We're constantly being told that the division, anger and uncertainty we're currently witnessing in British politics is 'unprecedented'. But insanity, strife and hare-brained scheming are nothing new at Westminster — and things have often been far worse. Jacqueline Riding looks at an example from 200 years ago which serves as a chilling warning that we must all help to stop things from escalating still further.
Martin Fone ponders another Curious Question, and comes away thinking that perhaps it's time for us to start money laundering in a very literal sense.
The ancient Ottomans knew the power of repetition to shape the minds of others — something that Jason Good has discovered for himself.
The claims made for how horses help humans get over all manner of trauma stretch back to ancient times. Pippa Cuckson takes a closer look — and discovers some astonishing ways that 'equine-assisted therapy' is helping people.
A question about a question? Absolutely. Martin Fone gets to the bottom of where this curious phrase originates — and how it even found its way across the Atlantic.
Carla Passino investigates the meaning of the town crier's opening shout and ponders whether there is still a need for it today.
Martin Fone finds himself intrigued by the totem pole, and wonders which is the biggest ever made.
Annunciata Elwes asks the question on everyone's lips.
Everywhere you look in Amsterdam there seems to be a way of traversing the waterways of the city. But are there really more bridges here than anywhere else in the world? Martin Fone investigates.
You might think a flat cap is just something to keep your head warm and dry. And in some circumstances you'd be right – but there's a minefield of meaning out there, according to Rob Crossan.
Breeding a blue rose has long been the Holy Grail for plant breeders everywhere. Charles Quest-Ritson, author of the RHS Encyclopedia of Roses, explains why it's proven so elusive.
Quieter roads, no stressing about dodgy wi-fi and the comforting pong of the cooler opening — were things really better in the 1970s? Ysenda Maxtone-Graham investigates.
Tower Bridge celebrates its 125th birthday on June 30. But how does it work? And why was it built that way in the first place?
Simon Hopkinson shares his tips on cooking crab – with a little help from a classic book by the brilliant Rick Stein.
London’s multiplying Blue Plaques certainly add interest, but do they affect property values? Eleanor Doughty investigates.
Martin Fone, author of 50 Curious Questions, explains how a duck egg led to the popularisation of a term in one of the world's great sports.
Hoverflies mimic bees, wasps and all manner of other insects in order to put off predators — but does their subterfuge really work? Simon Morton finds out.
It's a phrase which gets bandied around all the time, but what does a 'Blue Moon' actually consist of? And does it really look any bluer than a normal moon?
