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‘Terror of kings’: why the 1066 appearance of Halley’s Comet terrified the medieval world

The appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1066, as captured in the Bayeux Tapestry, was seen as a sign of impending change. Giles Gasper, Professor in High Medieval History, Department of History, and Brian Tanner, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Physics, tell us more about the ‘terror of kings’.
A depiction of Halley's comet stitched onto the Bayeux Tapestry. The comet has a ball of fire and a stem with flames coming from the stem like a rocket.

Rabbits were a medieval royal luxury in England – until the Black Death made them commonplace

The European rabbit is a common sight in the British countryside today. Yet it was not always so. They are not native to the British Isles and are one of the most devastating invasive species. Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies explores the fascinating history of the humble rabbit.
A wild brown rabbit with a field of yellow flowers in the background

The little‑known 14th century battle that has shaped English, Scottish and French relations

Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies delves into the history of a little-known battle that had a huge influence on English, Scottish and French relations.
A close up of a medieval metal helmet and sword lay on the floor next to a brown fur cape.

What Andy Burnham can learn from Sweden about defending against Russian disinformation

Drew Caveney-Holler of our School of Government and International Affairs examines what the UK government can learn from Sweden's approach to defending against disinformation.
A close-up of a woman's hand holding a silver mobile phone above a laptop computer on a desk.

The Traitors: the psychology works differently for celebrity players like Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan

Twenty-two people enter a castle with the intention of lying, trusting, murdering and banishing each other. The format of the Traitors is now well established, but the celebrity version of the show highlights some interesting psychological biases which Dr Paddy Ross of our Department of Psychology explores.
A stylised image of a large group of male and female celebrities standing in church pews.