How Have Earlier Cultures Interpreted An Eclipse?
April 8th, 2024, saw a spectacular total solar eclipse – for the lucky Americans, Mexicans, and Canadians beneath its path at least! Us Britons 4000 miles away to the west will have to settle for a partial eclipse at about 8pm, which will be a less spectacular but still fascinating sight.
What Is An Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking (total eclipse) or partially obscuring (partial eclipse) the sun’s light, creating a momentary but dramatic dimming of the sky. Today, such events are a well-understood branch of science known as celestial mechanics, but historically, cultures without the benefit of science attached some strange interpretations to solar eclipses.
China’s Celestial Dragon
For example, the ancient Chinese associated an eclipse with a celestial dragon devouring the sun, and as a result, crowds would bang drums and make loud noises to scare this beast away.
The Incas And The Mayans
The ancient Inca civilisations interpreted solar eclipses as The Sun God Inti’s displeasure. Spiritual leaders would attempt to understand why god was angry and, having done this, offer an appropriate sacrifice. The Mayans, in particular, believed that ‘Star Demons’ (the planets) were eating the sun and moon during eclipses. These demons were depicted as insects or snakes within historical stories and imagery.
Religious Interpretation In Europe
While there was good evidence that the science of solar eclipses was understood in medieval northern Europe, Christians at that time still attached mystical qualities to such events and often saw them as a sign from God, whether good or bad. This led to prayer and penance among the populace to try to either appease or thank God.
Mesopotamia
Perhaps one of the most fascinating pseudo-scientific interpretations of the solar Eclipse was in Mesopotamia (the region that is modern-day Iraq and Kuwait) during the 10th Century BC. Scholars at that time were well learned and had developed the skills to actually predict eclipses and so had some understanding of celestial mechanics. However, in a big leap of imagination, the priests believed that if the planet of Jupiter was visible at the time of the Eclipse, the King was doomed. In advance of such events, the priests invoked the protective ‘substitute King ritual’ called šar pūḫi, which is perhaps one of the most elaborate and unique human sacrifice rituals ever known. This would involve the real king going into hiding while the substitute was put in his place anywhere from 3 days to 3 months ahead of the event. This was, of course, a bizarrely luxurious stay of execution: the substitute king would be allowed all the trappings of regency but always doomed to be ritualistically killed when the eclipse duly arrived, sometimes with a poisonous drink, sometimes a more violently. At that point, the real king, who had been waiting (or rather, hiding) in the wings quietly, working on the administrative affairs of regency, would return to public duties.
Solar eclipses, with their mesmerising beauty and profound symbolism, have left an indelible mark on human history and culture.
From Atlantis To Pompeii
The legend or true history of a Lost City is something that has captivated the human imagination since time immemorial. Remnants of ancient civilisations, shrouded in mystery, they evoke a sense of mysticism and curiosity, and keep us fascinated still thousands of years later.
Atlantis
Plato’s Allegory and the Hubris of Nations
Atlantis, a fictional island mentioned in Plato’s work Timaeus and Critias, serves as an allegory for the hubris of nations.
Described as a naval empire ruling the Western world, Atlantis attempted to conquer ‘Ancient Athens’ but fell out of favour with the gods as a result. It was said to have been submerged into the Atlantic Ocean as punishment. Whilst playing a minor role in Plato’s work suggests it is only a fiction, Atlantis and its fall continues to inspire literature and imagination. Renaissance writer Francis Bacon explored the allegorical elements in the utopian novel, New Atlantis. In the modern day, its presence can be seen in popular culture, such as Disney’s animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
Babylon
Babylon, the real life ancient Mesopotamian capital, evokes visions of grandeur. But whilst Babylon did exist, at its heart lies an enduring legend – the Hanging Gardens.
The city, situated along the lower Euphrates River, thrived under the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II, who reigned c. 605–c. 561 BCE. His reign marked Babylon’s zenith. It boasted monumental structures, bustling markets, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city’s famous Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, supposedly defied gravity. With tiered terraces adorned with lush trees and flowers, it is said they floated above the city. But what were they in truth? A romantic ideal, a lost treasure, or perhaps a garden built in another city, Nineveh?
Nebuchadnezzar’s Gift
Legend has it that Nebuchadnezzar II constructed the gardens for his Median queen, Amytis, who missed her homeland’s green hills. Berossus, a Babylonian priest, chronicled this tale.
