Category Archives: British history

The Rise of Preventive Medicine in England in the 18th Century

Early on, the civilize world saw the study of nature as essential to the welfare of all mankind. The 16th Century saw great strides. Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that … Continue reading

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Early Political History of England: The West Saxons

Under King Offa, the Mercians defeated the Northumbrians, but the Mercian rule lasted only as long Offa remained in control. The Mercians were replaced by a line of West Saxon kings, including Ine (688-725); Egbert (802 -839), and Alfred the Great … Continue reading

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Sir Walter Scott, the Historical Romance, and the Creation of a National Identity – Part I

Walter Scott was the first great writer to recognize the potential of historical romance as a “dramatic narration of national history, a modern commercial equivalent of the old national epic. Scott’s Waverley novels started out as the romance of Scotland, … Continue reading

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What is a Perpetual Curacy?

According to The Law Dictionary, a perpetual curacy is  “the office of a curate in a parish where there is no spiritual rector or vicar, but where a clerk (curate) is appointed to officiate there by the impropriator. 2 Burn. … Continue reading

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Early Political History of England: The Roman Occupation

The Romans brought Christianity and other Oriental religions to the England. They also insisted upon the building of roads and the establishment of city sites, which was the first glimmers of “civilization.” However, we cannot think that the native people … Continue reading

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One Calamity Solves Another: The Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire in London in 1666

The Great Plague of 1665 stands out as an important event in medical history. The Great Plague was not the first time England knew the disease. In 1580, the Lord Mayor of London complained publicly of the number of burials … Continue reading

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Calomel: A Poison Once the Standard for Medical Treatment

Many of you who follow this blog are parents and grandparents. Are we not glad that this medicine is no longer a part of our children’s teething issues? Read on… From Evidence Based Science we learn that Calomel was once considered standard medicine. It … Continue reading

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Early History of the English Language

I thought I might put all those years of education to use by adding a series of posts on English Language and Literature. I am going back to the beginning and working my way forward. I hope you enjoy the … Continue reading

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John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville, 18th Century Diplomat

Tomorrow, we will have a look at a portion of North Carolina, which knew the hand of Great Britain in forming its boundaries. Today, we look at one of those who claimed part of the North Carolina as his own. … Continue reading

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Are You Familiar with These Words and Phrases?

We have a variety of words that mean “stupid or foolish person” Ninnyhammer – First Known Use: 1592 Berk – The usage is dated to the 1930s. A shortened version of Berkeley Hunt, the hunt based at Berkeley Castle in … Continue reading

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