
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

Winston Churchill’s varied life
On this day in 1965 Winston Churchill died in London, aged 90. Throughout his extraordinary life, Churchill undertook an amazing range of activities and experienced... 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

President Kennedy starts his thousand days
On this day in 1961 the inauguration of President John F Kennedy took place in Washington DC. The 86 year old poet Robert Frost recited... Read More