Coined by Richard Lassels (1603-1668), a Catholic priest and travel writer, the term “Grand Tour” was applied to sons from wealthy English families that embarked on travels abroad to Europe. The height of the Grand Tour’s popularity was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Horrific Murder of Mary Ashford
In May 1817, Mary Ashford walked with her friend Hannah Cox to attend a dance at the Tyburn House, a popular place in the locality of Erdington, England. She danced, laughed, and flirted the night away—but by sunrise, she was found dead.
Thomas Griffiths Wainewright: Artist, Author, and Suspected Poisoner
Thomas Griffiths Wainewright (1794-1847) was a man of many professions. In his day, he was a renown artist, known author, and suspected poisoner.
The Confession of Constance Kent
Constance Kent helped send a celebrated Scotland Yard investigator into early retirement with a cloud of ridicule and mockery hanging over him. However, it seemed that he might have been right all along. This is the confession of Constance Kent.
Florence Maybrick: Did She Murder Jack the Ripper?
Florence Maybrick was convicted of murdering her husband, but did she do it because she believed he was Jack the Ripper?
The Tragic Murder of Jane Maria Clouson
Jane Clouson was tragically murdered at the age of 16 by someone who should have protected her. Instead, she was found bloodied on Kidbrooke Lane, London and died with the name of her murderer on her lips.
8 Weird And Sometimes Deadly Victorian Beauty Trends
Beauty trends today are nothing compared to the weird, and sometimes deadly, fashions of the Victorian era. Here's 8 insane fashion trends, from lead-filled lotions to combustible hoop skirts.
Sarah Forbes Bonetta: The African Princess Who Became Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter
She was a princess of the Egbado clan of the Yoruba people. She became enslaved to the King of Dahomey before being "gifted" to Queen Victoria, who made her a goddaughter. This is the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta.
The Case of Sarah MacFarlane and Her Melodramatic Murderer
Sarah MacFarlane, a widow, began an affair with her neighbor, Augustus Dalmas, months after his wife died. What followed were rumors, lies, and rambling letters filled with love and hate...and murder.
Caroline Norton: A Victorian Advocate for Married Women
Before 1839, women had no rights to their children if their marriage failed and led to separation or divorce, nor could a wife own property or keep independent wages. Then came Caroline Norton, poet, author, and early women's rights advocate.