German Castle Paid for by British Tax Payers

Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer was instrumental in paving the way for his master the way to Great Britain and Ireland's throne. The Elector of Hanover showed his gratitude with largesse and the count built one of the most beautiful castles in northern Europe. After extensive restoration by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it can now be admired in its baroque beauty. The money to build a palace in Germany, by the way, didn't come from Hanover.

The Man Who Bought Louisiana

Coming from Geneva in Switzerland, the aristocrat Albert de Gallatin launched his unusual immigrant career 235 years ago in America. Albert de Gallatin was part of the American government under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Yet he is practically forgotten, both in America and in Switzerland. A few measly parks and schools bear his name, but look outside the library of the Senate, and no one knows a thing.

Donate a Spitfire

In 1939, the Minister for Aircraft Production in the United Kingdom had a bright idea. He promoted the possibility for individuals, companies, and clubs to donate a fighting aircraft towards the war effort. In return for their largess, the name of their choice was painted in 4in-high yellow characters on the fuselage in front of the cockpit. In your teeth, Krauts.

History Of 12 Days Of Christmas

A short time after the divorce of Henry VIII from Queen Catherine, living as a Catholic in England became a bit of a bother. The inconvenience was losing your estates, your properties, or your head, or all of the above. As Catholics were repressed, their teachings went underground. One way of doing that was with teaching songs. One of these teaching songs was 12 Days Of Christmas.

Fugitives on The Long March

It has meanwhile passed into Chinese folklore as The Long March; in reality it was a long flight. If I say folklore then that is incorrect; folklore is made by the people. The myth of the long march was invented by Mao Zedong to glorify the communist cause, but more himself. Always thinking of himself first, like any good communist he not only caused unmeasured suffering but sold it as a triumph.