Articles tagged with: England

History and Science Have Teamed Up

Date: February 4, 2013 Author: Grant Comments: Leave a reply

Happy-with-DNA-results

British scientists are now confirming with high levels of certainty that King Richard III’s body has been identified as the body found during the archaeological dig in Leicester, England, last August. They are so convinced that they are on the record as convinced “beyond reasonable doubt.” I cannot remember the last time that people–specifically the Richard III Society–were so happy to hear back from a DNA test, except for maybe this guy. —->

In fact, Dr. Turi King, the geneticist that oversaw the DNA analysis, did a little dance of her own after receiving the results. She told CNN, “I was seeing all these matches coming back, thinking, ‘That’s a match, and that’s a match, and that’s a match.’ At that point I did a little dance around the lab.” [1]

Experts of the archaeological team having previously believed this to be King Richard III’s body based on battle wounds and signs of scoliosis have now confirmed it with mitochondrial DNA. Using DNA from Michael Ibsen, the seventeenth great-grandnephew of Richard III’s older sister, they have proved that the body in question is the king’s.

When Ibsen received the results, he said, “I never thought I’d be a match, and certainly not that it would be so close, but the results look like a carbon copy.” [1]

King Richard III’s remains, which have been in the care of Richard Buckley, the lead archaeologist working with the University of Leicester, will be buried in Leicester Cathedral. However, this won’t occur until a complete and thorough analysis has taken place. (They estimate it won’t be until 2014.)

King-Richard-III-remains

King Richard III’s remains in their original grave.

Here are the most significant observations made from the remains: 1) The archaeologists believe that King Richard III’s body was violently slain. They support this theory with the two severe blows that appear on the skull. (The skull is pictured below.) 2) The way that the arms are positioned led Richard Buckley to believe that the corpse was mistreated; at the very least that the body’s arms were tied together at the time of burial.

King-richard-iii-skull

The one item of information that I have yet to discuss is the amazing length of time that stands between today and the death of King Richard III. This English king died while fighting during the War of the Roses, specifically in the Battle of Bosworth Field. This battle, which took place in 1485, was 528 years ago. On the scale of science, 528 years is nothing for a planet that scientists estimate has been here for 4.5 billion years. On the scale of history, that doesn’t seem like that long ago either. As the Natufian culture thrived 12,000 BC, 528 years seems like nothing. It’s big though. (In my opinion.)

One of the interesting facts about King Richard III is that he was the last King of England to die in battle. I think this speaks volumes about the changes in warfare. Compare that to battles that have taken place over the last several hundred years. You wouldn’t see–or expect to see, for that matter– President Barack Obama in a M1 Abrams (tank) or a Harrier Jump Jet (aircraft). At some point kings (czars, presidents, dictators, and other men of executive power) decided that they were more useful as leaders and not as men in battle. The last English king to lead his men into battle was King George II, in the Battle of Dettingen, in 1743. I think the fact that the wiki-author of the Battle of Dettingen felt it necessary to add the following speaks volumes on the effectiveness of royalty in the battlefield.

“At one point, George II’s horse ran off with him; it was halted by Ensign Cyrus Trapaud, who received a promotion as a reward.” [2]

 

[1] CNN: Body found under parking lot is King Richard III, scientists prove

[2] Wikipedia: Battle of Dettingen

 

Top 5 Historic Attractions in London

Date: January 17, 2013 Author: Grant Comments: 3 Replies

When you happen to be in Central London and you decide to catch up on a little history and art, perhaps it would surprise you that there is very little time for all the historic attractions that can be found there. United Kingdom’s capital has much to offer in terms of palaces and landmarks, so one who is searching for a dose of history will find that he could actually drown in it.

The Parliament Building

The UK is basically ruled by the Houses of Westminster. It is one of the leading political powers in the world. This historical building is the very place where many political decisions are made so it would be a great place to begin your historical journey.

parliament-big-ben

English Parliament and Big Ben

The Tower Clock Called Ben

Located just outside of the Parliament Building, this is a historic attraction that one shouldn’t miss – Big Ben. The largest bell that was ever cast at the Whitechapel foundry was named as Big Ben. In the year 1844, it was unanimously decided by the British parliament that a clock tower should be made inside the Houses of Parliament. The specs were an impossibility, though, so it wasn’t until 1859 that the tower’s clock was finally erected.

This structure, when illuminated at night, is impossible to miss and anyone who sees it in a photograph would immediately recognize what it is and where the picture was taken. The bell sounds by the hour so the surrounding areas get to enjoy its toll. A light right above the clock also indicates that the Parliament is holding a session.

The British Museum

One of the biggest museums in the world, this is also considered as one of the most comprehensive in terms of things that are historical. There are over 13 millions items from all over the globe that can be seen at this museum.

