One of Britain's big problems throughout history has been that we lust after consumer goods from elsewhere, but our friends overseas have been less enthusiastic about buying things we produce. Kate Williams bigbritainbuy 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
I am part of a team organising an Emma Hamilton exhibition for the National Maritime Museum for 2016, and the amount of planning is a revelation - borrowing from museums and collections all over the world. Kate Williams amountborrowcollection 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
Precise historical reasons are difficult to pinpoint, but red hair, it seems, bestows a sense of otherness. Red is the colour of blood and danger. Kate Williams bestowbloodcolour Change image and share on social
I love wearing green, and I like grey and black, but I don't think they really suit me. Kate Williams blackgreengrey Change image and share on social
The centuries-old habit of privileging the male heir arose because monarchs were supposed to lead their country in battle, and only men were thought strong enough to do so. Kate Williams arisebattlecentury 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
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
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
