In this Virtual Branch talk, Dr Alvin Finkel challenges claims that egalitarian, peaceful societies disappeared with the founding of agriculture or with the founding of state-level social organisation.  Different authors have suggested that early human society was essentially egalitarian in nature, with hierarchies only later becoming common. The point at which...

The Historian is a members’ magazine and we want to hear from you. We know that many of our readers are actively involved in history in some way and we would love you to share your stories with other members – who knows what you might inspire! The editorial board...

Red Lion Square was long one of London's most genteel addresses, home to nobles, scholars, and professionals. But on 25 March 1818, one house on the south side opened its doors to quite another class of person, as the Mendicity Society began its business. Set up to solve the growing...

Welcome to the autumn edition of HA News. We have updates on the office team's move back into 59a, and HA President Alexandra Walsham's busy six months travelling the country supporting the HA and its activities, as well as membership, education and competition updates. Dr Dean A. Irwin shares ‘What got me into...

It is with deep regret that we share the news that our good friend, supporter and Deputy President Helen Snelson passed away at the end of August. After her cancer recurred, she spent her final few days with her husband David, close family and friends. Helen was a passionate history...

We are delighted to present a new film series examining leadership in Russia and the USSR over the course of the twentieth century. Russia and its history often fascinates the rest of us in Europe as well as horrifying us. She has been our friend and ally, and our physical and ideological...

Once a year the Historical Association (HA) holds an awards evening to celebrate some of the incredible people who give their time to support the History community. That support may be through individual endeavour, community activity, educational excellence, the sharing of academic expertise or raising awareness and enthusiasm for our...

In 1135 Stephen of Blois usurped the throne, stealing it from his cousin Empress Matilda and sparking a nineteen-year civil war that would become known as the Anarchy, one of the bloodiest periods in English history. On the one side is Empress Matilda. On the other side is her cousin,...