I stumbled across a magnificent illustrated manuscript from around the year 1500. It’s exciting because it shows men in their underwear. Wait, that might have sounded a little wrong.What I mean by “exciting” is that it’s hard to find pictures… Read More
Before Henry VIII converted England to Protestantism, it had been fashionable to swear by Catholic saints (“By Saint George!” “By Saint Louis!”) After Catholicism was banned, people started saying “By George” instead.
source: Richard Zacks, An Underground Education, page… Read More
I’ll admit this right from the get-go: I am a huge fan of The Tudors. When Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) flashes his eyes at someone who has displeased him, I quake for that person. Lady Mary (Sarah Bolger) is perfectly… Read More
Ambrose Burnside, a Civil War General for the Union Army, sported impressive sidebar whiskers, which grew down in front of his ears. We have him to thank for the word "sideburns."