Legacy and Dispute
The Hanging Gardens’ location itself eludes us. No Babylonian texts actually mention them, and archaeological evidence remains absent. Were they mythical, destroyed, or hidden elsewhere? We may never know, but their allure persists—a testament to the power of the human imagination. So enduring is their impact, they are still regularly referenced in popular culture, featuring in everything from Taylor Swift’s Evermore album to television shows such as Stargate Atlantis.
Pompeii: A City Frozen in Time
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii, located near Naples in Italy, was a bustling Roman city until disaster struck in 79 AD. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii, along with nearby Herculaneum and villas, under layers of volcanic ash and pumice. Remarkably preserved, the excavated city provides a unique snapshot of Roman life frozen at the moment of catastrophe. Its population of approximately 11,000 enjoyed luxurious private houses, public buildings, and intricate artworks. Organic remains, including human bodies, decayed over time, leaving voids that allowed archaeologists to create plaster casts of poignant figures in their final moments.
Pompeii’s Construction Techniques
Recent excavations in Pompeii have shed light on ancient Roman construction methods. Archaeologists unearthed a building site that revealed how iconic structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon were built. By studying the ruins, we gain insights into the craftsmanship, materials, and engineering skills employed by Roman builders.
The Allure Of The Lost
Lost cities, real or not, continue to intrigue us, their stories bridging the gap between past and present. Whether it’s the mythical Atlantis or the haunting ruins of Pompeii, these ancient remnants remind us of the impermanence of civilisations and the enduring fascination they hold.
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I recently watched The Winter King, the latest screen adaptation of the classic Arthurian Legend, and based on the novel by Bernard Cornwell. It was more historical drama with a touch of druid mysticism than the high-camp fantastical realism of Excalibur, the film of 1981. In this case, Cornwell seems to have based his version of King Arthur on what is thought by historians to be the most historically plausible version of the fabled King of the Britons.
Who Else Could King Arthur Have Been?
Tentative evidence suggests that if King Arthur had even existed, he would not have been a king, but rather the commander of an elite fighting force and would have lived 5 centuries before medieval legend suggests. The legendary leader, who could also have been known as Arturus, may have led the resistance of Romano-Britons against invading Saxons, Jutes, and other Northern European interlopers. Notably, confirm these Romano-Britons were pushed back to the west of Britain and are the predecessors or founding fathers of Wales. But details of individual figures involved are, however, scant.
Another theory with little evidence to support it suggests that the king may have been a Roman Centurion called Lucius Artorius Castus who led a group of Sarmatian Knights against the Picts (northern tribes) around 200 AD, about 300 years before typical Arthurian legends. The 2004 historical drama, King Arthur starring Clive Owen is constructed around Artorius.
Historyextra talks about 5 other warlords from around 100 AD to 600 AD whom modern-day Arthurian legend may be based on. These include Ambrosius Aurelianus, Constantine, Magnus Maximus, Arvirargus, and Cassivellaunus, and again, they were a combination of Romans and Britons.
Camelot
These depictions and suggestions of who Arthur was are not in wild contradiction with each other and do seem to be a plausible foundation for the fabled King, be they Briton or Romano-Briton. But, to be a king, he would need a seat of power, a castle – Camelot Castle, as legend dictates. In similar fashion, there are several leading candidates for the location of Camelot which have been derived from a combination of fables, folklore, and historical stone inscriptions, rather than a structured collection of compelling primary evidence. These are Cadbury Castle, Somerset, Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, Caerloen, South Wales, and Winchester Castle, in Hampshire.
A Less Magical Past
There is not enough evidence to assert one place over the other or one version of Arthur over another (of which there are many more not depicted here). Indeed, there is not enough evidence to suggest that Camelot or Arthur, King of Britons (as we perceive Kings to be today) even existed. What is more likely is that the King Arthur figure that we indulge in today is a composite of several warlords (of Briton or Romano-Briton persuasion), who lived between 100 AD to 600 AD during the dark ages. At least for now, it’s a case of sorry to disappoint, but evidence (or lack of it), means we can’t be any more definitive. Perhaps, though, there is some value in Arthur and Camelot remaining in the realm of legend. They are surely better known and loved than many of their flesh and stone contemporaries who exist!
