Orgies…your first thought is so wrong. Now find out why.

As Corporal Jones often said in the long-running BBC sitcom “ Dad’s Army ”: “They don't like it up 'em!” An old soldier, a veteran of the small wars of the British Empire, Jonesy was right, although it must be said that a large quantity of lead balls or bullets to demoralise the enemy always preceded any bayonet charge. From the early 17th- to the early 20th-century bayonets were infantry melee weapons used both defensively and offensively, usually in mass chargers or human w

Despite the best efforts of historians, the internet is still awash with misconceptions about the Middle Ages. Many of these ideas were the product of Victorian writers and historians reflecting Mediæval life through the lens of their own society, as was done by antiquarians before them and by historians since. However, after more than a century in popular culture, and being taught in schools, these sometimes broad, sweeping assertions remain deeply rooted in everyday conscio

The spear’s endearing simplicity has seen it adopted by virtually all cultures and societies across the globe. Indeed, the history of the spear is [almost] as old as that of homo sapiens where it has been used as a tool for hunting and/or fishing. Along with the club, knife, and axe, it is one of the earliest and most widespread tools ever developed by early humans. Even after the invention of other hunting weapons such as the bow and sling, the spear continued to be used, ei

Correcting a documentary faux pas, discover the history behind men's braces (suspenders if you prefer).

Debunking the idea that people in the Middle Ages were ignorant and uneducated.

I wonder how many of us take the humble tin can for granted? Have you ever stopped to think of the origins of this omnipresent object as you toss another one into the recycling? As the name might imply, Tastes Of History spends a lot of time teaching history in primary schools across Great Britain. Our workshops from the Stone Age to World War 2 are also mirrored by our practical cooking demonstrations at historical events around the country. While talking with children and a

Dispelling the myth of the two-finger salute or V-sign originated in the Medieval period.

If in Split, Croatia then definitely dine at Villa Spiza. Tastes Of History ate there several times and it was fantastic.

Found on the website Twinkl, “ Ten short facts about the Romans ” was posted on December 8th, 2020 by unknown author possibly based in Ireland. Regardless, but bearing in mind that the “facts” are intended to educate children, number seven elicited a raised eyebrow. The whole text reads as follows, with our highlighted emphasis: “ 7. Rich Romans had slaves who served them some exotic foods. There was a variety of wealth in Roman times. The richest of the Romans would have sla

Despite the best efforts of historians, the internet is still awash with misconceptions about the Middle Ages. Many of these ideas were the product of Victorian writers and historians reflecting Medieval life through the lens of their own society, as was done by antiquarians before and by historians since. However, after more than a century in popular culture, and taught in schools, these sometimes broad, sweeping assertions remain deeply rooted in everyday consciousness, esp

In the September edition of BBC History magazine Anatoly Liberman, professor at the University of Minnesota and author of An Analytic Dictionary of English Etymology, wrote on the origin of the phrase “by hook or by crook”, meaning “to get something done, no matter how”. Although the rhyme’s derivation is far from clear, this has not stopped popular theorising. According to Professor Liberman, some people point to AD 1169, the year King Henry II invaded Ireland. This theory l

August 19th, 1588: On this day Queen Elizabeth I of England delivered her famous speech to her assembled land forces at Tilbury, Essex.

July 29th, 1588: On this day in 1588, the fearsome Spanish Armada is sighted off England’s southern coast.

Impressment, colloquially known as “ the press” or the “press gang” [1] , was a means by which European navies could forcibly compel men into service during the 17th-century and up to the early 19th-century either to crew their fleets at the outbreak of war or to replace men lost to death or desertion. Essentially no different to conscription employed by the British Army, the Royal Navy’s system began in 1664, although the practice can be traced back to the time of King Edwa

Wrecking Wrecking is the practice of taking valuables from a shipwreck which has foundered or run aground close to shore. Wrecks were frequent in Devon and Cornwall where the rocky coastline, and strong prevailing onshore winds helped scupper many merchant ships and warships. A tradition still exists that, during the 17th- and 18th-centuries, wreckers deliberately decoyed ships on to coasts using tricks, especially false lights, so that they ran aground for easy plundering. W

Pictured below is a spear recovered from an outbuilding at a former family residence, at the time called “Parthia”, in Beckhampton, Wiltshire. It has been in the author’s possession since the 1980s but in the intervening 40+ years precisely what it was or where it came from was unknown. While its origin remains a mystery, the desire to identify whether it is, as suspected, an African spear finally demanded some research. Based on the evidence so far, it appears it is a possib

Upside down Union Flags

Crucifixion?...Good. Out of the door. Line on the left. One cross each. Next... Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the victim is tied or nailed to a tree, stake, beam or large wooden cross, and left to hang until eventual death. It was used as a punishment by, among others. the ancient Greeks, Persians, Carthaginians and the Romans. Supposedly one of the keenest practitioners of crucifixion historically, to the Romans crucifixion was a punishment reserved

After several years of wishing we could be involved a chance encounter while “pirating” in Scarborough has led to Tastes Of History’s first performance at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, Yorkshire. We were delighted to offer a taste of mediæval food to spectators at the live-action International Jousting Tournament over the Easter bank holiday weekend. From Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April the museum’s impressive jousting arena resounded to the cheers of crowds an