Jane Austen writes a novel
On this day in 1813 Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice was published. Like all her work, it was read aloud to her family most... Read More
Mozart meets Marie Antoinette
On this day in 1756 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg. His loving father quickly realised that Wolfgang and his sister were exceptionally talented... Read More
Thomas Lovell Beddoes’ obsession with death
On this day in 1849 the English poet Thomas Lovell Beddoes poisoned himself in Basel, Switzerland, aged 45. Beddoes grew up in Bristol and was... Read More
Robert Burns’ egalitarian views
On this day in 1759 the Scottish poet Robert Burns was born. A Customs Officer, he travelled around Scotland and enjoyed dalliance with many pretty... Read More
Edouard Manet picks up more than ideas
On this day in 1832 the French painter Edouard Manet was born. A major influence on later artists, Manet’s work represents the transition from Realism... Read More
Lord Byron’s relationships
On this day in 1788 George Gordon Byron, known as Lord Byron, was born. ‘Mad, bad and dangerous to know’, the famous summation of Lady... Read More
Christian Dior’s New Look
On this day in 1905 the French fashion designer Christian Dior was born. Dior grew up in the Normandy seaside town of Granville-sur-Mer but was... Read More