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You may well have heard the phrase ‘Beware the Ides of March’ – but if you have not, let me tell you about this day – 15th March – and how its name came about.
The Ides Of March Were Not Always So Bad
Hundreds of years ago, the word ‘Ides’ referred to the first full moon of a given month. This usually fell between the 13th and 15th of the month. It was, historically, a time for celebration and rejoicing – but this is actually quite different to the associations with the phrase today.
The Ides of March is known fell on the 74th day in the Roman calendar – the 15th of March. It was, many years ago, a significant date for observing various religious occasions, and also known as a deadline for settling debts in Rome. And back in 44 BC, the 15th of March was the date that Julius Caesar was killed, or rather, assassinated (depicted above – just one of many portrayals). If you read Shakespeare’s play of the same name, that infamous phrase ‘Beware the Ides of March’ is said to him – art imitating life, essentially. So, you can probably see why such a phrase, and a date, are significant, particularly as turning points in the history of Rome. With Caesar being stabbed to death – a very brutal way to die – the date has become synonymous with curses and negativity for many a year.
Dramatic Licence
Interestingly, many modern TV programmes and films have used the Ides of March in their scripts. Some people think this links back to what happened to Julius Caesar; others believe it can be more closely associated with Shakespeare’s famous line. You may have seen and heard references to it in all manner of TV shows, from ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ – where the protagonist is threatened – to ‘The Simpsons’ episode ‘Homer the Great’, with an ominous prediction pronounced by Lisa. Likewise, The Ides Of March has appeared in the script of many a film. In 2011, it was the title of a political drama starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, which dealt with similar (but metaphorical) back-stabbing scenes.
After all these years, it’s fascinating how one day has become so strongly associated with negativity. Do you know about any other days in our modern calendar that have had their origins tarnished and changed in quite so bad a way? Do you think we should be wary of 15th March? I will leave it up to you to decide.
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Book Recommendations For The New Year
Following up from my New Year suggestions last week, here are two more recommendations to build on your knowledge without taxing the brain. January and February may be cold and dark, but with these, it definitely won’t be boring.
The Guinness Book Of World Records 2024
There are a number of things that make up the experience of being a kid. The Magic Key, SATs, selective hearing when it comes to grown-ups… but there’s probably one thing that stands out from all of them: The Guinness Book of World Records. And in 2024, it’s no different.
The Guinness Book Of World Records first came about in 1951. Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of the Guinness Brewery, was arguing about the fastest bird in Europe. When he couldn’t find an answer (bearing in mind there was no Google back then) he decided that he would take matters into his own hands. In 1955, the first edition of the Guinness Book of World Records was released and sold alongside the beer. 69 years later, sadly for adults it no longer comes with beer, but for children, it has become one of the best books to read every year. Tracking all sorts of records from the strange to the sublime and the outright silly, it’s a book that’s been on Christmas lists every year.
The 2024 edition is more packed than ever before as well, digging into the past 2,000 years of history for some of its greatest achievements, and weird ones too: have you ever wondered how far a knight can be catapulted? Well somebody did about a thousand years ago. This edition is also super accessible. Bite-sized chunks of text, surrounded by brilliant images and 3-D pullouts, make for an easy read. There’s even extra content online, scannable through QR codes in the book. You won’t find learning any easier or more fun. For less than a tenner as well!
Weird But True!
Did you know that Olympic Gold Medals are actually made of silver? Weird, but true.
The Weird But True! series by National Geographic Kids has become a phenomenon in the world of children’s literature, captivating younger readers with its unique blend of mind-bending facts, vibrant visuals, and playful approach to learning. The 2024 edition is no different.
Similar to the Guinness Book Of World Records, there are no reams and reams of text to try and read through, just plenty of images with interesting facts. It’s eye-catching, but it will keep your attention thanks to just how weird things get. Want to see robots play football? Or play a game where you guess which poo belongs to which animal? You can do that here. And when things do get weird enough to need an explanation, everything is laid out so well and so simply that you’ll feel like an expert on the subject. It covers pretty much everything too; history, science, technology, animals, people, and more. There is plenty packed into its 256 pages.
Weird But True! is a great alternative to Google when it comes to learning without screens. It’s a great resource for any young and inquisitive mind looking to learn about just how odd our little planet is, even reluctant readers can pick this up… and likely not put it down as well.
