John Edmonstone, a Guyanese native born into slavery, became a successful taxidermist in 19th-century Edinburgh, mentoring notable figures like Charles Darwin. He mastered unique preservation techniques and significantly contributed to natural history. Edmonstone's life exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of knowledge while overcoming systemic adversity, leaving a lasting legacy in academia and business.

Originally called Leim Ui Bhanain, or “Leap of the O’Bannons,” Leap Castle is widely regarded as the most haunted castle in Ireland. It suffers from a long and bloody history, including feuding brothers, slain priests, and tragic battles. Ghosts haunting its winding corridors include the Red Lady, two little girls, and an ancient spirit called IT (not Stephen King's creation). Focal points for most of the paranormal activity are the Bloody Chapel and Murder Hole Room.

Bessie Blount, a prominent mistress of Henry VIII, was admired for her beauty, intelligence, and charm. She bore Henry’s only acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, in 1519. Bessie enjoyed wealth and royal favors, maintaining a friendly relationship with Henry VIII through the rest of her life. She died in 1540, leaving behind a small legacy tied to Tudor history.

Richard Heber, an avid bibliophile and politician in early 19th-century England, dedicated his life to amassing a remarkable library of 146,000 books. His political career faced scandal due to rumors surrounding his close and likely romantic relationship with Charles Henry Hartshorne. Heber's life ended in isolation, leaving a vast collection that made him renowned.

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, an underrated Victorian writer, is celebrated for his haunting ghost stories, particularly in The Purcell Papers. His influential works, like Uncle Silas and Carmilla, shaped the Gothic fiction and ghost story genres, inspiring authors such as Henry James and Bram Stoker. Despite his significance, Le Fanu remains largely unrecognized today.

Edward Dando, known as the "oyster-eater," became infamous for dining and dashing in 19th-century London. Notable for his gluttony, he consumed massive amounts of oysters without payment. Despite multiple arrests, he remained unrepentant. His life inspired works by Dickens and other writers, even after his death from cholera in 1832.

In March 1866, Janet Rogers was found murdered at her brother's farm a few days after arriving to help with household duties while he was between domestic servants. Suspicion fell on both William, who had inconsistencies in his story, and a former servant, James, who was accused but acquitted. The case remains unsolved, making it one of the oldest cold cases in the UK.

Kidwelly Castle, built in the 12th century, defended Norman landholdings against the Welsh and featured in the opening scenes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its haunted history includes the ghost of warrior princess Gwenllian, who was beheaded, and the spirit of Nest, a tragic lover. Echoes of battles also resonate in the castle's grounds.

Chevalière d'Éon was an 18th-century French soldier, diplomat, and spy who famously lived as both a man and a woman. Her life was marked by espionage, legal disputes over gender identity, and a significant role in political intrigue. D'Éon became a symbol of gender non-conformity, leaving a complex legacy.

Julie d’Aubigny, a remarkable figure of the 17th century, captivated audiences with her opera performances and dueling skills. Her life, marked by her bisexuality and defiance of societal norms, featured adventurous escapades including dueling three men and rescuing a lover from a convent, leading to a legacy celebrated for authenticity and passion.

Marie-Louise Coidavid, born in 1778 in Haiti, was the wife of Henri Christophe, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution. After Haiti achieved independence in 1804, Henri became king of the northern part of Haiti. Following her husband's suicide, Marie-Louise faced exile, eventually settling in Italy where she lived until her death in 1851, remembered as Haiti's first and only queen.

About two years ago I wrote up a blog post on weird Victorian Christmas traditions. One tradition was odd Christmas cards, which has interested me so much, I’m writing another blog post exclusively on this one tradition. It’s also a really great excuse to display more really strange cards, such as children riding critters, dead birds, and toads fencing. Take a look at these 25 weird Victorian Christmas cards.

About two years ago I wrote up a blog post on weird Victorian Christmas traditions. One tradition was odd Christmas cards, which has interested me so much, I’m writing another blog post exclusively on this one tradition. It’s also a really great excuse to display more really strange cards, such as children riding critters, dead birds, and toads fencing. Take a look at these 25 weird Victorian Christmas cards.

Escaping an abusive marriage, Liane de Pougy fed to Paris and transformed herself into a successful courtesan and stage performer. Her rivalry with fellow courtesan La Belle Otero heightened her fame amongst the Parisian public, while her love life was often scrutinized. She took on male and female lovers, including her famous affair with American writer Natalie Clifford Barney.

If you love making drinks from historical recipes, look no further! Check out these 10 popular drinks from the Regency era, including alcoholic ones like Regent's Punch, Flip, and Ratafia, and non-alcoholic ones, like drinking chocolate, saloop, and tea. Recipes are included for most beverages in this article.

Francis Williams is speculated to have been the first person of African descent to attend Cambridge, although records are contested. A potential subject of a social experiment by the 2nd Duke of Montagu to test whether those of African descent could equal Caucasian intellectual achievements, Williams later established a free school in Jamaica for children of African descent, challenging sociopolitical norms. Despite racism and societal constraints, he left his legacy as a landowner, scholar, poet, and disruptor of racial bias.

Born into a theatrical family, Sarah Rachel Russell, alias Madame Rachel, clawed her way out of poverty by becoming a con artist and blackmailer. She operated a fraudulent cosmetics shop, promising her wealthy customers everlasting beauty before blackmailing them.

Vast moorland, sinister weather, and family tragedies inspired Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Here are a few of my favorite dark, romantic, and brooding quotes that explore these elements of the classic masterpiece.

Blickling Hall, famous for being the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, is said to be haunted by her headless ghost. Other headless ghosts spotted at Blickling include her father Sir Thomas Boleyn, her brother George Boleyn, and an army of headless horses. Other apparitions include that of Sir John Fastolfe, Henry Hobart, and a Grey Lady.

Isadora Duncan, known as the "Mother of Modern Dance," lived a life punctuated by triumph and tragedy. Born into poverty, she established herself as a groundbreaking dancer, drawing inspiration from ancient art, folk dances, and nature. She founded several dance schools and toured through Europe and the Americas during much of her life, despite experiencing severe personal losses and hardships. She's also known for her string of female and male lovers.

Adore the Regency era? Love food? Check out these 10 popular desserts from the Regency! Includes Ratafia cake, cheesecake, Prince of Wales biscuits, flummery, and more.

Charles E. Boles, alias Black Bart, was an infamous stagecoach robber in California in the 1870s and 1880s. He usually targeted Wells Fargo stagecoaches, and he earned the reputation as a gentleman robber throughout his 28 thefts for treating innocent passengers with kindness. He also left poetry at a few of his crime scenes.

Born in New York City in 1807, Ira Aldridge rose to fame as an actor, particularly gifted at Shakespearean roles, at a time when slavery was still practiced in the United States and British Empire. He toured through England and continental Europe, gaining popular acclaim for his acting talents, and used his celebrity to advocate for abolition and racial equality.

William John Bankes, once called the "father of mischief" by his friend Lord Byron, was a 19th century Egyptologist, explorer, and politician. He played an integral role in the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics. However, he had to flee England after facing two charges of homosexuality, which would have resulted in his death if he'd been convicted.