'No double dealing' over Megrahi Sep 2, 2009
" Conservative leader David Cameron said ministers should have said it was a matter for the Scottish government and kept to the "clear view" there was "simply not room for movement" on Megrahi's release. He told the BBC it had been a "misjudgement" to "treat in any way with the Libyans about the future of Mr Megrahi". "This man was convicted of the largest mass murder in British history and if the conviction is in some way unsafe that should be appealed and reviewed but he was convicted of that... (BBC News -- UK)
Under scrutiny Sep 1, 2009
"They (MI5) were discovering at the end of the 1940s and early 1950s that a tiny minority of communists had given away the biggest secrets in British history - Klaus Fuchs had given away the plans of the first atomic bomb - and they didn't know how bad it was going to get. "It was therefore government policy to draw up a list of all members of the Communist Party. " In a separate file also released, it has been revealed that Sir Francis Meynell, an early editor of the Communist newspaper and of... (BBC News -- UK)
Lockerbie fallout: Counting the cost Aug 28, 2009
On August 20th Scotland s justice secretary freed Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, convicted of the worst terrorist atrocity in British history, the 1988 Lockerbie bombing in which 270 people (189 of them Americans) were killed. Mr Megrahi is dying of cancer and Scottish law permits release on compassionate grounds. (The Economist)
Brown 'repulsed' at bomber welcome Aug 26, 2009
"It is hard to see why he can't tell us what he thinks of the decision to release a man who has been convicted of the worst terrorist attack in British history. "As long as Gordon Brown remains silent on this issue, people will suspect he has something to hide. " Ministers have denied the decision to free Megrahi, who served 10 years of his life sentence for the bombing of a Pan Am jet over Lockerbie, was linked to trade deals with Tripoli. The Conservatives have called for notes of recent... (BBC News -- Africa)
Libya broke pledge over 'low key' reception... Aug 25, 2009
The Libyan -- who has terminal prostate cancer -- was jailed for life in 2001 over the worst terror attack in British history, but served just eight years before his release last Thursday. On his return to Tripoli he was welcomed by hundreds of people waving Libyan and Scottish flags, while he has since had a televised meeting with Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi. (The Drudge Report)
Libya broke pledge over Lockerbie bomber, says Scottish minister Aug 25, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " "In Scotland we are a people who pride ourselves on our humanity. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Lockerbie Bomber to Obama: 'It's Just 3 Months' Aug 22, 2009
Is he the evil perpetrator of the deadliest terrorist attack in British history, or a sick old man, a loving father and grandfather, who has suffered a terrible miscarriage of justice. Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi put on a virtuoso performance when The Times of London came calling yesterday. (Fox News)
A long shadow Aug 21, 2009
THE bombing that blew up Pan Am flight 103 in the sky above Lockerbie, a small Scottish town, on December 21st 1988, was the worst terrorist atrocity in British history. Of the 270 people who died, 189 were Americans; 11 were killed on the ground by falling debris. (The Economist)
Lockerbie bomber release exposes US-British divide on justice Aug 21, 2009
The only man convicted in the worst terrorist attack in British history, which left an indelible mark on tiny Lockerbie where 11 people where killed by falling debris, appears to be receiving a greater degree of sympathy. British-American divide. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
The World's Biggest, Boldest Heists Aug 14, 2009
The of a London jewelry store last week is being called the biggest jewel heist in British history. (Getty Images). (ABC News -- Business)
A Record-Breaking Jewel Heist, With the Getaway Captured on Camera Aug 13, 2009
It's the biggest gem heist in British history, and it was all. Scotland Yard says two men walked into an exclusive jewelry store in London's posh Mayfair District and walked out with $65 million in stolen jewels. (ABC News -- Business)
* London police make arrest in gem heist Aug 13, 2009
Two smartly dressed armed robbers walked into an exclusive store in Londons chic Mayfair district and stole what is believed to be the biggest gem heist in British history, Scotland Yard said on Tuesday. Scotland Yard said the suspect was not one of the two well-dressed men shown widely in CCTV footage released by authorities on Tuesday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Former fame quiz Aug 13, 2009
In the 1990s this woman made British history and hit the headlines across the world, but why. She was the first woman to head MI5. (BBC News -- UK)
$65 million jewelry heist in London Aug 12, 2009
It was among the biggest heists in British history far outstripping the 1963 Great Train Robbery in which 2 million pounds were lost. Last weeks theft, however, was topped by the 2006 robbery of 53 million pounds in cash from a security company depot in southern England, and was rivaled by the 1987 theft of an estimated 40 million pounds from the Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Center in London. (MSNBC -- International)
10 Best Ever! Fun Historical Fact B... Aug 9, 2009
Arthur, Merlin and the legend of Camelot are part of the fabric of the modern perception of British history to such an extent that historian Robert Lacey included the mythical Arthur in , his summary of significant real-life historical figures and events in British history. For young readers familiar with the Harry Potter novels and movies, the primary attraction of the Arthurian legends is most likely to be the stories of wizards, spell, enchantments and other mystical happenings. (Suite101.com)
U.K. Assisted Suicide Policies to Be Clarified After House of Lords Ruling Jul 31, 2009