If you want to see the titles I have suggested previously, you can follow the link here, to find out.
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A Controversial Chess Champion
Bobby Fischer, born on January 9th, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American chess prodigy whose unparalleled talent and intense personality left an indelible mark on the world of chess. His life and career were characterised by extraordinary achievements, a meteoric rise to fame, and controversial moments that often overshadowed his chess brilliance.
It Was His Sister’s Fault
Bobby Fischer’s introduction to the game of chess came at the tender age of six when his sister bought him a set. This seemingly innocuous purchase ignited a passion that would shape his destiny. By the age of thirteen, he had become the youngest-ever United States Chess Champion, a record that still stands. This early chess prowess demonstrated Bobby Fischer to possess a level of intuition and strategic understanding that far surpassed his years.
Despite facing financial hardships, Fischer’s mother, Regina, was a driving force in supporting his burgeoning talent. She home-schooled him, emphasising chess and other intellectual pursuits. Fischer’s prodigious talent quickly caught the attention of the chess world, and he emerged as a rising star in international chess competitions.
King Of The Board
The breakthrough of Bobby Fischer onto the world stage occurred in 1958. It wasn’t too dissimilar to that of current young darts sensation Luke Littler, who’s taken the country by storm with his outrageous talent. When Fischer became the youngest grandmaster in history at the age of fifteen, he set a record that remained unbroken for many years. His ascension continued as he dominated various tournaments, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.
One of the most iconic achievements of Bobby Fischer was his victory in the 1972 World Chess Championship held in Reykjavik, Iceland. Facing the Soviet Union’s reigning champion, Boris Spassky, Fischer’s eccentric demands and erratic behaviour during the match became as notable as his exceptional play. This event, dubbed the “Match of the Century,” marked the first time an American had claimed the title, and it transcended chess, capturing the world’s attention during the height of the Cold War.
Like the Space Race of the ’60s, Fischer and Spassky were part of their country’s respective propaganda machines as the Cold War continued to simmer throughout the early ‘70s. The two of them were pawns themselves, with Fischer’s victory over Spassky having broader implications, symbolising an ideological triumph for the West over the Soviet Union.
The impact of Bobby Fischer thus extended beyond the chessboard, elevating him to the status of a cultural icon. However, his reign as world champion was short-lived, as he refused to defend his title in 1975 due to disputes with FIDE, the international chess federation.
A Real Bobby Dazzler
Beyond the World Championship, Fischer’s list of achievements is staggering. He won the U.S. Championship eight times, and his performances in various international tournaments showcased a dominance that few players have achieved. His approach to the game was characterised by a deep understanding of positional play, combined with an aggressive and tactical style that often left opponents struggling to keep up.
One of Fischer’s most memorable accomplishments was his stunning 11-0 victory in the 1963-64 U.S. Championship, a feat unmatched in the history of the tournament. This remarkable achievement solidified his reputation as a chess genius and further fueled the growing fascination with his exceptional skills.
The Darker Side Of Bobby Fischer
Fischer’s brilliance on the chessboard was often accompanied by controversy off it. His idiosyncrasies, perfectionism, and uncompromising personality contributed to a series of tumultuous incidents throughout his career. Erratic behaviour during matches, including that against Spassky in Iceland, saw last-minute demands and disputes with organisers become synonymous with his complex persona.
The pinnacle of Fischer’s controversial moments was his refusal to defend his world title in 1975. Disputes over match conditions, financial disagreements, and grievances with FIDE led Fischer to forfeit the championship to Anatoly Karpov. Fischer’s decision to step away from competitive chess for nearly twenty years only added to the mystique surrounding his legacy.
Later in life, controversial statements by Bobby Fischer took a turn for the more extreme. They became more inflammatory, and his anti-Semitic remarks further tarnished his public image. He threw out conspiracy theories involving Jews directed at sabotaging him. He also told a radio station in the Philippines on September 11th, 2001 that the terrorist attacks were “wonderful news”.
Fischer’s reclusive tendencies and legal troubles, including his arrest in 2004 for violating international sanctions by playing a rematch against Spassky in Yugoslavia, compounded the complexities of his post-chess life.
