Prof Jasper Heathcoat-Beech

Just 2 berths left for January's inaugural Zoom-based 'ProdTheProf' Q&A ask-me-anything-about-history session, also featuring the legendary Dr Doug Pitt (to ensure our laugh-while-you-learn metrics look impressive...). DM for more info or to reserve a slot. Precise time/date to be arranged.

Lots of chat about the British monarchy at the mo. Writing in 1867, Walter Bagehot listed odd 'theoretical' powers Queen Victoria still held under the constitution, e.g. declaring war with the aim of conquering Brittany & the right to make peace by giving away Cornwall... #History

#History's Game Time #2: Mehen. Originating 3000 BC, shared name of #AncientEgypt's coiled snake-god. Board represents a coiled snake. But no sign of a ladder. Players raced to the centre, symbolising journey of the soul (Ba) through underworld post-mortem. 'Mouse Trap' it ain't

#History's Game Time #1: The Royal Game of Ur. Mesopotamian, 3rd millennium BC. 2 players. 4-sided dice. Set of rules still exists: get your counters across board & off other side, capturing opponent's counters. A game of strategy. My strategy? To cheat. Loser's strop mandatory.

an elderly woman stands in front of a white board with the words very interesting history written on it ALT: an elderly woman stands in front of a white board with the words very interesting history written on it

All systems go for kicking off #ProdTheProf in January - Zoom-based fun-fests where Dr Doug Pitt & I chat with you about history & try to answer ANY history question you chuck at us! Interested in joining us? DM me & we'll explore times of the day/days of the week that suit you!

Tall Tales from #History #1: George Ward Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Disraeli's Cabinet of 1868, was taller than Queen Victoria even when he knelt in front of her. She should have stood on a crate or sat on someone's shoulders, just to emphasise her social superiority.

Tall Tales from #History #2: Peter the Great...was six feet eight. Sounds like the start of a scurrilous poem. Tsar 1682-1725, outstripped normal folk by over a foot. Reminds me of the joke about the king who was only 12 inches tall. Terrible monarch but he did make a good ruler.

Coming in 2026: Prod the Prof! Zoom-based get-togethers where we can chat about history, you can ask my guests and me ANY history-related question and we'll give you the answer (or make one up). Let me know if interested in joining us! Places strictly limited! #ProdTheProf

Just 7 days to go till Dr Doug Pitt and I head out on the highway to host our next #Avebury History Walk, Talk & Gawk. A special not-quite-the-equinox 'equinot' event. Kicking off outside the Red Lion and ending up at...the Red Lion. Why not join us & our other willing walkers?

a map of the world shows the year 1284 ALT: a map of the world shows the year 1284

As we approach the equinox & the elements start to remember why they can be so elemental, let's consider History's Worst Weather: #1 Typhoons Blow Kublai Khan Off Course. Twice. In 1274 & 1281, vicious tropical storms wreck Mongol invasion fleets heading for Japan. Japandemonium! #History

Always!!!😂😂😂

Well, 'What-iffery in History: A Dozen Things that Didn't Happen (But Nearly Did)' has made it to Greece, under Plato's watchful eye in front of the Academy of Athens (Ακαδημία Αθηνών). Credit: @nomadpossumgr.bsky.social and a Japanese lady's hand. #NewBooks #HistoryBooks #Plato #Books

Just 14 days till cult archaeologist Dr Doug Pitt and I head off to #Avebury for our not-quite-the-equinox History Walk, Talk & Gawk 'event'. Do join us if you can! We'll shed some light on this exhilarating landscape, get several thousand steps in & have some fun in the process.

History, with a twist of what-ifs... #Books #NewBooks #HistoryBooks #FunnyBooks #History

What-iffery in History: A Dozen Things that Didn't Happen (But Nearly Did)

Available from Amazon

A little pressie arrived by post this morning! The new book by my very clever pal @profjasperh-b.bsky.social.
It’s not just your average dull history book - it’s a good ol’ laugh, just like all Jasper’s books.
Give him a follow and buy his book. It’s totally worth it! 📚🤩📚
#books

Thanks, John - hugely appreciated, as always!

Blimey! 'What-iffery in History: A Dozen Things That Didn't Happen (But Nearly Did)' has picked up a couple of 5-star Amazon reviews. Thx!!

Just a reminder, Dr Doug Pitt and I will be hosting a History Walk, Talk & Gawk round the magnificent Avebury landscape on Friday 19th September. Let me know if you'd like to join us as we lift the lid on this simply amazing place and have quite a lot of fun while we do so...

Summer evening sunset over Barbury Castle Hillfort, N Wiltshire, August 2025

Summer evening sunset over Barbury Castle Hillfort, N Wiltshire, August 2025

A gorgeous summer evening sunset over Barbury Castle for #HillfortsWednesday

Thanks for letting me know. If it helps, we'll be starting 10.30 on the Fri & you could bale out anytime. We'll do a loop of the henge/circle, then head down the Avenue to West Kennet long barrow for a refreshment stop, then head back to the pub at 2-ish. E.g. you could just join us for the 1st bit.

@pauld70.bsky.social Just to let you know, I'm looking to schedule a History Walk, Talk & Gawk ramble round Avebury on Fri Sept 19, accompanied by my estimable colleague Dr Doug Pitt. Do join us if you can!

Confirmed! Friday 19th Sept: cult archaeologist Dr Doug Pitt and I will be doing a History Walk, Talk & Gawk ramble round Avebury! Join us as we explore this amazing site, get some exercise, mark the equinox and accidentally end up in the Red Lion's beer garden... #AveburyWalk

Brilliant! Thanks!

Hitler goes to art school. Farming flops. No-one's heard of Shakespeare. England doesn't happen. Ditto teabags and the Norman Conquest. The Ancient World takes different turns. Can't beat a bit of pointless mulling over things that never happened! #WIIH From Amazon

Out now... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKZH3W4...

Out today on Amazon! www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKZH3W4...

In April 1912, a famous local newspaper headline here in the UK screamed LOCAL MAN DROWNS. (Poor chap was actually on the Titanic.) I've often wondered whether a similar headline, LOCAL MAN INVADES REICH, appeared in June 1944...

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR WORK! The so-called 'Wicked Bible' printed in 1631 accidentally left out the word 'not' in the 7th commandment. Talk about green light! Also reputedly misspelt ‘greatness’ in the Book of Deuteronomy: “Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his great-asse…” #History

A Quick #History 'Did You Know?' In total, it's generally accepted there were 11 Roman emperors called Constantine. So enough for a cricket team. Pretty sure Constantine the Great would insist on opening the bowling. And the batting. And doing all the interviews. #RomanHistory #AncientHistory

"Annoyingly brilliant" @dorotheacalm.bsky.social
"An irritatingly good read" Professor Simon Pyman
"Irksomely entertaining" Lord Justice Once
"Gallingly engaging" Sir Titus Fock

Available from Amazon and other major waterways.

#HistoryBooks #History #OffbeatBooks