United Kingdom

What Peace in Northern Ireland Looks Like at 25

Both Brexit and the recent revelation that Catholics outnumber Protestants in Northern Ireland introduce new tensions into the peace agreements reached in 1998. 

Boris Johnson's Legacy? It's Complicated

by Luke Reader

The British constitution depends on adherence to norms and tradition commonly called the "good chap" principle. Johnson's ministry raised troubling questions about what happens when No. 10 Downing is occupied by a different sort of chap. 

'Students Need to Know the Harrowing Truth': Teachers on Black History in the Curriculum

British history educators and scholars discuss a proposal to make Black history a compulsory part of the national history curriculum. 

U.K. Conservation Society Details Links to Colonialism and Slavery

The British historic preservation agency has begun to grapple with how to present the historic connections between properties it manages and fortunes built through slavery and colonialism.

Why Every Government Department Needs a Resident Historian

History matters as much as economics, statistics, and, yes, even science. Events of the last few months and years show this conclusively.

On Behalf of All 'Future Historians,’ Leave Us Out of Your Brexit Rants

by Charlotte Lydia Riley

The people who invoke historians of the future are less keen on listening to actually existing historians today.

A Not-So-Brief History of Scottish Independence

This primer covers Scottish sovereignty from the Roman era to the Jacobite revolts, the 2014 referendum and Brexit.

U.K. Honors a Flawed Feminist Trailblazer, Nancy Astor

The American-born Lady Astor was the first woman to take a seat in the British Parliament. A century later, her legacy is still being debated.

If We Want to Address the Crisis of Veteran Suicide, We Must Acknowledge Its History

by Simon Harold Walker

The growing issue of veteran suicide and how to solve it rarely focuses on the history of the problem.

Iran Confrontation With U.K. Reflects History of Bad Blood

The complicated history of Iranian relations with the United Kingdom.

U.K. Tribute to ‘Windrush’ Generation Draws Criticism

Prime Minister Theresa May’s tribute video drew a backlash, with critics reminding the public of Mrs. May’s legacy before she became prime minister.

Could a Movie Help Lead to the Departure of Scotland from the UK?

by Robert Brent Toplin

Remember “Braveheart?” Scotland’s voters certainly have.

Only three black applicants win places to train as history teachers in UK

Professor says 'institutional racism' is behind a failure to recruit ethnic minority trainees.

When the End of War Is the Beginning of War

2014 marks both the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I and the year in which British troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Volunteer army set up to examine archaeological sites uncovered by floods

Museum of London Archaeology wants to record items washed up in thousands of sites around the UK.

British forces' century of unbroken warfare set to end with Afghanistan exit

War-weariness among the public and wariness among politicians mean next year could be the first since at least 1914 that British soldiers, sailors and air crews are not engaged in fighting.

George Africanus: Work to uncover former slave's life

Research will be done to find out more about the life of a west African slave who became a successful entrepreneur in England.

Charles Dickens statue: Why was his dying wish ignored?

Dickens stipulated there was to be no statue of him in his native land, but Portsmouth unveiled a bronze statue for the author's 202nd birthday. Should they have?

Academics consider legal action to force Foreign Office to release public records

Historians ask when FCO will release archive of 1.2m files, dating back to 1840s, hoarded in breach of the 30-year rule.

Sri Lankan minister: David Cameron behaving like a "colonialist"

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella made the statement after Cameron called for an independent inquiry into alleged war crimes in the country.