Random Jottings

When historians look back on the reign of Charles III, one date may stand apart for its significance: 30 th  October 2025. On that day, his brother, Prince Andrew, to all intents and purposes ceased to be royal. For years, Andrew’s name has been mired in scandal: his connexion with Jeffrey Epstein , the civil court settlement with Virginia Giuffre , and his consequent retreat from public life. Yet, for all the disgrace, his titles remained intact. That has now changed. In a d

On 23 rd  October 1739 Great Britain declared war on Spain sparking a conflict that would soon be consumed within the much larger War of Austrian Succession (1740-48). The war between Britain and Spain known as the War of Jenkins’ Ear began with one of the more memorable – and bizarre – pretexts in 18 th  Century history, but behind the grim spectacle of a severed ear were far more substantial questions of trade, empire and national honour. Two intertwining themes help explai

In July 1776, Britain faced a crisis without precedent. Across the Atlantic, thirteen of its colonies had declared independence. To many in London, it seemed inconceivable that subjects of the Crown could renounce their allegiance so brazenly. For decades, Britain had viewed its American possessions as both partners in trade and symbols of imperial success. Now, rebellion threatened to unravel that achievement.   Britain’s imperial dilemma The roots of the conflict lay in emp

Successive Labour governments have sought to impose compulsory identification on Britons - this piece outlines why Britain has always rejected the concept.