Checkmate
In 2008, at the age of 64, Bobby Fischer passed away in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he had achieved his greatest triumph. His legacy remains a dichotomy of genius and controversy, with his contributions to chess immortalised. From his early days as a child prodigy to his triumphs on the world stage and the controversies that surrounded him, the impact of Bobby Fischer on the world of chess is undeniably profound. His contributions, both on and off the chessboard, continue to shape the way we perceive the game and its enigmatic figures, making him an enduring if complex icon in the Chess world.
Daring Spies And Silent Saboteurs
Tales of espionage and covert operations have often been dominated by male protagonists. Yet, history has shown that women played a pivotal and often unheralded role in intelligence-gathering and sabotage, particularly during World War II. This article delves into the hidden stories of British female secret agents, shedding light on their extraordinary contributions and unwavering courage.
The Unsung Heroes
While names like Ian Fleming and Alan Turing have achieved iconic status, many British women who served as secret agents during the war remained unsung heroes. Their stories were shrouded in secrecy, often for decades, to protect their identities and the ongoing work of intelligence agencies. These women came from all walks of life and backgrounds, each contributing her unique skills and determination to the war effort.
World War Two, The SOE and ‘F Section’
The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was a British organisation tasked with conducting espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe during World War II. Within the SOE, the ‘F Section’ was established, specifically focusing on female agents. This section became the crucible of heroism for many British women.
Vera Atkins: The ‘Spymistress’
Vera Atkins, herself of Romanian-Jewish descent, was a key figure in the SOE. She joined the organisation in 1941 and quickly rose to prominence. Atkins, known as the ‘Spymistress,’ played a vital role in recruiting, training, and deploying female agents behind enemy lines. She maintained detailed records on each agent, tirelessly working to discover their fates after the war.
The French Connection
Many British female agents were sent to France, a highly dangerous posting due to the heavy German occupation. These agents, trained in skills ranging from wireless communications to cryptography, played pivotal roles in transmitting intelligence to the Allies, coordinating resistance movements, and gathering vital information on enemy troop movements.
Noor Inayat Khan: Radio Operator Extraordinaire
One of the most celebrated agents was Noor Inayat Khan, a British-Indian wireless operator. Noor was the first female radio operator sent into France, and her bravery under extreme pressure was nothing short of remarkable. Despite being captured by the Gestapo, she never revealed crucial information. Sadly, she paid the ultimate price for her loyalty.
Noor’s sacrifice shows how the work of these female agents was conducted under constant threat, with the Gestapo’s vigilant eye always searching for any signs of espionage. Agents faced perilous journeys, uncooperative resistance networks, and the ever-present fear of capture, torture, and as in her case, execution.
The Legacy Of British Female Secret Agents
The stories of these extraordinary women are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. Their courage, resourcefulness, and determination helped turn the tide of the war, and their legacy continues to inspire generations. The bravery of British female secret agents, whether working as wireless operators, couriers, or saboteurs, shows the indomitable spirit of those who fought in the shadows to bring about the downfall of tyranny. They are a reminder that heroism knows no gender. These women, often uncelebrated during their lifetimes, made invaluable contributions to the Allied war effort.
Reflecting On The Phenomena
“Luke, I am your father,” says Darth Vader at the bottom of Bespin, having just liberated his son of his right hand (Sorry, spoilers). That famous line from Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most quoted moments in cinematic history.
What if I told you that it was wrong?
The actual line, spoken by Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker, is “No, I am your father.”
The misquotation has become widely popular, and many people remember it as “Luke, I am your father.” This example is frequently cited in discussions about the so-called Mandela Effect, illustrating how shared misconceptions can develop around iconic cultural moments.
Nelson Mandela, a symbol of resilience and change, passed away on December 5, 2013. As we approach the tenth anniversary of his death, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the parallels between his life and the phenomenon named after him. But first, who was the man behind the effect?
Who Was Nelson Mandela?
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) was a towering figure in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Born in Transkei, Mandela became a leading anti-apartheid activist, enduring 27 years of imprisonment for his beliefs. Released in 1990, he played a pivotal role in dismantling apartheid, leading to his election as South Africa’s first black president in 1994. Mandela’s presidency focused on reconciliation, unity, and social justice. His remarkable journey from prisoner to president earned him global acclaim and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela’s legacy lives on as an enduring symbol of resilience, forgiveness, and the triumph of justice.
