The Great Plague of London

Running from 1665 to 1666 AD, this was the last major outbreak of the bubonic plague in England, and occurred during the Second Pandemic (a centuries-long period of intermittent bubonic plague epidemics originating in Central Asia in 1331 AD). This was also known as the Black Death, which was carried by rats on ships.

It is estimated that around 100,000 people died within the span of 18 months. Although not as many were killed compared to other, earlier, outbreaks, it was named the ‘great’ plague due to how widespread it was. However, it is possible that the plague would have continued for longer, if not for the Great Fire of London…

The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Occurring just before the Battle of Hastings, this battle is often overlooked, with people mostly focusing on the Norman invasion. However, this battle may have caused the Norman victory, as there was only three weeks between them.

The actual location of the battle is unknown, with sources mentioning Stamford Bridge, and the Derwent River. Naturally, the original wooden bridge no longer exists, along with any archaeological traces. It is thought that the battle might have taken place at a place called Battle Flats, but there is no real evidence to support this.

Salisbury Cathedral

Officially called the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this is a major tourist attraction.

The cathedral itself is one of the leading examples of Early English Gothic architecture, having been built mostly between 1220 and 1258. The spire, however, was built in 1320, before being enlarged to 123 meters, gaining the tallest church spire in the UK, in 1561.

Tourists can take a tour up the spire, as well as visiting the cloister, which is also the largest in Britain, along with the Cathedral Close, which measures in at 80 acres. Another point of interest, is the Magna Carta, which is one of only four surviving copies.

The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus

Also known as the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, this was the more important temple in Rome. Located on Capitoline Hill (so it would be visible from a distance), the temple was surrounded by a precinct containing numerous shrines, altars, statues and trophies.

During its life, the temple suffered three fires, before finally getting pillaged in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. As such, only the foundations and podium survived, although it is not clear which version of the building they are from.

Nathan Hale, Volunteer Spy

Born in Connecticut in 1755, Nathan volunteered for a mission in New York during the American Revolutionary War. Sadly, the mission wasn’t a success, and he was captured and executed. Due to this, Nathan is considered an American hero, and the official designated state hero of Connecticut.

Bodmin Moor

Located in north-east Cornwall, the moor measures about 208 square kilometres, and dates back to the Carboniferous period. Both Brown Willy (Cornwall’s highest point) and Rough Tor can be found on the moor, along with several of Cornwall’s river sources. In fact, Bodmin Moor was originally known as Fowey Moor, after one of the rivers.

Nowadays, the moor is home to cows, sheep and horses, with most of the moor designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s also considerable interest from birdwatchers as the European Stonechats use the moor as a breeding ground, and the Eurasian Golden Plovers tend to over-winter here. As such, the moor is recognised as a separate natural region by Natural England.