The Case of Silas Chapman - 7th July 1856

Colin recently became aware of this bigamy case and thought it would be of interest to the group.  Here is the Old Bailey article:

https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18560707-675&div=t18560707-675&terms=Norwich#highlight

Edward Boardman

George Skipper’s great rival was Edward Boardman.  His major works in Norwich include the refurbishment of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, converting Norwich Castle into a museum, building the notable Royal Hotel and the mortuary chapel in the city's Rosary Cemetery.  But did you know that he became Mayor of Norwich and he built How Hill House and lived in the How Hill Estate?  Find out more by selecting the following article and view more of his buildings in the Gallery section and a list of his buildings in the Works section:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Boardman

George Skipper

I didn’t realise that he had designed so many buildings in Norwich; it is well known he designed the Royal Arcade but did you realise that he designed the Norfolk and Norwich Savings Bank (now Barclays Bank) in Red Lion St, the Norwich and London Accident Assurance Association (now the St Giles House Hotel in St Giles’ St) and his most expensive and sumptuous project, Surrey House for Norwich Union Life Insurance Society.  His trademarks were turrets and cupolas.  One of his great admirers was Poet Laureate John Betjeman.  Please select the following link to learn more:

https://colonelunthanksnorwich.com/2017/02/15/the-flamboyant-mr-skipper/

Medieval Summer Picnic

There were picnics in medieval times often followed by a great feast all washed down with some mead and/or a flagon of wine!  What was maslin?  What cakes did they have and how were they seasoned?  They even ate sweet pastries containing fruit and a hint of liquorice and cloves. What was verjuice?  To find out more please select the following article written by author Carol McGrath:

http://carolcmcgrath.co.uk/a-medieval-summer-picnic/

Unlocking The Archive - Discover Historic Books

Colin has sent the below link below to share with you.  This site will enable you to discover how historic books were made, the ideas they contained and who owned them many centuries ago.  The introductory film is steered towards children but don’t be misled by this because there is plenty for adults to learn from this site. 

Select Choose a Library to Unlock and then select one of the three libraries, and the books within those libraries.  Just select and have fun exploring the books available. 

https://discoverhistoricbooks.unlockingthearchive.co.uk/

Seven Artworks Of The Battle Of Britain

Here are some paintings of the battle depicting the trails in the sky and portraits of pilots.  My favourite is An Aerial Battle which provides the stark contrast between everyday Britain and the battle raging overhead.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/7-artworks-of-the-battle-of-britain

Ten Inspiring Stories of the Battle Of Britain

In this article you will learn of the real life stories of those that lived and fought in the battle.  It includes the wonderful story of how three women of the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce (WAAF) won Military Medals.  Note they were awarded military medals and not airforce medals.  There is also the story of how Pilot Officer Bill Millington saved a village and other wonderful stories of bravery during the battle.

Please note you can click on See Object Record to obtain more information on the artefact.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-inspiring-stories-of-bravery-during-the-battle-of-britain

Eight Things You Need to Know About The Battle Of Britain

This is an interesting article of the key points of the battle for those that are not familiar with this.  In particular the article outlines the wonderful air defence network Britain had.  Radar would act as the early detection of enemy aircraft formations, information on incoming raids was passed to Fighter Command Headquarters and once the direction of the raid was clearly established, the information was sent to the relevant Fighter Group’s headquarters and from there it was sent to the Sector Stations, which would ‘scramble’ fighters into action.  The operations rooms also directed other elements of the defence network, including anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and barrage balloons. 

We can get it right sometimes!

Please note you can click on See Object Record to obtain more information on the artefact.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-battle-of-britain

History Of NHS In Charts

This BBC article supplements the above with some informative charts.  It covers the number of persons employed - it is the 5th largest employer in the world!  It covers budget, prescription charges and number of beds - did you know that that number of beds has decreased since 1948? Other interesting topics include; life expectancy, infant mortality and vaccination.   Please select the following link to learn more:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44560590

History of the National Health Service (NHS)

This is an interesting article that plots the history from the Second World War.  It outlines the original structure, the demand, expansion and improvements.  As you have probably guessed, the demand exceeded all expectations.  Nye Bevan was given the task of implementing the NHS and he faced many challenges including some opposition to it.  Please select the following link to learn more:

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/alevelstudies/origins-nhs.htm

Six Things You Didn’t Know About Edward VI

I discovered this whilst surfing around the History Press site and I would recommend this site as there are lots of nuggets of information.  We all know that Edward was the boy King at the time of Kett's Rebellion but what else do we know about him.  I didn’t know that he was betrothed to Mary Queen of Scots.  Please select the following link to find out more:

https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/articles/six-things-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-edward-vi/