The inexplicable disappearance of Lord Lucan In November 1974, a member of the British aristocracy became embroiled in the brutal murder of his children’s live-in nanny. His last official sighting was a few hours after the grisly episode. Richard John Bingham, better known as Lord Lucan, then mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Inevitably, there has…
A brief history of Father Christmas The earliest reckoning of a Father Christmas figure first appearing in Britain was during mid-winter festivals in pre-Christian times. Of course, he wasn’t referred to as Father Christmas then but was just another pagan character who happened to represent the coming of spring. He dressed up in a…
The incredible tale of Kaspar Hauser is a most unusual story. Why? Because it’s about a sudden appearance of a person rather than the much more common disappearance. So, just what is the shadowy 19th-century tale of Kaspar Hauser? Sudden Appearance The story of Kaspar Hauser began on 26 May 1828, when he surreptitiously arrived…
A brief history of Santa Claus The Origin of Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus, has long been steeped in the traditions of Christmas. He is considered to be a jolly fat man with a white beard, who dresses all in red, who brings…
A brief history of Christmas Day Christmas is a time celebrated by Christians (and increasingly non-Christians) around the world. According to tradition, it’s a time when family and friends come together, indulge in feasting, give (especially to children) and receive presents, and generally have a good time. However, the 25th December, Christmas Day, is one…
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