The 19th century became the age of the museum. Objects were scrambled for, specimens seized, and friezes and antiques grasped. Kate Williams 19thageantique Change image and share on social
British passion for Chinese tea was unstoppable, but the Chinese had no desire for our offerings, however much we tried to sell them woolen clothes or cutlery. Kate Williams britishchineseclothe Change image and share on social
I wonder if there'll ever be a time where you're not judged by your appearance. It seems that wherever you've got to, your appearance is always discussed. It's never said about men. We talk about a man's charisma, not his looks. Kate Williams appearancecharismadiscuss share on social
Some archives and record offices are housed in your local museum or library; others have their own stand-alone building. Wherever they are, they are a treasure trove. Kate Williams archivebuildhouse Change image and share on social
Women's stories have been neglected for so long - unless they were queens. Exploring the history of women is a way of redressing that imbalance. Kate Williams explorehistoryimbalance Change image and share on social
Queens perhaps perform better in the role of monarch because they never take their position for granted. Many kings have failed because they believed that the public would love them whatever they did. Queens knew better. Kate Williams believefailgrant share on social
I think increasingly we want to read the history that wasn't written by the victors. Kate Williams historyincreasinglyread Change image and share on social
Redheads were particularly persecuted during the European witch trials of the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The colour was associated with the devil, and the pale skin which most redheads have was thought unnatural and deathly. Kate Williams centurycolourdeathly share on social
Indeed, throughout much of history and in many cultures, redheads have been viewed with suspicion and fear - and even killed - because of their hair. Kate Williams culturefearhair Change image and share on social
People are not happy with women in actual power, yet we seem to be happy to take women on as figureheads, objects, like queens. It's a powerful yet politically powerless role. Kate Williams actualfigureheadhappy Change image and share on social