More than 600 years of British history and tradition ended with the decision as Parliaments upper chamber, the unelected House of Lords, ceases to also be the nations highest court. The House of Lords has been operating as a court since 1399, according to its. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Citizens Bank’s community role seen as receding Jul 28, 2009
But Fish retired as CEO in 2007 and gave up his chairman s role last March, following the financial crisis that pitched Citizens parent, the , into the biggest bailout in British history. Since last year, the Scottish bank has been putting its own people in charge, and watching the exit of virtually the entire former executive team. (Boston Globe)
Ignorance is no excuse Jun 29, 2009
14 Feb 2008: Anti-war demonstrators converged on Hyde Park for the biggest political protest in British history. Guardian photographer Dan Chung was there to witness it. (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
London streets tell the city's history Jun 20, 2009
Many of London's streets help narrate British history. Portobello, the location of a famous antique market, was renamed for the capture of Puerto Bello in modern-day Panama during the 18th Century's War of Austrian Succession, which was fought mainly in central Europe. (Yahoo News)
Four takes on British history Jun 16, 2009
So let's take one important period in British history and see how historians might tell the story in different ways without, of course, getting the facts wrong. See if you can guess what the viewpoints are in each version. (BBC News -- UK)
Henry VIII reigns supreme May 17, 2009
Henry VIII-palooza: Few monarchs loom as large in British history as Henry VIII - and the king's considerable girth is only part of it. He had a personality every bit as large as his waistline. (Boston Globe)
In 'Little Stranger,' Family's dysfunction is a medical mystery May 11, 2009
That's the set-up for "The Little Stranger," a marvelous and truly spooky historical novel by Sarah Waters, author of such past-set gems as "Tipping the Velvet" and "Fingersmith." But while those books focused more on the Victorian underworld, here the London-based author returns to themes she explored in her last book, 2006's "The Night Watch," zeroing in on a particular moment of flux in British history. In the new book, the war-based turmoil of her previous novel has ended, and the country is... (Boston Globe)
Foreign nationals given ID cards May 6, 2009
The Lib Dems called it a "dark day in British history" ... Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "Forcing ID cards onto guests in our country marks a dark day indeed in British history. This hugely expensive scheme will have no impact on crime, terrorism, illegal immigration or illegal working as foreign nationals already have passports with visas. This intrusion on British liberty is completely unnecessary. "Foreign nationals, who cannot vote, are perfect guinea pigs for a... (BBC News -- UK)
The coming Great Canadian Brain Gain May 1, 2009
Revenues from the top 5 per cent of taxpayers increased and soon contributed a higher percentage of total income tax revenues than it ever had in British history. Mr. Lawson now predicts that the government's income tax revenue will fall when the 50-per-cent levy goes into effect and perhaps sooner. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Acquittal in Britain's 7/7 bombing case spurs doubts about investigation Apr 29, 2009
The investigation into the July 7 plot is the largest criminal investigation in British history. Over the course of tens of thousands of man-hours, officers have taken 18,450 statements and produced 37,000 exhibits and 19,400 documents. (Christian Science Monitor)
Three cleared of conspiracy over 2005 London bombings Apr 29, 2009
Relatives of the victims, meanwhile, renewed their calls for an independent inquiry into the attacks, which were the deadliest terrorist bombings in British history, saying that no one had yet been brought to justice. Waheed Ali, 25, Mohammed Shakil, 32, and Sadeer Saleem, 28 - the first, and still the only, individuals charged in connection with the attacks - were accused of carrying out a two-day reconnaissance mission seven months before the bombings on three Underground trains and a... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Three plays span comedy, and history, with style Apr 28, 2009
Another superb revival from the U.K., Mary Stuart (* * * ), at the Broadhurst Theatre, is based on British history, though playwright Friedrich Schiller's take on a legendary Tudor rivalry is unabashedly slanted. Elizabeth I, who has taken her lumps from historians and screenwriters, emerges as a vain harridan, and the titular Queen of Scots as a selfless tragic heroine. (USA Today -- Life)
The enduring duke Apr 18, 2009
Philip has now become the longest-serving royal consort in British history ... Only once in recent British history has there been a limited exception to this. (BBC News -- UK)
The king of clangers is a royal stayer Apr 18, 2009
Love him or hate him, the Queen's husband enters British history books today as the longest-serving British royal consort. As the day approached when he would break the record of 57 years and 70 days set by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, London's newspapers have veered between gushing sentiment and ire. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
The accidental tax attorney Apr 12, 2009
That program took the two history teachers dad focused on U.S. history, mom on British history and their toddler on a grand tour, including time in Libya, Barcelona and several cities in Germany. By the time Van Valen was ready for kindergarten, the family had returned to the U.S. and settled in the college town of Beloit in southern Wisconsin, where his father would teach for three decades. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
One-tank trip to Victorian-era Rugby, Tenn. Apr 11, 2009
A peculiar piece of British history remains largely untouched atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Rugby, a settlement surrounded by the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, is an unexpected find of Victorian buildings sure to give visitors that frozen-in-time sensation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Weight Loss Wednesday: Dieting through thinking? Apr 2, 2009
