Historical Biographies


Feature Writer: William Silvester
William Silvester, Winnie Silvester

The colourful personalities of famous people come alive to share their shortcomings, passions and achievements. Cross the boundaries imposed by time and space, and come face to face with your favourite (and not so favourite) historical figures.

Explore uncharted lands with Jacques Cartier and John Cabot, thrill to the heroism of Victoria Cross recipients George Richardson and Tim O'Hea, witness the violence and debauchery of Emperor Claudius' wife Messalina, admire the courage of Red Cross founder Clara Barton, read about the reigns of Britain's royalty or ponder the mysterious deaths of J.P. Radelmuller and Rudolf Diesel.

It's all here, plus much more, just click on the link below and board your own time machine.

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William Silvester

A Brief History of Tristan da Cunha

In: Historical Biographies (general)

Fearing the worst, Tristan da Cunha was evacuated as volcanic activity threatened to engulf the island. more...

Explorer Giovanni da Verrazano

In: Explorers

This one-time pirate was the first to explore North America's Atlantic Coast for France but his exploits are largely forgotten today. more...

Ken Leishman - The Flying Bandit

In: Criminals/Outlaws

Also known as 'The Gentleman Bandit' he achieved almost folk hero status due mainly to his demeanor and lack of violence in his robberies. more...

Elisabeth of Bavaria

In: Monarchs

Famed for her beauty and fashion sense the reluctant Empress had little time for anything but traveling. more...

Henry Hudson, Explorer

In: Explorers

For five years he searched for the fabled North-West Passage only to suffer a mutiny and disappear in the bay that bears his name. more...

Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth

In: Explorers

Ponce de Leon has been long associated with the search for the Fountain of Youth, but was he really looking for it? more...

Lieutenant Robert Shankland VC

In: Historical Biographies (general)

The situation was critical, Shankland and his men were cut off and about to loose the position they had just won at a terrible cost in lives. more...

Colonel Heinz Brandt

In: Historical Biographies (general)

By the simple act of moving a briefcase Heinz Brandt saved the life of one of the most despised men in history. more...

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