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 used to hate reading my old work, but now I'm rather fond of it. I quite like going through it in the hope of making it better. Kate Williams fondhatehope 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
As historians, we spend days in archives, gazing at account books. We train would-be historians in the arts of deciphering letters and documents, early Latin, scribal handwriting, medieval French. Kate Williams accountarchiveart 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
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
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
Throughout history, the only way to secure a throne has been with a phalanx of children - nine for Victoria, 13 for George III. Kate Williams childgeorgehistory 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
Throughout the 19th century, Britain bought cheaply from the countries of the empire and compelled subject countries to buy our goods at high prices. Kate Williams 19thbritainbuy Change image and share on social