Built in 1753, it houses important collections such aw Sloane’s collection with 71,000 objects; around 7,000 manuscripts and 40,000 books. There are collections from Rome, Egypt and Greece. Other significant items include the Greek vases of the late Sir William Hamilton; South Sea items from the great Captain James Cook, even the Rosetta Stone.

The Buckingham Palace

This is probably one of the oldest attraction in London. The palace isn’t far from the Piccadily Circus, Westminster, Downing Street and other attractions. It is considered that your visit to London isn’t complete if you haven’t gone into the Buckingham Palace.

The building’s history dates all the way back to 1761 when Queen Charlotte was received it as a gift from George III. From that time forward, it was to be known as the Queen’s house. A few of the 19 State rooms are actually used by the Queen and some of the members of her Royal family.

As expected, this palace is lavishly furnished, with furniture pieces coming from different parts of the world. Called as the Royal Collection, the furniture pieces depict an era that was long past but is still admirable. There are also many art paintings made by Rubens, Rembrandt and many other great artists.

The London Eye

Built during the turn of the Millennium, this is recorded as one of the most visited icons in all the world. Located on the banks of the London River Thames, it is actually an observation wheel very near the Houses of the Parliament.

The wheel stands at 443 feet and is declared as one of the tallest observation wheels. If you want to have a bird’s eye view of the capital, then this is the best way to do it.

london_eye

About the Author: Sarah is a travel writer for Av8Jet – Jet Management Specialists. Her favorite cities to travel to are London, Paris, and Buenos Aires.

The Grand Staircase of the Titanic

Date: December 20, 2012 Author: Guest Post Comments: 1 Reply

The Titanic was constructed over a period of three years in Belfast by Harland & Wolf and made its ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912. White Star Lines built the ship intending it to be the last word in size, safety, modern technology and luxury. The ship was indeed the largest passenger vessel to have been built but sadly did not live up to the theory that it was unsinkable as the ship famously went down after a collision with an iceberg with the tragic loss of 1502 passengers and crew. The vessel was certainly, however, the most refined and luxurious ship to have graced the oceans and probably the most enduring symbol of this opulence is the Grand Staircase.

Construction

There were actually two grand staircases constructed on the ship but it is the forward staircase immortalised in James Cameron’s film Titanic which has become the iconic symbol of the vessel. The staircase was for the use of the first class passengers and descended 5 decks from the first class entrance to the lower accommodation decks, lounges and dining room. It was constructed of polished oak and featured gilded balustrades and beautiful wrought iron railings. The 60ft high, 16ft wide staircase featured a mix of architectural influences with the oak panelling being of English William and Mary style and the ironwork reminiscent of the French Louis XIV period. There was a clock at the top of the staircase representing “Honour and glory crowning time” and the whole construction was lit by a huge glass dome overhead which allowed natural light to flood in. At the foot of the Grand Staircase there was a statue of a cherub which was later rescued from the wreck and now resides in a private collection.

Watery Grave

Sadly the opulent Titanic resided on the ocean floor for 73 years before its discovery in 1985. The ship was found to have split in half with the stern having almost completely disintegrated. The forward portion of the vessel was surprisingly intact but the Giant Staircase had completely disappeared. No one will ever know its fate as it could have become detached from the structure and floated away to be destroyed or it could have simply been eaten away. All that remains is a large hole which is now used to access the lower decks by exploratory submarine vehicles.

Visiting the Staircase

If you wish to see the Grand Staircase today then the only option is to visit one of two impressive replicas which have been built. The first can be found in the “Titanic The Artefact” exhibition in the Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas. The exhibition tells the story of the ship using over 300 genuine Titanic artefacts recovered from the wreck and has the reconstructed staircase as its stunning centrepiece. It has received over 20 million visitors to date and will be open until 2018. You can also see the Grand Staircase at the Titanic Belfast building in the re-developed Titanic Quarter of the city. The building houses a museum and elegant conference facilities with the staircase being constructed in the Astor Suite, a 750 seat banqueting hall. The siting of the staircase has caused controversy as it is not part of the museum tour and can thus only be seen whilst attending an event in the conference centre.

Icon

Sadly the Grand Staircase is gone forever and lives on only in photographs from the time and the ghostly images of the wreck which show a gaping hole where the staircase once stood. Even the replicas cannot recreate the opulence of the original setting and the spirit of the Titanic.

Citations:
Featured images:

This article was written by Stacey in cooperation with National Furniture UK, who bring the nation high quality wooden furniture at truly excellent prices.

Today in history, Nov 20th!

Date: November 20, 2012 Author: Today in History Comments: Leave a reply

Some of the great historical events that happened today in history, on November 20th!

1695 Zumbi dos Palmares, the Brazilian leader of a 100-year-old rebel slave group, is killed in an ambush. Zumbi dos Palmares, the Brazilian leader of a 100-year-old rebel slave group 

Continue reading…