In this issue

Edwardian speed queen
Rachel Harris-Gardiner introduces Dorothy Levitt, who smashed records and stereotypes racing cars and boats.

When a soap saved Auntie
In the eighth part of our series tracing the history of the BBC, David Hendy discusses the enduring EastEnders effect..

Britain's Century of Boom and Bust

From the 1920s to the Winter of Discontent, inflation has haunted several British governments over the past 100 years. So, asks Phil Tinline, how does the current cost of living crisis compare with previous periods of soaring prices?

8 mins

THE ROAD TO HADRIAN'S WALL

From Caesar's first invasion in 55 BC to the construction of the famous barrier some 175 years later, Rome engaged in multiple battles to subdue the peoples of Britain. Archaeologist Richard Hingley talks to Rob Attar about how the Romans sought to take control of this distant province

10+ mins

FRONTIER TOURISTS

Since its earliest days, the great barrier at the Roman empire's north-western edge has been a source of wonder. Rob Collins traces the history of tourism and souvenirs at Hadrian's Wall

5 mins

On the Wall

The soldiers who garrisoned Hadrian's Wall were all men, but what of the many women of diverse backgrounds who lived on and around the frontier? Bronwen Riley selects six objects that offer precious insights into women's lives at the edge of the empire

8 mins

Dorothy Levitt Edwardian speed queen

By breaking records, winning titles and defeating her male adversaries, one fearless racing driver became a founding mother of women's motor sports. RACHEL HARRIS-GARDINER explores how Dorothy Levitt built her legend, both with her achievements behind the wheel and as a media sensation

6 mins

How to repel a MONGOL INVASION

They swept across Asia with terrifying efficiency. Yet, as 13th-century Europe quaked at the prospect of a Mongol invasion, there was an empire that, as Nicholas Morton writes, learned to beat the invaders at their own game

9 mins

Q&A

A selection of historical conundrums answered by experts

4 mins

How soap saved the BBC

In the 1980s, the BBC devised a new weapon in its ratings battle against ITV: EastEnders. DAVID HENDY explores how a mix of masterful publicity and melodramatic plots propelled the drama to popular success

7 mins

"Elizabeth I was a free woman in charge of her fate. Perhaps that's why Catherine de Medici despised her"

Estelle Paranque talks to Rhiannon Davies about her new book exploring the 30-year rivalry of two of 16th-century Europe's most powerful queens

10 mins

Down but not out

FERN RIDDELL applauds an honest portrait of 19th-century street life in Britain's capital, highlighting the hopes, fears and toils of real people who strove for more than just survival

4 mins

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BBC History UK Magazine Description:

BBC History Magazine is Britain’s bestselling history magazine devoted to history enthusiasts of all levels of knowledge and interest. Published 13 times a year, BBC History Magazine brings history to life with informative, lively and entertaining features written by the world’s leading historians and journalists. Whether it is the history of our politics and institutions, or the fascinating stories of our private lives through the ages, BBC History Magazine sheds new light on the past and helps make more sense of today’s world.Covering the latest new developments in history and archaeology from Britain and around the world, the latest, most thought provoking historical research and strong links with TV and radio programming maximizing use of BBC’s existing expertise in the genre.