As a young man, surveyor Thomas Telford was a red-hot political activist who yearned for revolution, but admittedly he had read just one book on the matter.

Thomas Telford told the parish council of St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury that their leaky roof was the last thing they should worry about.

Sir Humphry Davy explains in simple terms what it is that leads to scientific progress.

When Robert Southey called for a fairer and greener economy, Thomas Macaulay warned that only politicians and bureaucrats would thank him.

Alexander Graham Bell was heading for a dead end when a broken component showed him the way.

David Livingstone relives the historic moment when he became the first European to see the Victoria Falls.