People
Sutherland Clearances: How brutal and ruthless evictions changed the landscape of the Scottish Highlands forever
The Highland Clearances was a time when people were forced from their homes – with the Sutherland Clearances being some of the most infamous.
From the duke who lived in underground tunnels to the jester who farted for a fortune: Discover history’s hidden eccentrics and oddballs
Five of the weirdest lives in history
“The stag night out was interesting, as we also did that in period kit!” I spent a day with re-enactors and this is what I learned
Music, muskets and gunfire! Matt Baird joins the Worcester Re-enactors for a day of historical role play at the city’s Living History event
This pocket-sized speaker might be your new favourite outdoor companion
We review the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker to see how it stands up to the competition
Who is Amanda Owen? Everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Shepherdess
Known for her rural life in the Yorkshire Dales, Amanda Owen (aka the Yorkshire Shepherdess) is a familiar face on TV. But who is she?
What's new?
Macbeth, William the Conqueror, Harold II – the famous kings that suffered violent and brutal deaths on the battlefield
Being a king was a dangerous business - especially if they had a thirst for power and glory
Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade": 8 best quotes from famous playwright Noel Coward, the master of wit
Words of wisdom from one of Britain most eminent playwrights, Noel Coward
Who is Noel Coward, the enigmatic playwright who makes a surprise appearance in the new Downton Abbey film?
Noël Coward was the toast of London's West End during the 1920s and 30s
Are you descended from one of Ireland’s most powerful and infamous families? We look at the top 6 clans including O’Neill, MacCarthy, Kavanagh...
These six clans have historic tales full of battle and betrayal – with violent scraps against each other, as well as invading forces
Who is Maggie Aderin-Pocock? All you need to know about the space scientist and TV presenter
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock has been announced as the guest judge for the BBC Countryfile Calendar 2026 – but where are you likely to recognise her from?
Experiences
Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble: the real story of Britain's witch trials
Learn more about some of Britains most famous witches and wise men and the fate that befell them
"I survived Lyme Disease!"
All you need to know about this tick-borne disease from a man who contracted, diagnosed and survived it – Kevin Parr
Best nature and wildlife books reviewed for 2025
Our pick of the very best nature and wildlife books, including new releases – each with an expert editorial review.
Historical figures
Think you don't quote Shakespeare? Think again as he's given us a whopping 1700 words and phrases we now use. Here are just a few of them – Thanks Will!
More than 400 years on, Shakespeare’s inventive wordplay continues to echo in our conversations. The Bard coined many more words and phrases than you might think.
He scaled Tibetan peaks, braved wild jungles and helped Darwin shake up science — all in a day’s work for this globe-trotting Victorian plant hunter
Celebrate the life of the greatest botanist of the Victorian era, Joseph Dalton Hooker, born 200 years ago this summer and who sailed the world seeking new forms of plant life
The Nine Years’ War: Henry VIII’s destructive conquest against Ireland’s clans was one of the largest (and most expensive) in Tudor England
In response to Henry VIII's ongoing Tudor conquest of Ireland, the Nine Years' War erupted, leading to the collapse of Ireland's clans
Interviews
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Who is Chris Packham? Everything you need to know about the Springwatch presenter
Chris Packham is best-known for presenting BBC nature series Springwatch since 2009. Here is everything you need to know about the presenter.
How nature shapes music – with composer Erland Cooper
Musician and composer Erland Cooper reveals how landscapes and nature infuse and influence his music – on a walk and talk with the Plodcast's Annabel Ross in the grounds of his studio near Bath
Opinion
“The water isn’t even fit for dogs to swim in sometimes.” John Craven on the UK’s water pollution problem – and what’s being done to tackle it
There's still more to be done in order to clean up our waterways, says John Craven.
‘Scratch Gloucestershire and find Rome’ – from sheep to byways, here’s how the Romans changed Britain’s countryside forever
The legacies of the Romans are all around the British countryside, as Adam Henson discovers
‘They discovered a dead python, a wartime hand grenade and a camper van’: How Britain’s waterways are being restored
As former industrial workhorses, Britain's canals now have a new lease of life through restoration and tourism
Royals
Why has there never been a 'king' of Wales?
We have had kings of Scotland and England so why not Wales?
Highgrove House: Everything you need to know about King Charles' beloved country retreat and gardens
Highgrove House holds a special place in King Charles' heart. Find out why our green-fingered monarch loves this Cotswolds estate.
Underground tunnels, cocktail parties and the Red Cross: Everything you need to know about King Charles’ favourite London home
Buckingham Palace may be the official London residence of King Charles III but he much prefers this intimate townhouse. We take a look at Clarence House, the Royal Family's true London home.
