r/UKhistory

In 1936, Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis when he chose Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American, over the British throne. This article explores the romance, political opposition, and royal pressures behind the abdication and how a king’s deeply personal decision changed the monarchy forever.

Was Edward’s choice a great romantic sacrifice, or did the crisis reveal that he was never suited to be king?

On the 1891 Census it says he is a ‘Framear’ driver.
He is also listed on other documents in the same year as a car driver.
He lived in a poor area of Sheffield.
Was a Framear a type of horse-drawn carriage?
What is the likelihood of it being a very early motor car?
I have tried internet searches but I’m coming up with nothing.

I was watching a documentary on the Shackleton expedition to the south pole recently.

It was mentioned that he took men from many different social classes in the UK.

I did not think much of this until one section where the men were in life boats rowing. One man wouldn't row but he was willing to bail water out of the boat because he felt a gentleman would only do labor that men the other men saw as helping all of them.

I am an American and although I have lived in the UK I am lacking in understanding as to the social norms of class distinction.

Can anyone help me with a title or two?

Thanks everyone!

Hi, I'm not a major history nerd or anything but I am interested in learning more about more modern conflicts UK have been in mainly Falklands but also Afghan and Iraq and was wondering what museums preferably close to or in London have a decent amount on them , I'm mainly interested in what armaments they used specifically ( but not only ) artillery . Was just wondering if anyone knew if any . Cheers

I watched the British series "Foyles War". If you have not seen it, it is excellent. As a result I developed an interest in Britain's history in the post WWII era.

It was a very tough time; food scarcity, unemployment, underemployment and many changes in social mores and roles.

Can anyone suggest a couple of history books relating to that era that I could read?

Not a quiz - a research-based location mystery. General knowledge is useful if you have it, otherwise careful, logical detective work. Can I tempt you down a rabbit hole?

An alien lands…takes a look around…

Oh - this region of the kingdom is outstandingly beautiful and I have landed in a settlement well within its bounds. My archive records show, however, that at one time, earthlings here could take their rest with part of their anatomy in one jurisdiction and another part in a different one.

All around this area my history sensors detect the sounds of roaring fire and the ringing of a heavy craft. They reveal that early in the eighteenth earth-century, this settlement was responsible for a pivotal decorative work enclosing one of the nation’s most-lauded buildings - although I learn that the building’s creator objected. Later in the last earth-century a piece of the decoration returned here and is installed for viewing.

A little over one and a half earth-miles north of west brings me to the remains of a religious house whose silence feels interrupted rather than natural. Its community was extinguished slightly before the great wave of closures most earthlings recall — by order of a powerful churchman. The district did not accept this meekly; hundreds assembled and many were later accused of riot. Piety here once had sharp edges.

Less than one earth-mile south-east of the settlement I discover a dwelling with a history of much criminality and intrigue. In the nineteenth earth-century it suffered deliberate damage — contrived to be viewed as a romantic scene from the windows of a newer version built alongside. A former leader of the kingdom once took refuge here for leisure.

Two more earth-miles south-east and I find the largest collection of its kind on the planet — a place where earthlings safeguard those species of grand flora most under threat.

Such an area is hard to leave…but my curiosity drives me on to new stories…

Can you find the answers to these questions?

1. What is the name of the settlement?
2. The boundary between which two jurisdictions once divided this settlement?
3. Which much-lauded building is enclosed by a pivotal decorative work made in this settlement?
4. Which religious house was extinguished?
5. By whose order was the religious house closed ?
6. What is the name of the dwelling which was deliberately damaged?
7. Which former leader of the kingdom stayed at the new dwelling for leisure?
8. Where is the planet’s largest collection of safeguarded flora?

This is a research puzzle - not a general knowledge test.
Solve through investigation, not shortcuts. The journey is the reward!

Spoiler tags appreciated if you crack it.

Enjoy the hunt!

A novel idea has been on my mind for over the course of a few months now, its setting is based on 1920s England. I’m currently researching many sources and investing in books around that time period; however, I’m not an expert on the subject and I want to ask those who are informed about this topic and where they’d look to find abundance of information about the 1920s! The media type could be any (articles, movies, books, blogs, etc).