Serafina Kenny

The destruction of Pompeii is one of antiquity’s most famous disasters, but its exact date remains fiercely debated. From pomegranates and warm clothing to Roman coins and charcoal graffiti, the evidence points to a mystery still buried in the ash

Thomas More is remembered as the author of Utopia and one of Tudor England’s great minds, but his attacks on Henry VIII’s critics could be startlingly crude. In the battle over the Reformation, he used expletives, insults and scatological imagery to defend the king and the Catholic faith

When the Great Fire of Northampton tore through the town in 1675, almost every pub inside the walls was destroyed – except one. According to a remarkable contemporary account, locals saved it by hauling barrels onto the roof and fighting the flames with beer

Without modern volcanology, seismic monitoring or any clear understanding of eruption warning signs, the people living in the shadow of Vesuvius in AD 79 had little reason to think that catastrophe was imminent – even if they knew there was something unusual about the landscape around them

England today has a reputation for reserve, but in the late Middle Ages and Tudor period foreign visitors were often struck by how freely the English kissed in greeting. So when, and why, did that habit fade?

New figures reveal a sharp rise in families needing help with nappies, formula milk, cots and clothing.

The Ladies of Llangollen built a life together in 18th century Wales, becoming famous for their shared home, joint identity and devoted companionship. When Caroline of Brunswick heard about their marriage-like union, her reaction was unexpectedly accepting

In the Georgian period, when same-sex couples could not marry, some queer men may have used adult adoption to create legal bonds, secure inheritances and protect chosen partners

A major European survey reveals support for fertility care and embryo research, while showing many people want more information.

Stretch your budget and skip the full-price meals with these savvy summer holiday offers.