Nelson Mandela’s impact on the world is indisputable. He stood as a symbol of hope, unity, and the possibility of positive change. The Mandela Effect, in a curious way, brings people together through shared misconceptions and alternate memories. While Mandela’s legacy is rooted in reality, the Mandela Effect invites us to explore the complex and malleable nature of human memory.
What Is The Mandela Effect?
The Mandela Effect refers to a phenomenon in which a large group of people collectively misremember or recall an event, fact, or detail differently to how it occurred. The term was coined by Fiona Broome, a self-described “paranormal consultant,” who noticed that many people shared a false memory of Nelson Mandela dying in prison in the 1980s, even though he was released in 1990 and went on to become the President of South Africa.
The concept gained popularity when people started sharing other examples of shared false memories on the internet. These examples often involve well-known events, logos, movie quotes, or historical facts. It is often attributed to the fallibility of human memory, collective false memories, or the power of suggestion. It is not considered a scientifically proven phenomenon, and explanations for it vary. Some go as far as to believe it is a result of parallel universes, while others argue that it is a product of social reinforcement and the spread of misinformation. In any case, it is an interesting and popular topic for discussion and speculation.
Here are a few more prominent examples from recent history:
The Berenstain Bears: A Spelling Bee Conundrum
Shifting gears to childhood memories, let’s dive into the world of the Berenstain Bears—or is it the Berenstein Bears? If you vividly recall the beloved bear family sporting a moniker ending in “stein,” you’re not alone. Despite the reality being “Berenstain Bears,” with an “a,” the collective misremembering of the spelling has led to countless debates and conspiracy theories about parallel universes and altered timelines.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: This One Isn’t Right At All
Now, let’s talk Disney magic. Who doesn’t love a good Disney fairy tale? Snow White, with her enchanted mirror, is an iconic character. But wait, what if I told you the mirror didn’t actually say, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” The truth is, the line is “Magic mirror on the wall.” It’s a subtle discrepancy that has led to widespread misquotations and a prime example of how the Mandela Effect can sneak into our most cherished childhood memories.
Febreze or Febreeze: The Scent of Confusion
Picture this: You’re freshening up your living space with a well-known air freshener. How do you spell it—Febreze or Febreeze? If you remember the latter, you’ve fallen victim to the Mandela Effect. The correct spelling is “Febreze” with one “e.” It’s a seemingly insignificant detail, yet the collective memory often leans toward the alternative spelling, highlighting how the Mandela Effect can infiltrate even the mundane aspects of our lives.
The Monopoly Man’s Monocle: A Capitalist Optical Illusion
Board games have their own share of Mandela Effect moments, as evidenced by the Monopoly Man. Close your eyes and picture him. Does he have a monocle? If your mental image includes this eyepiece, you’re among the many who remember him with a detail that doesn’t actually exist. The Monopoly Man is monocle-free, challenging our collective recollection of this classic game icon.
Remember It Right
As we navigate the labyrinth of our memories, the Mandela Effect serves as a constant reminder of the fallibility of human perception. It challenges us to question our assumptions and approach the past with a healthy dose of skepticism. Whether it’s the spelling of a beloved book series, a famous movie quote, or the legacy of a global icon, the Mandela Effect invites us to ponder the intricacies of our collective consciousness.
So, the next time you find yourself quoting Darth Vader, think twice about the Mandela Effect. And of course, rest in peace, Nelson.
Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on the 30th November 1874.
To mark his birthday, we present a few interesting but perhaps little-known facts about one of the most famous British Prime Ministers in history.
Despite being born into an aristocratic family and enjoying great financial privilege, Churchill was a low achiever at school.
This, together with an interest in the military, led his father to push him towards a career in the army, though it took him several attempts to pass the entrance exam for Sandhurst Military College.
Before World War One, Churchill worked as a war correspondent for a newspaper and was captured and imprisoned in 1899 during the Second Boer War.
The manager of a mine helped him to escape, and he later joined the British Army.
Throughout most of his life, Churchill suffered from severe bouts of depression, which he called “the black dog”.
This worsened towards the end of his life and some physicians even diagnosed him as having bipolar disorder. His mental health problems were perhaps exacerbated by the suicide of one of his daughters, and the alcoholism of another.
Churchill loved to paint and though he never claimed to be a great artist, he painted over 500 works of art in his lifetime.
