He became a household name in his 20s as Princess Diana‘s favourite designer, and later created the wedding dress for Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. Now aficionados of Jasper Conran — son of late Habitat founder Sir Terence Conran and Superwoman author Shirley Conran — are about to have a unique chance to own … Read more
Yours for £28,000-a-week – the ultimate staycation in 18th Century Oxfordshire stately home so desirable Liz Taylor tried to buy it on the spot For the first time in its history, Grade I listed Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire, can be rented out for £28k a week Allowing up to 16 guests, it boasts eight bedrooms, landscaped … Read more
Art in heaven! Hundreds of examples of ancient graffiti dating back nearly 300 years are discovered on walls of parish church in finding of ‘national significance’ The historic markings were found at St Wilfrid’s in Kelham, Nottinghamshire Historians and residents are convinced the ‘unusual’ artwork is a notable find The etchings are thought to have … Read more
Honey, milk, eggs and cereals may have all formed part of the medieval childbirth ritual, according to a new study that found traces of the produce in a birthing girdle. In medieval England birth girdles were worn by pregnant women as an amulet against the high risks of childbirth and they were made from parchment … Read more
Mystery medieval tunnels that don’t appear on any maps are uncovered near 12th century abbey by workmen moving electricity pole The team stumbled on the underground network – unseen for hundreds of years The tunnel site was found near to the Tintern Abbey close to the England border Engineers working for Western Power Distribution stumbled … Read more
A letter that was first sealed 300 years ago and has remained unopened since has been read for the first time thanks to scientists ‘digitally’ unfolding the paper. Using a highly sensitive X-ray scanner, a team from Queen Mary University of London examined the letter which was closed using a ‘letterlocking’ process – this involves … Read more
A priest related to Princes William and Harry has been moved a step closer to sainthood by the Pope. A decree issued by Pope Francis said Father Ignatius Spencer lived a life of ‘heroic virtue’. Englishman Father Spencer, who was born George Spencer in 1799, now needs two miracles attributed to him if he is … Read more
Climate change has made its way into Alaska, causing mudslides, wildfires and record-breaking temperatures – but two new studies have added thunderstorms to the list of effects. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) warns that if greenhouse emissions are not curbed the number of thunderstorms will triple later this century. The increase of these … Read more
A pristine 400-year-old gold seal ring found by a metal detectorist in the Peak District could sell for tens of thousands of pounds at auction later this week. The high carat gold ring, which is set with a blue-tinted Chalcedony gemstone carved with the initials ‘GL’ and three candles, dates back to somewhere between 1600 … Read more
A pristine 400-year-old gold seal ring found by a metal detectorist in the Peak District could sell for tens of thousands of pounds at auction later this week. The high carat gold ring, which is set with a blue-tinted Chalcedony gemstone carved with the initials ‘GL’ and three candles, dates back to somewhere between 1600 … Read more