He's become famous in the U.K. and now the U.S., selling his book 'I Can Make You Thin' and hypnosis CD. It's the best selling self-help book in British history. Millions in 42 countries have watched Dr. Paul McKenna's TV shows. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Vine's 'Birthday Present' is a gift Mar 27, 2009
But it's Vine's ability to limn the sexual as well as the material have-and-have-not nature of recent British history that makes the book a tasty morsel for us, if not her characters. Freelance writer Ed Siegel can be reached at. (Boston Globe)
Pupils 'should study Twitter' Mar 26, 2009
Ministers said British history would always be a core part of education ... Every child would learn two key periods of British history but it would be up to the school to decide which ones ... Commenting on the claims in the Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "Sir Jim Rose's report has not been completed let alone published yet - but we are already getting stories about dropping this or removing that from the curriculum. "The bottom line is that we are working... (BBC News -- Technology)
In pictures: Natasha Richardson Mar 19, 2009
The 45-year-old was a member of the Redgrave family, arguably the most famous acting dynasty in British history. Her late father, Tony Richardson (left) was a successful director. (BBC News -- UK)
Profile: Natasha Richardson Mar 18, 2009
Natasha Richardson is a member of the Redgrave family, arguably the most famous acting dynasty in British history. Richardson starred in the 2005 period film The White Countess. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
DAR Awards Day features national and state recognition Mar 11, 2009
"I was quite honored when they gave me an award for a thesis I wrote on arms, armor and the plays of William Shakespeare. I'm very much an Anglophile because I've found you can't know American history unless you know British history.". "The collection of Philippine artifacts is the centerpiece for the national museum in Manila," Grif said. (Dowagiac News, MI)
UPDATE1-RBS to consider sale of ABN AMRO business in China Mar 4, 2009
RBS, which reported the biggest annual loss in British history for 2008 and received a capital injection from the government, is selling its Asian banking units to raise cash. The lender boosted its presence in Asia through its acquisition of ABN AMRO in 2007, a deal blamed in part for RBS' financial woes. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Non-traditional students find success at Sealy’s Blinn College Feb 28, 2009
He is now on his way to becoming a British history buff. A lot of my family comes from over there and that s where I lived for about seven years, he said. (Sealy News, TX)
DNA Identification Of Czar's Children Available Feb 28, 2009
18, 2007) Ninety-seven years after an American was hanged in London in one of the most notorious and famous murder cases in British history, forensic science is producing evidence that his execution was a. (Dec. (Science Daily)
You win some, you lose... lots Feb 27, 2009
Royal Bank of Scotland Group will put 325 billion pounds ($US462 billion) of investments into a state insurance program and shift toxic assets to a new unit after posting the biggest loss in British history. 6:45am. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
UK launches bid to insure 500bn of toxic assets Feb 27, 2009
Britain launched a huge scheme yesterday to insure toxic assets that have brought many banks to their knees as Royal Bank of Scotland reported the biggest loss in British history. Increased unemployment in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, and a tightening of credit further reflected a grim picture across the continent. (Business Report, South Africa)
Asian shares flat, heading toward monthly loss Feb 27, 2009
Data on Thursday showed the number of problem banks on a U.S. watchlist jumped in the fourth quarter, while Royal Bank of Scotland reported the biggest corporate loss in British history. Some of the big Asian stock indexes gained on Friday, though analysts were hesitant about whether that would be sustained. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
RBS enters British history with 24 bln loss Feb 26, 2009
RBS enters British history with 24 bln loss ... RBS enters British history with 24 bln loss. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
UK unveils bad debt plan Feb 26, 2009
LONDON/BERLIN Britain launched a huge scheme on Thursday to insure toxic assets that have brought many banks to their knees as Royal Bank of Scotland reported the biggest loss in British history. Increased unemployment in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, and a tightening of credit further reflected a grim picture across the continent. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
British royals unveil statue of queen mother Feb 25, 2009
Prince Charles and his sons William and Harry and other senior members of the royal family were on hand for Tuesday's unveiling, which honored one of the most popular figures in recent British history. The bronze sculpture sits near a statue of the queen mother's husband, King George VI, near Buckingham Palace in central London. (Florida Times-Union)
The Almanac -- weekly Feb 24, 2009
In 1985, British coal miners ended a yearlong strike, the longest and costliest labor dispute in British history. In 1986, the President's Commission on Organized Crime, ending a 32-month investigation, called for drug testing of most working Americans, including all federal employees. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Roy Strong, scourge of so much modern art, champions the wonder horse Feb 12, 2009
But the horse has even older echoes in British history, for the Celts venerated the horse goddess Epona, and magic horses are littered through Saxon and Medieval literature. White horses appear in silhouette on the hillsides of England, the turf cut out to reveal the chalk beneath. (Daily Mail)
Humanities dean hails from Georgetown, international schools Feb 8, 2009
Cruz studied late medieval and early modern British history and later focused on the works of Dante. Cruz has also spoken at conferences in the Middle East and written on Middle Eastern topics. (The Maroon, LA)
