Discover History

380 years ago - The Guildhall, and the Mayors house is hit by cannon shot! Meanwhile, it is apparent the Parliamentarians are digging siege lines behind St Johns Church. The Bridge parapet is also raised to protect Royalists moving to the Bridge Bastion.

We love sharing this poignant image. A very happy Fathers Day everyone.

We try to remember different anniversaries each month. This month, we have remembered the birth of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, and John Wesley. The death of Charles Dickens, the birth of the Metropolitan Police, and the day King John put his seal to Magna Carta. However, who is this, and what Anniversary should we be celebrating today?

380 years ago - Bakers are refusing to bake bread, due to a lack of payment. More people, have also been asked to fight or leave their City. Meanwhile, a woman is sent with another letter for the King. It asks for fresh orders, and reinforcements to relieve Worcester.

- A popular snack with many people are Jaffa Cakes. They were introduced in 1927 by McVitie and Price. The name is taken from Jaffa Oranges, which were very popular in the 1920s. They brought the exotic taste of the sunny Mediterranean to Britain. These small Genoise Sponge discs contain orange jelly covered in dark chocolate. The original recipe used Apricot Jam and the strong flavour of Tangerine Oil. Sadly it was never trade marked so it was often made by other manufacturers. In WW2 their manufacture ceased. In 1948 McVitie and Price merged with MacFarlane Lang to become United Biscuits. In the 1950s, Jaffa Cakes were back on the shelves, with over 10,000 tins produced daily. Branding improved in the 1960s and by the 1970s the cartoon character, McV, was introduced to promote the brand with children. One stand out advert was Victor Spinetti playing the Mexican Bandit and Jaffa Cake thief. One of the biggest arguments was always, is it a Cake or a Biscuit? In 1991, it was a VAT Tribunal that announced it was definitely a Cake. To back this up, a 12 inch Jaffa Cake was made and it was pointed out, Cakes go hard when stale. Biscuits go soft. In 1994, a new orange peel logo allowed McVities to finally trademark the logo. In more recent years, Jaffa Cake Bars have been produced, along with mini Jaffa Cakes in many flavours. These include Lemon and Lime, Blackcurrant, Strawberry, Pineapple, Cherry and Passion Fruit, and even Cola Bottle Flavour. Today they continue to be popular and are still produced in a large factory in Stockport. Do you like Jaffa Cakes?

Today is the Anniversary of the the Battle of Waterloo. In recent days, we have also remembered the Battle of Naseby (14th June), and the Battle of Stoke Field (16th June).

380 years ago - The City, and it's inhabitants are watching their City being torn apart by enemy Artillery. Henry Townsend calls for - 'Libera nos Domine' (God deliver us) to be read at all church services.

Todays class will see 'many things, many wonderful things'. It's Ancient Egypt day, and Paul is about to open the tomb of Tutankhamen.

You are probably aware, England is playing in the World Cup tonight. Did you know Sir Edward Elgar loved football, and even wrote a chant for his most loved, Wolverhampton Wanderers. The chant was written for Billy Malpass, the 1890s Striker.

380 years ago - Enemy guns concentrate on the parish of St Martin's, and the Cross. St Martin's Church is badly damaged! Col Whalley attempts to cause friction between the Officers, and the Garrison on siege rations. He does this by sending the Governor a freshly killed Deer as a gift.