Thoughtful

Twenty British Surnames That Reveal Viking Ancestry

The Vikings began raiding Britain in the late eighth century, but they did far more than simply plunder monasteries. Danish and Norwegian settlers established communities across northern and eastern England,

British Surnames with Political Connections

Politics has shaped Britain for centuries, and many British surnames preserve reminders of that history. Some originated as titles or official positions within mediaeval government, while others derive from people

Britain's Poshest Surnames

Some British surnames have become closely associated with aristocracy, landed wealth and the upper classes. In many cases, this reputation comes from centuries of ownership of great estates, close ties

Britain's Most Unusual Listed Buildings

When people hear the words "listed building", they tend to think of grand country houses, ancient churches, mediaeval cottages or imposing town halls. But Britain's listed-building heritage is considerably stranger —

Britain's Most Beautiful Beaches

Britain might not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of beautiful beaches. We have no shortage of rain, the sea is rarely tropical

• The Friday Fun British Test
• Dilbert Archives