London's Norwegian Christmas tree Could you envision London celebrating Christmas without its iconic Christmas tree on Trafalgar Square? Ever since 1947, this beautifully lit-up tree is gifted each year by the people of Norway. It is a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s support in fighting off the German invasion in 1940. The tree is 20-25 … Continue reading How the Christmas tree came to Britain
Early reluctance, later tenacity William Wilberforce was born on 24th August 1759 in Kingston upon Hull. He became an independent MP for Yorkshire in 1784 and kept his seat in Parliament for 28 years. His name is synonymous with the 18th century campaign for the abolition of the slave trade. William Wilberforce though was not … Continue reading William Wilberforce’s legacy
Florence Nightingale's legacy Florence Nightingale was born this week in 1820 (on 12th May). She is widely known for her influence on elevating nursing from a menial task to a respectable and appreciated profession. In 19th century Victorian Britain, nursing was considered a dirty profession of questionable reputation and left in the hands of the … Continue reading Florence Nightingale: her dream and her resilience
Women's long battle for equal rights It’s here – at last! Millicent Fawcett's statue was unveiled this week, the first woman to be honoured on Parliament Square, and with her all those who fought the long and hard fight for women to have equal rights, in Britain and beyond. Millicent Fawcett, Lydia Becker, the Pankhursts … Continue reading The Women’s Rights Movement and Evangelicalism
