On the Feast of St John the Baptist, June 24th, 1497, Venetian navigator John Cabot claimed North America for the King of England.

The Despensers ensured that King Edward II never left their sight, but it was what Queen Isabella was doing that should have worried them.

Edward II hoped to outshine his famous father by bringing Scotland under the English crown, but Robert the Bruce was ready for him.

Edward II was given the crown of England on condition that he had nothing more to do with Piers Gaveston, and he did not keep his word.

Henry VI’s campaign to confirm himself as King of France looked to be in trouble after the Duke of Brittany switched sides.

Charles Dickens laments William the Conqueror’s brutal rampage through rebellious Durham and Yorkshire.