Did you know that James Dean, an iconic Hollywood star, only starred in three movies before his untimely death? Yet, his impact on Hollywood is undeniable.” This captivating figure, born in 1931, hailed from the small town of Marion, Indiana. Growing up in a Quaker household, a young Dean was no stranger to the values of simplicity and integrity, values that would later colour his performances on the silver screen. From an early age, Dean was drawn to the performing arts. High school drama classes were his playground, the stage his sanctuary. His passion for acting was as deep as the characte ..read more

Have you ever wondered how a small boy from Norfolk became one of Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes?” From humble beginnings, a young lad named Horatio Nelson would rise to become Admiral Lord Nelson, an indomitable figure in British naval history. His strategic genius and unyielding courage on the high seas would forever shift the currents of Britain’s maritime legacy. But who was this man, really, and how did he ascend to such legendary status? “Let’s dive into the extraordinary life of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Born on the 29th of September, 1758, in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, Horati ..read more

Did you know that Carrie Fisher, the beloved Princess Leia from Star Wars, was a prolific and uncredited script doctor in Hollywood?” Yes, our favorite intergalactic princess was also a master wordsmith, sharpening and honing the dialogue for a myriad of blockbuster hits. Her skill with the pen was just as impressive as her talent in front of the camera, adding an extra layer of depth to her already impressive persona. “So, apart from being a famous actress, Fisher was also a behind-the-scenes heroine in Hollywood, making your favorite films even better. Born on October 21, 1956, in Burbank ..read more

In the heart of the 17th century, England was a nation at war with itself, a stage ripe for the rise of a man like Oliver Cromwell.” This era was characterized by a whirlwind of religious and political turmoil. The Church of England was grappling with dissension within its ranks, while the monarchy was struggling to hold onto power amid increasing discontent. Simultaneously, the country was divided by class and religious affiliations, leading to heightened social tensions. The English Civil War, a devastating and divisive conflict, was a reflection of these turbulent times. Royalists and Parl ..read more

Have you ever wondered how one of the most iconic pop stars, Michael Jackson, began his journey into stardom? Born in the small town of Gary, Indiana in the year 1958, Michael was the eighth child in a bustling family of ten. Music was a constant in the Jackson home, with his mother’s love for country and blues, and his brothers’ fascination with rock and roll. It was this rich tapestry of sounds that first sparked Michael’s interest in music. His talent was undeniable, even at a young age. It wasn’t long before he and his brothers formed a band, the Jackson 5, creating music that would reson ..read more

Greta Garbo, born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, was an actress who began her career in her home country of Sweden before moving to Hollywood in 1925, where she quickly became a major star. Garbo was known for her versatile acting abilities and was able to play a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. She was also known for her beauty and her enigmatic screen presence. Born on September 18, 1905, in Stockholm, Sweden, Garbo was the youngest of three children and was raised in a working-class family. Garbo’s father was a labourer, and her mother worked as a homemaker. Despite the family’s li ..read more

Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on 12 May 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Her father, Thomas was a urologist at Hartford hospital and helped to establish the New England Social Hygiene Association, whereas her mother, who was also called Katharine was a campaigner for the feminist cause, being actively involved in the suffrage movement.  She also campaigned for birth control. Katharine was the second eldest of six children and as a child, she was somewhat of a tomboy who kept her hair short and called herself Jimmy.  She not only learned to swim, run, and dive, she also play ..read more

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” – Charles Dickens Few writers of the 19th century are so well-known and so beloved as Charles Dickens. He was a keen observer of society, as well as being a writer of brilliant satire but most people know little about ..read more

“Trust in God – she will provide.” – Emmeline Pankhurst Have you ever considered how one woman’s determination could forever change the course of history? Meet Emmeline Pankhurst, a beacon of courage in the face of adversity. Her indomitable spirit and unyielding resolve played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. Pankhurst’s tenacious fight for women’s right to vote wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a revolutionary impact that forever altered societal norms and expectations. To fully understand the magnitude of her impact, let’s delve into the life of E ..read more

“I’m never pleased with anything, I’m a perfectionist, it’s part of who I am.” – Michael Jackson Have you ever wondered how one of the most iconic pop stars, Michael Jackson, began his journey into stardom? Born in the small town of Gary, Indiana in the year 1958, Michael was the eighth child in a bustling family of ten. Music was a constant in the Jackson home, with his mother’s love for country and blues, and his brothers’ fascination with rock and roll. It was this rich tapestry of sounds that first sparked Michael’s interest in music. His talent was undeniable, even at a young age. It was ..read more