World history: The stories that shaped us all

Step into the vast tapestry of our shared human past — a world of empires and uprisings, migrations and revolutions, innovations and injustices. Our World History category brings together diverse narratives from every corner of the globe, challenging Eurocentric timelines and spotlighting the voices too often left out of the mainstream record.

From ancient civilisations to modern movements, we explore how cultures have collided, connected, and evolved. This is a space for learning, unlearning, and rethinking the stories we've been told. Whether you're drawn to forgotten kingdoms, global revolutions, or everyday acts of resistance, you'll find a world of insight here, because history isn't just about the past; it's about how we understand ourselves today.

The Birth of the National Health Service: A revolutionary moment in British history

The birth of the National Health Service (NHS) on 5 July 1948 marked a pivotal moment in British history. It was a bold and pioneering initiative that aimed to make healthcare accessible to everyone, …

The history of social housing in Britain

Council housing has played a crucial role in providing affordable homes for millions of people in the United Kingdom. Its history can be traced back to the post-war period when the country faced an …

The murder of Kelso Cochrane

A 32-year-old black man from Antigua named Kelso Cochrane was brutally murdered in a racist attack in the early hours of 17 May 1959. After receiving treatment at Paddington Hospital for a …

The history and politics of Zionism: Everything you need to know

Zionism is a term that has been used in many different ways over the years. At its core, Zionism is the belief that Judaism is a nationality as well as a religion, and Jews have a right to …

The Somerset v Stewart Case: A Landmark Decision in the History of Slavery and Abolition

The Somerset v Stewart case, also known as Sommersett v Steuart, Somersett’s case, and the Mansfield Judgment, was a pivotal legal case in the history of slavery and abolition. Decided in 1772 …

The abolition of slavery in Britain: A historical journey

‍The abolition of slavery in Britain marked a significant turning point in history, leading to the end of a brutal and inhumane practice that Britain had been involved in for centuries. Between …

Why Israel occupied Palestine: The history behind the conflict

Israel’s control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza has been referred to as an “occupation” for decades. Yet until recently, many people have not fully understood the significance of the …

Ancient Semitic people: The Carthaginians

The Carthaginians were an ancient Semitic people known for establishing one of the most powerful and enduring civilisations in the Mediterranean region. Originating from the Phoenician city-state of …

Ancient Semitic people: The Phoenicians

The Phoenicians were an ancient Semitic-speaking people who emerged in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, primarily along the coast of modern-day Lebanon, as well as parts of Syria and Israel. …

Ancient Semitic people: The Canaanites

The Canaanites were an ancient Semitic-speaking people who lived in the region known as Canaan, which encompasses modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan. This region was …

Ancient Semitic people: The Akkadians

The Akkadians were an ancient Semitic-speaking people who established one of the world’s first empires in Mesopotamia. This area corresponds to present-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey. …

The meaning of “Semite”

The term “Semite” carries a tapestry of historical, linguistic, and cultural significance that spans several millennia. Rooted in the ancient Near East, the concept of Semitism has evolved …