Topic: Books

Why Queen Elizabeth II is in the Guinness Book of World Records

Queen Elizabeth II is a Guinness Book of Records seven times over but what kind of records did the Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith hold?

Husband hunters: American heiresses who married Into the British aristocracy

Anne de Courcy, author of the book "The Husband Hunters: Social Climbing in London and New York" talks with BHT about the real-life Downton Abbey, Lady Coras, and their history-changing legacies.

On This Day: Dr Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first English dictionary, was born

A look at the life and influence the lexicographer and scholar, Dr. Samuel Johnson, has had on how we communicate. 

Jane Austen: At home in Hampshire

The life and times of "The Pride and Prejudice" author, visiting Jane Austen's stomping grounds in rural Hampshire.

Was Lord Mountbatten in an open marriage?

A biography about Lord Mountbatten details how "devastated" he was with his wife Edwina's affairs.

British Pathé footage of George Orwell at the premiere of "1984"

Have a look at this incredible footage from George Orwell's 1984 premiere.

What have we learned about Jack the Ripper's last victim?

For over 130 years the story of Jack the Ripper has fascinated millions all over the world - but what about his victims? Finally, their stories get told.

Britain's best known myths and legends and where to visit them

The most well-known and forgotten myths and legends of Britain's favorite holiday locations. How many of them do you know? 

The journeys of Celia Fiennes through 17th-century England

Three hundred years ago, a remarkable woman travelled alone through every county in England. Today, her journal provides us with a glimpse of 17th-century England.

"The Book Lover's Guide to London" brings our favourite British writers to life

"The Book Lover's Guide to London" brings literature lovers on a journey through London, from Chaucer in the 14th century to present day.

The Crimson Field - putting history into historical fiction

If you have any questions concerning British Army protocol --“the nuts and bolts side of the military"--Taff Gillingham is your man. 

Five things to see at The British Library, London

A British Library curator chooses the institution's most valuable items along with the treasures she most enjoys.

On This Day: Author of "Peter Rabbit" Beatrix Potter was born in 1866

Beatrix Potter is best known as the author and illustrator of much-loved children’s stories, but her legacy also includes research of scientific note and preservation of vast tracts of rural landscape. 

Get a different perspective! See London by bike

Take a day or two and have an active holiday without leaving London. 

British landscapes from your favorite books to explore on vacation

Bring British literature to life by visiting the setting of one of your favourite novels, from Jane Austen to D.H. Lawrence we take a look at ten of the best.

What to read? Top five British Royal biographies

Here are the top 5 British Royal biographies which may take your fancy! 

HRH Queen Elizabeth II writings on her faith

The late Queen Elizabeth II once said, "I have been — and remain — very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love."

The life of "Sherlock Holmes" author Sir Author Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a firm believer in the pursuit of justice.

The story of Meghan Markle's wedding tiara

A book revealed how Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Sussex disagreed over a tiara just ahead of Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

On This Day: J.M. Barrie author of "Peter Pan" was born in 1860

J.M. Barrie was born in the tenements of Kirriemuir in Scotland on this day in 1860. We take a look at the tragic back story of his famous "Peter Pan" and his birthplace now a museum honoring the great writer.

Letters from Father Christmas by Lord of the Rings author J. R. R. Tolkien

While you might know J. R. R. Tolkien as being the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this academic was also a doting father who penned "The Father Christmas Letters" for his children.

Director Bharat Nalluri on The Man Who Invented Christmas the movie, and Charles Dickens

Director Bharat Nalluri, the helm behind The Man Who Invented Christmas, talks about the tough times that inspired A Christmas Carol and how Charles Dickens brought joy to the world.

On this day: Irish "Dracula" author Bram Stoker died

After suffering a number of strokes, Stoker died at No. 26 St George's Square, London on 20 April 1912.

This story from Stephen Fry about Harry Potter is brilliant

Silky-voiced Stephen Fry old the most brilliant story about recording the Harry Potter audiobooks.

Have you seen Belgravia, the drama by the creator of Downton Abbey?

Belgravia, based on the 2016 book by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, is set in London in the 1840s and tells the story of the Trenchard family. 

Cosy up this winter with the latest British Heritage Travel luxury magazine

British Heritage Travel magazine is back with the latest issue, filled with winter travel tips around Britain, book recommendations, history of Camden castles, and much more!

Q&A with Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes

An interview with our favorite storyteller, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes published ahead of the launch of Belgravia, and his latest book release.

Stephen Fry describes the wonder of reading for Duchess of Cornwall's Insta club

Have a look at this clip as Stephen Fry describes the wonder of reading.

Thomas Hardy’s Wessex Country

Still far from madding crowds, Sandra Lawrence explores the countryside of Dorset.

A Q&A with Philippa Gregory: The Taming of the Queen

British Heritage Travel caught up with the author Philippa Gregory in 2015, just after the publication of The Taming of the Queen, the story of Kateryn Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII of England.

The private history of Britain’s Cathedrals, an expert explains

Christopher Somerville speaks about writing his latest book, Ships of Heaven, The Private Life of Britain’s Cathedrals.