DIY History

History comes to life when you get involved and do it yourself. In this DIY section we show you how to get hands on with the history around us. You do not need fancy equipment to try these activities. Everything required is a household item or cheaply available in shops.

Recipes

The most recently published recipe is Roman style salad dressing.

Click here for information on our recipes, the history of cooking, past tastes and influences.

Topics and Activities:

This section looks at the way pub and inn signs can help a local historian trace local links to famous people, places and events.

Quick clicks to topics

• Recipes from the past
• Trace your ancestors
• Explore brass rubbing
• Herbs from the ancient garden
• Reviews
• House History Hunting
• Calligraphy
• Early British Music
• Collecting and Conservation

Explore Brass rubbing
There are approximately 8,000 monumental brasses in churches around the UK. It is easy to make your own lasting copies of these wonderful memorials.

Herbs from the ancient garden
Learn about the history of herbs in the UK and browse practical advice on how to create your own herb garden.
Read our guide to find out which herbs were used for seasoning, medicines and aromatic purposes throughout the ages.

House History Hunting
A beginners' guide to house history with tips on how to uncover the past life of your home. The expert advice is provided by building historian Jean Manco.

Calligraphy
A beginner's guide looking at the lettering skills of ancient scribes and showing how to make a goose quill pen.