Claire Cock-Starkey

Joined: Nov 3, 2015

Claire Cock-Starkey is a writer and editor based in the UK. Her latest book, The Book Lovers' Miscellany, was published in January 2018. Visit her at www.nonfictioness.com.

Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild, takes a ride through London with his zebra carriage.

Dubious Victorian Advice for Keeping 6 Unusual Pets

The great buckle was excavated from the Sutton Hoo ship burial.

12 Incredible Facts About the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Treasure

The Panagyurishte Treasure's gold phiale is on display in a Bulgarian museum.

11 of the Most Dazzling Hoards Ever Discovered

Glamorous Carole Lombard on the cover of Photoplay.

11 Retro Celebrity Magazines

Guy Fawkes is the reason we remember, remember, the 5th of November.

10 Explosive Facts About Guy Fawkes Night

On November 5, people across Great Britain celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks. But who was Guy Fawkes and why does he have a celebration named after him?

Who Were the Actual Brooks Brothers?

Four actual brothers formed the Brooks Brothers clothing brand after their father had started the menswear business in 1818. It survived scandal and changing styles—but the current economic downturn may be a different story.

7 Mysterious Geological Formations That Still Baffle Scientists

From a lake the color of Pepto-Bismol to mysterious rock rings in the Sahara Desert, these strange geological wonders continue to stump scientists.

10 Vintage Holiday Party Tips from Old Etiquette Manuals

Stumped for holiday party decorating ideas? Scrambling for a thrilling centerpiece that you can light on fire? Look no further than these 10 tips from old-timey etiquette manuals.

A circa 1860s lithograph titled "Fire: The horrors of crinoline & the destruction of human life."

7 Very Victorian Ways to Die

In the Victorian era, a glass of water, a beautiful dress, or a brightly colored piece of wallpaper could all spell your doom.

9 Abandoned Islands Reclaimed by Nature

From the farthest reaches of the Pacific Ocean to upstate New York, these nine islands have been abandoned to the elements.

The Grim Story of the Mackay-Bennett, the Titanic's Mortuary Ship

When the supposedly unsinkable 'Titanic' went down on April 15, 1912, the Halifax-based ship 'Mackay-Bennett' was assigned to recover its victims.

15 Fascinating Facts About Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was a bestselling author, a world-famous illustrator, and a talented naturalist ... but she still disappointed her mom.

Neville Mountford-Hoare/iStock via Getty Images

WEIRD

6 Strange Maritime Mysteries

From the Bermuda Triangle to the Mary Celeste, here are some of the most puzzling enigmas of the deep.

MYSTERY

8 Explorers Who Mysteriously Disappeared (and Some Who’ve Been Found)

Explorers often push the boundaries of survival in the name of glory, so it’s no great surprise that many have gone missing.

Abraham Lincoln's top hat, worn the night of his assassination

HISTORY

The Fates of 7 Grisly Assassination Artifacts

Here's where to see the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore on his final night, and more.

WEIRD

A Scientific Spirit: Sir Francis Bacon and the Ghost Chicken of Highgate

Remember this one next time you prep a frozen chicken.