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
I like boxes because of the secrets they hide. Kate Williams boxhidesecret Change image and share on social
Visit any bookshop in Europe, and the shelves are filled with English novels and non-fiction books in translation - while British bookshops stock mainly English and American works. Kate Williams americanbookbookshop Change image and share on social
Anglo-Saxon kings often used to favour their sister's son to their own - for at least you could guarantee there was your own blood in your sister's son! Kate Williams anglobloodfavour Change image and share on social
I've always considered myself to look like a rather plain-and-exhausted bluestocking, so it's rather odd to read Tweets commenting on my appearance. Kate Williams appearancebluestockingcomment Change image and share on social
Eighteenth-century matrons would have never have dreamed of appointing a redhaired wet nurse for their precious offspring - redheads passed on their horrible characters through their milk. Kate Williams appointcenturycharacter Change image and share on social
The modern museum has multiple purposes - to curate and preserve, to research, and to reach out to the public. They challenge us and ask us to question our assumptions about the past or the world around us. Kate Williams assumptionchallengecurate share on social
Over the years to come, one thing is for certain: if the monarchy wishes to stay relevant and in power, it will have to change more. Kate Williams changemonarchypower Change image and share on social
Britain's passion for Christmas and huge white weddings dates from Victorian times - both were low-key celebrations before Victoria and her PR machine. Kate Williams britaincelebrationchristmas Change image and share on social
