Seahiggins

In last week’s assemblies, for International Women’s Day, I spoke about my Nan. Born in Barnsley in 1895, she lived until 1994, one year short of a telegram from the Queen. No statues or history books. Just quiet courage, hard work, and an enduring commitment to her family.

Absolutely fascinating talk at the IHR this evening on newly catalogued legal records at the National Archives. Many thanks to Dan Gosling for such an insightful session. I’m very much looking forward to exploring these resources further in my own research.

The BBC stands accused of editing Mr Trump’s speech. I sympathise — the Surbiton Cultural Circle once cut my entire peroration on Proust, claiming it was ‘unsuitable for a raffle interval’.

The Beehive Tavern is serving vegan Camembert tonight. That’s not cheese. That’s deceit with a rind.

Trick or treaters at the door. Lucy insists I hand out sweets. I offer a silver bonbonnière of crystallised violets and sugared almonds. Apparently, I’m ‘the problem.’

Don’t forget to put your sundials back tonight.

Who shapes your world? Our new exhibition Secret Maps opens today – discover some of history’s most mysterious maps, from medieval manuscripts to military codes 🤫 🗺️ Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps

It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.

The Honeychurches claim they were “at church” during today’s Louvre jewellery heist. A convincing alibi, spoiled only by Freddy jingling like a crystal chandelier.

So isn’t it interesting that a new artwork – even a temporary one – in Canterbury Cathedral today can reignite this intensive debate. I’ve generalised above of course, but if you’d like to know more, you can buy my book. Yes, this has been plug! 🙏 End/ amazon.co.uk/Invention-Brit…

While the leaves turn gold and amber, my white garden says, ‘Not ready to leave the spotlight yet.’ #GardenersWorld

There’s another repeat of Britain’s Lost Masterpieces on BBC4 tonight, 8pm. On Francesco Trevisani, an overlooked and talented painter who gave Caravaggism a twist.

What an absolutely amazing series this has been! I have learned so much - and will continue to delve into that rich archive. Thank you Melvyn, and all the producers and academics, for enlightening us!

I absolutely ❤️ this

David Attenborough narrates a teacher preparing for back to school! FYI my classroom is as unprepared as it’s ever been and I literally just filmed this video, fed the fish and left 😭

ChatGPT with apologies to Gillray.

Light the beacons!

Ah yes, the White House ballroom - because nothing says gravitas like mirrored ceilings and a rotating disco eagle.

Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Congratulations, @Lionesses!

Fake or Fortune? is back one week from today. BBC1 21st of JULY 9pm. Here is a quick overview.