history column
Jose Mourinho’s Opening Gambits, 2004–2016
When Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, his first moves in the transfer market were magnificent. Now at Manchester United, he seems to have adopted a similar strategy.
A Potted History of the European Championships: 1960–2016
Each edition of the European Championships has its own historical narrative, and its own distinct identity. Here, we attempt to tie them all together.
“A Rebel From The Wrong Side of the Tennis Tramlines” – The Legacy of Fred Perry
Prior to Andy Murray’s triumph, Fred Perry was the last British man to win Wimbledon. He was also a libertine, an accidental fashionista, a socialist’s son, and much more.
Life, Death, Tennis and the Nazis: Gottfried von Cramm, The Man That Wimbledon Forgot
Gottfried von Cramm was one of Germany’s greatest tennis players, and a gay sportsman who stood up to the Nazis. His legacy has been overshadowed, but deserves to be brought into the light.
Breaking the Barrier: How Dick Turpin Became Britain's First Black Boxing Champion
From 1911 until 1948, non-white fighters were barred from competing for a British boxing title. 68 years ago this week, Dick Turpin became the first man to break that colour barrier.
Triumph, Theft and "A Very Bloody Death": Remembering Shergar
Come August, Ascot Racecourse will play host to the Shergar Cup. The race is named in honour of a horse whose disappearance, and death, shocked the world.
Football’s Coming Home: Remembering Euro ‘96 Twenty Years On
With the sound of Baddiel and Skinner ringing in our ears, we almost witnessed the England team achieve greatness. Ultimately, though, the tournament ended in heartbreak.
The Greatest of Gentlemen: W. G. Grace Bows Out
W. G. Grace was one of the greatest cricketers of his time, and a proud amateur. He helped to shape the sport as we know it, even as his playing days drew to an end.
Lions of Lisbon: Celtic's Homegrown Heroes and Their European Cup Triumph
49 years ago this week, Celtic became the first British side to claim the European Cup, beating Italian giants Inter Milan 2-1 at the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon.
Live Pigeon Shooting and Hot Air Balloons: Remembering the 1900 Olympic Games
The 1900 Olympics were a failure at the time, but they hold important historical significance for breaking both colour and gender barriers. On the other hand, the event in which live birds were shot down is probably best forgotten.
The Day England's Footballers Gave the Nazi Salute
Ahead of their game against Germany in May 1938, the English national football side gave the Nazi salute. Almost 70 years on it remains among the most controversial moments in the team's history.
More Than 20 Years On, Imola Still Lives With the Ghosts of its Past
22 years on from the darkest weekend in modern F1 history, the Imola circuit still lives with the ghosts of its past.