As the warm days of summer give way to the fresher feel of autumn, many of us will recall with nostalgia the harvest festivals of our youth. Such festivities – often including lavish displays of crops

Today we might minimise or even overlook the railway’s significance, because it is such an established part of our lives. Yet at its height the industry employed more than half a million people across