How a Peruvian instrument revolutionised flamenco
Before 1977, flamenco percussion relied solely on hand‑clapping and dancers' footwork. But that year, at a party in Lima, Peru, the cajon entered the scene.Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia and Brazilia...
21 Jul 0s
Mexico’s ‘little old lady killer’
In March 2008, former female wrestler Juana Barraza was found guilty of murdering at least 11 elderly women in Mexico City. The murders took place over a period of seven years, and Barraza became kno...
20 Jul 10min
The British love of tea (from Here for The History)
How and when did tea arrive in the UK? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson take a look at the mythological origins, the role of a Portuguese princess and even going to war for a cuppa. We’ll start our jour...
19 Jul 32min
A child's return to Franco's Spain
During the Spanish Civil War, the fascist dictator Francisco Franco rose to power.Around half a million people fled the fighting, but some chose to return even as the conflict continued.One of them wa...
17 Jul 10min
Birkin bag: Creating fashion’s iconic accessory
In 1985, one the world’s most recognisable fashion accessories was first launched – the Birkin handbag.Its origins have since become legend. The actress and model Jane Birkin said she was on a flight ...
16 Jul 10min
Turkey’s failed coup
On 15 July, over 300 people were killed and more than 2,100 injured when rogue soldiers commandeered warplanes, tanks and helicopters in a failed coup attempt against President Tayyip Erdogan. Som...
15 Jul 9min
Creating Canada’s largest territory
For generations, Inuit communities lived across the Arctic, travelling with the seasons and relying on the land. But in the mid-20th century, Canadian government policies, including relocations, moved...
14 Jul 8min
The Kiss of Life photo that earned a Pulitzer Prize
In 1967, American lineman JD Thompson was working on overhead power lines in Jacksonville, Florida, when his colleague Randall Champion accidentally grasped a live cable.Seeing his friend dangling hig...
13 Jul 10min
