Samantha Arrowsmith

Joined: Mar 7, 2022

Samantha Arrowsmith is a freelance writer who lives in the UK. She writes about anything that intrigues her but can’t resist stories involving history, sharks or the golden age of cinema. When not writing, she is reading historical fiction and collecting old telephones. Find her at www.greenhare.co.uk.

A great white shark breaches at Seal Island, False Bay, South Africa.

8 Unusual Shark Behaviors That Might Surprise You

Katherine Parr lived a fascinating life, both before and after marrying Henry VIII.

10 Facts About Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's Wife Who ’Survived’

Mary I (pictured) did not trust her younger half-sister.

5 Ways Mary I Tried to Thwart Elizabeth I

Some priceless pieces were found by amateurs.

10 Rediscovered British Treasures

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor ruled New York City in the Gilded Age.

11 Facts About the Astor Family

For more than a century, the Astors were the richest family in America, and their shrewd marriages linked them to some of the most politically powerful families.

King Charles II's mistress, Barbara Palmer.

11 of the Most Influential Royal Lovers in British History

Some of the most influential people in British history have been the monarch’s lover rather than their spouse

If you see a magpie, have an onion ready.

The History of 12 British Superstitions

When it comes to weird and wacky superstitions, the United Kingdom has developed some real oddities

James II Of Scotland was killed by his own cannon.

10 Weird Ways Royals Have Died

These 10 British royals took a decidedly odd way out.

Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke Of Edinburgh on their coronation day.

A Rundown on English and British Royal Eras

Since 1485 English (and later British) cultural periods have been named after the monarch or group of monarchs who occupied the throne.

Albert Victor and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck.

10 Royal Heirs Who Died Before They Reigned

These are some of the least fortunate royal heirs in English history—those who waited in vain and died before they could ever reign.