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
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
Unless I'm asked to dress up in a costume, TV shows prefer a clean, modern look, so I've developed a wardrobe full of plain, bright colours. If it's an outdoors job, I just wear big jumpers. Kate Williams askbigbright Change image and share on social
I receive many letters from people hoping to research their own houses. Kate Williams hopehouseletter Change image and share on social
The motivations of kings in British history can generally be reduced to two: the quest for territory and the search for a male heir. No king was secure on his throne until he had a son, and no queen consort was ever really safe without a boy. Kate Williams boybritishconsort share on social
When Elizabeth II was crowned - the sixth female monarch since the Norman conquest - the world lit up in her favour. Kate Williams conquestcrownelizabeth Change image and share on social
Still often interventionist, convinced of our importance in the world, even those of us born long after 1900 live in a country that is much more Victorian than we think. Kate Williams bearconvincecountry Change image and share on social
My Welsh grandmother Mair didn't meet my grandfather until she was 28, quite old to be unmarried in the early '40s. Kate Williams 40searlygrandfather Change image and share on social
One woman came up to me at a lecture and observed that I was much fatter than on television; I think I look better onscreen than in real life. It's the lights. Kate Williams fatlecturelife Change image and share on social
