History of the British Isles

History of the British Isles

1855: Dr Syntax, a popular character painted by Thomas Rowlandson, in court to hear a case of desertion and bigamy in Bath. Original Publication: From 'The Second Tour Of Dr Syntax' pub. 1855 painted by Rowlandson (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Bigamy was rarer and less acceptable than previously thought, historian says

Professor Rebecca Probert has investigated the scope of bigamy in England and Wales between 1604 and 2024 in two new books
Show more
Black and white photograph of a groom carrying a bride over the threshold

The strangest marriage traditions in history

From 'blackening' the bride and groom to pelting with shoes, some of the strangest wedding traditions our ancestors would have known
Show more
Amy Dowden on Who Do You Think You Are?

The historic court records that revealed the shocking family tragedy in Amy Dowden's episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are? researcher Sara Khan reveals more about the records used to solve a mystery on Amy Dowden's episode
Show more
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2026