We are delighted to announce that the Medlicott Medal for 2017 has been awarded to Professor Mary Beard OBE FSA FBA. Mary Beard is known to many through her television and radio work and her highly acclaimed books. She is Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge and editor...

The twenty-first Annual Dinner of the Isle of Wight branch was held at the Brading Roman Villa. Fifty members and invited guests assembled before the Dinner in the Villa itself to witness the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP, representing Her Majesty...

Messines Ridge is part of the arc of high ground in the south-east corner around Ypres in Flanders, to which the Germans tactically withdrew in autumn 1914 helping to form the Ypres Salient. From this vantage point the Germans were able to see just about anything the Allies did in...

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Six Day War, a conflict which marked a significant turning point for the new Israel and its identity in the Middle East. The start of the twentieth century saw different relations developing between the communities in the region of the Middle...

The Historical Association Annual Conference is always an exciting time – an opportunity to listen to expert speakers, share ideas, discuss different approaches, learn something new, meet with  old friends, make new ones and generally embrace history geekdom. This year in Manchester was no exception. Over 350 people descended on...

This edition of The Historian sets out particularly to celebrate the life of Asa Briggs. It focuses on his work and achievements as an historian, in the widest possible sense of being someone who shaped the discipline as well as inspiring others through his research, teaching and writing. This is...

When the war started in August 1914, the USA led by President Woodrow Wilson pledged neutrality. Wilson was a man committed to peace and non-engagement in European conflicts suited the majority of the US population. There were groups that felt that Britain and France were the natural allies to the...

Following its successful launch last year, the Historical Association and Amberley Publishing are delighted to announce details of the competition for this year. The aim of the competition is to find the best unpublished history book either from an aspiring or an established author. Whether you have a completed manuscript...

Just before our "Good Evening Sweetheart" talk (9th February) was due to start in Hillhead Library a young lady librarian rushed in waving a sheet of paper, looking very excited - the Secretary wondered if we were double-booked and about to be asked to leave. But no! She announced that...