Q&A

Three men wearing hats inspect a sack of potatoes, c1917.

Q&A When did the potato catch on in Europe?

19th-century men in traditional dress, Marken Island, Netherlands.

General ancient history

Q&A When were trousers first worn?

Portrait of Oliver Cromwell. This is one of several replicas of a portrait by Sir Peter Lely. Cromwell is supposed to have said: “I desire you would use all your skill to paint your picture truly like me… but remark all these roughness, pimples, warts and everything as you see me. Otherwise, I will never pay a farthing for it.”

Why do we say ‘warts and all’?

Black and white image depicting engraving of Julius Caesar.

Q&A What is the earliest evidence for a battle in Britain?

Patricia Simmons recording the speaking clock.

Q&A Who voiced the original speaking clock?

A group of girls taking a bath as part of a contest to see who can wash the fastest.

General prehistory

Q&A How old is bathing?

Winston Churchill with a bulldog mascot as he leaves the Wanstead Conservative Club in his Woodford, Essex constituency on general election day, 23 February 1950. (Photo by Central Press/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Second World War

Q&A What is the significance of the British Bulldog?

A 'full English' breakfast

Q&A Why is a fry-up breakfast called a ‘full English’?

Pearly queens

Q&A Why does Britain have so many accents?

The history of maritime travel could explain why we use the word 'posh' for the British upper classes. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)

Q&A Where does the word ‘posh’ come from?

An illustration of the barons compelling King John to ratify Magna Carta, 1215. (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images)

What is the oldest law in England?

Cuban photographer Alberto Korda

Q&A Where did the famous portrait of Che Guevara come from?

Henry VII is crowned near Bosworth

Q&A What Happened After The Battle of Bosworth?

Children running down a street

Q&A Why do we say ‘run amok’?

Chinese plague

Q&A What was the Third Plague pandemic?