Everything Wrong with The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl written in 2001 arguably turned an entire generation onto historical fiction. It prompted a slew of novels written about the royal court, specifically the overlooked women who are forever relegated to the sidelines. The Other Boleyn Girl follows the life of Mary Boleyn, the lesser known sister of Anne… Read More Everything Wrong with The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Everything wrong with The Greatest Showman (Historically at least)

The Greatest Showman (2017) is a musical presenting the fantastical life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, best known as the creator of the three-ringed circus. Set in the mid-nineteenth century we have a rags to riches story where Barnum transforms himself from homeless orphan to the richest and most successful purveyor of entertainment in America. After… Read More Everything wrong with The Greatest Showman (Historically at least)

The History of the Spanish Princess: The King is Dead, Long Live the King

The first season of The Spanish Princess ends with the death of Henry VII and thus the accession of Henry VIII. In typical Starz style, there isn’t a simple transition of power between a monarch and his heir. Oh no, there is drama! In brief: Henry VII dies suddenly forcing his mother, Margaret Beaufort, to… Read More The History of the Spanish Princess: The King is Dead, Long Live the King

The many abdications and occasional depositions of the Kings of Norway

In 872 various Scandinavian petty kingdoms unified in what would eventually become the kingdom of Norway under their first king, Harald Fairhair. As with many unifications, the first hundred years of their history is littered with depositions and internal conflicts. However, whereas most countries settle into their history, Norway’s line of kings is a rollercoaster… Read More The many abdications and occasional depositions of the Kings of Norway

‘Just Good Friends’ : The Erasure of LGBTQ+ History feat. 3 Women who weren’t straight

It isn’t often that I open a post with memes but in this instance they’re actually pretty on point. It’s such a common theme in modern history to look back on relationships that clearly weren’t strictly monogamously heterosexual in nature and go to great lengths to explain why it simply couldn’t be true. People who… Read More ‘Just Good Friends’ : The Erasure of LGBTQ+ History feat. 3 Women who weren’t straight

Dancing Bears, Painted Wings: The Mystery of Anastasia and the Romanov Pretenders

In March 1917 Nicholas Romanov, Emperor of Russia abdicated the Imperial throne giving the country’s political power to a provisionally formed Bolshevik government. The Tsar and his family were placed under house arrest while the government decided what to do with them. The family were moved around while plans were made for their future, the… Read More Dancing Bears, Painted Wings: The Mystery of Anastasia and the Romanov Pretenders