Santa Claus & All Things Christmas

Christmas is celebrated all over the world. A Christian festival that is enjoyed with traditions and stories. But who was St Nicolas and how did Santa Claus come about? Who developed the story of Santa’s reindeer and when did sending Christmas cards start and why do we put a fairy on top of the tree? Come and listen to a history of the origins of well loved traditions. 

When Christmas was Cancelled

The Christmas celebrations
that we know today have been a long time in the making, as a religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration in the northern hemisphere, before the arrival of Jesus. Christmas has been celebrated in different ways over the centuries and was even cancelled when England was a republic! 

History of Witches 

Behind the stereotypical image of the witch flying on a broomstick wearing a back pointy hat lies a long history of trials, persecution & torture that claimed the lives of hundreds of women & men. A belief in witches goes back a long time. Anglo Saxon kings made laws about their punishment. Henry VIII brought in the first English Statute in 1542 when no one was safe from the accusation of witchcraft. But things got far worse when James I's came to the throne and the witchcraft craze really took hold. 

Witches in Leicestershire

A witchcraft craze swept through England starting in the mid 1500's and Leicestershire was no exception in having witches living amongst the communities. There are records of witches in Walton on the Wolds, Ashby de la Zouch & other places. Trials and executions were held in Husband Bosworth & a high profile case surrounded Belvoir Castle.

Witches in Tudor Times

Behind the stereotypical image of the witch flying on a broomstick wearing a back pointy hat lies a long history of trials, persecution & torture that claimed the lives of hundreds of women & men. The first English Statute was brought in by Henry VIII in 1542 when no one was safe from the accusation of witchcraft which took hold in Tudor times. 

Chocolate: The Journey to Becoming a Christmas Favourite
A fascinating tale of the rich history of chocolate. Quaker families like Cadbury, Fry, and Rowntree revolutionised chocolate production during the 19th century and eventually came the creation of selection boxes and advent calendars and iconic brands like Quality Street and Roses, all popular at Christmas time. Learn how these pioneering chocolate makers shaped the festive traditions we know today.