Under various pseudonyms, a number of these were bought by a gallery in Paris and two were submitted and accepted by the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1947.
Churchill was also an avid writer, with writing providing his main source of income for much of his life.
In 1953 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature “for his mastery of historical and biographical description [in the non-fiction work The Second World War] as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values.”
Despite being known as a great orator, Churchill had a rather severe speech impediment.
Later in life he would use special dentures to help manage his lisp.
Churchill began his political career as a Conservative but, in the 1923 general election, he actually stood for the Liberals with hopes of winning the seat of Leicester.
He lost, and a year later returned to the Conservative party, winning the seat of Epping. He was then offered the position of Chancellor, a post previously held by his own father.
Churchill is somewhat responsible for the invention of the jumpsuit or onesie.
He had commissioned English shirtmakers Turnbull & Asser to create an all-in-one suit that could be quickly pulled on during an air raid. And thus, the “siren suit” was born. Churchill liked the item of clothing so much that he wore it to an engagement at the White House in 1941.
For more information about Winston Churchill, visit History of Sir Winston Churchill at the government’s official website, GOV.UK.
Pilgrims, Saints And Separatists
Whilst they were not the first Europeans to travel to America, nor were they the first to establish a colony there (Jamestown had been founded in 1607), the first permanent European settlers in North America are commonly known as Pilgrims. They travelled across the Atlantic in a ship called the Mayflower which first set sail in August 1620. But their story begins a little before then…
Dissatisfied with the Church of England, a group of around 40 English “Separatists” (or “Saints” as they named themselves) gathered together in 1608 to move to the Netherlands with hopes of religious liberation. However, the Netherlands presented a much more secular way of life than they’d expected, which the Separatists viewed as dangerous and evil. In addition, Dutch laws meant that they couldn’t work in skilled jobs. They were instead forced to undertake low paid employment. Dissatisfied with their situation, the Separatists returned to England. There they decided on another move, this time to the New World.
They Shouldn’t Have Sailed From Plymouth
The Virginia Company, an English trading company who were charted by King James I to colonise the east coast of North America, gave the Separatists permission to establish a settlement on a piece of English land in what is modern-day New York. By now, the group of would-be migrants had expanded to include the 41 Separatists, along with 61 “strangers” (some skilled craftsman who also sought a new life in the New World, along with indentured servants). The group first set sail from Southampton on the 15th August 1620 on two merchant ships, the Mayflower and the Speedwell. But the Speedwell immediately ran into trouble as it began to leak; the ships therefore headed to port in Plymouth. A month later, on September the 16th, with the Speedwell’s travellers now having also squashed themselves and their belongings onto the Mayflower, they set sail again.
As a cargo ship, the Mayflower wasn’t designed to carry passengers, and so the journey across the Atlantic was incredibly uncomfortable. The delay to travel meant that the voyage took place during storm season and many of the passengers suffered terrible seasickness – one man was even swept overboard (though he was successfully rescued). Miraculously, only one passenger died during the journey.
The Mayflower Compact
After sailing for 66 days across 3000 miles of open ocean, the Mayflower eventually reached North America. But they had accidentally arrived at the wrong place; Cape Cod, which was further north than the Virginia Company’s land. The migrants had no real right to be there, and so, to legitimise their new community, the group drafted a document, known as The Mayflower Compact, which set out some basic laws for how the colony would be governed. The colonists spent their first winter in the New World living aboard the Mayflower whilst they built homes for themselves on shore, but the brutal conditions and harsh North American winter meant that, by the spring of 1621, around half of the Mayflower’s passengers had died, succumbing to disease and the cold. The Mayflower set sail back to England in April 1621, leaving the remaining colonists alone to forge a life for themselves in this unknown territory.
The First Thanksgiving
Fortunately, the challenges of settling on a different continent were eased by the formation of an alliance with the native Wampanoag people, who taught the migrants how to farm the land and hunt. By the end of the following summer, the colonists were able to celebrate their first successful harvest, an occasion marked with a three-day long festival. This festival became the first Thanksgiving and was an opportunity for the Pilgrims (as they are now known) to share food and express gratitude to the Wampanoag people who were so crucial to their success at establishing a new life in the New World.
To learn more about this fascinating story, visit The Mayflower Story.
