Sue Cook presents the series that examines listeners' historical queries, exploring avenues of research and uncovering mysteries.
Series 10
Programme 3
Programme 3 - 2ÌýNovember 2004
Listeners' queries
Dr Robert Armstrong (1788-1867) - Gaelic lexicographer
"Can you tell me about Dr Robert Armstrong, who compiled the first Gaelic dictionary? We found some of his papers in a writing-box bought at auction." Find out more about Dr Armstrong
Balbo's Italian Air Armada
"In my late mother's photo album from 1933 are some photos of some extraordinary flying-boats on Lough Foyle in Northern Ireland. They are labelled as 'Balbo's Italian Air Armada'. There were apparently 24 of these, which flew in formation from Italy to America, making several stops. Why, and who was Balbo?" Find out more about Balbo's Italian Air Armada
Short trousers for boys
"I am very interested to know how the fashion of short trousers for boys came about. It seems to have started in the early 1920s and finished about 1960. Photographs before the 1914-18 war show boys wearing knee breeches and stockings." Find out more about short trousers
Conkers - collected for use in two world wars
"Recently I was a loaned a publication which discussed the collection of conkers during wartime for the Ministry of Supply. It said:
'Collecting groups are being organised in your district. Groups of scholars & boy scouts are being organised to collect conkers. Receiving depots are being opened in most districts. All schools, W.V.S. centres, W.I.s, are involved. Boy Scout leaders will advise you of the nearest depot where 7/6 per cwt is being paid for immediate delivery of the chestnuts (without the outer green husks). This collection is invaluable war work and is very urgent. Please encourage it.'
I am very curious about this urgent need for conkers. Can you throw some light on it?" Find out more about war conkers
Roman baths - how they were kept clean
"The ancient Romans have always had a reputation for cleanliness. Where there was a Roman there was sure to be a bath. But how did they keep them from going green and murky without the use of chemicals and filtration as in modern pools? I'm sure lavish use of slaves sieving the water through tights wouldn't have been enough." Find out more about Roman baths
Vanessa has presentedÌýscience and current affairs programmes for ±«Óãtv, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Discovery and has presented for ±«Óãtv Radio 4 & Five Live and a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, Scotsman and Sunday Herald.Ìý
Contact Making History
Send your comments and questions for future programmes to:
Making History
±«Óãtv Radio 4
PO Box 3096 Brighton
BN1 1PL
Vanessa has presentedÌýscience and current affairs programmes for ±«Óãtv, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Discovery and has presented for ±«Óãtv Radio 4 & Five Live and a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, Scotsman and Sunday Herald.Ìý