Long History

William Gladstone, the archetypal Victorian prime minister, was, nevertheless, disliked by Queen Victoria. He had a very long political career, during which he became one of the great reformers. Who was the man who dominated politics during the whole of the second half of the 19th century?

(8 of 15) Cartier's 1535 exploration of Canada have headed further up the St Lawrence River. What are the earliest written descriptions of the area of today’s Montreal?

(7 of 15) On his 1535 journey up the St Lawrence River, Cartier has reached the Quebec City area. What did the people of the area, then called Stadacona, do to stop Cartier going further up the river? Why did Cartier insist on proceeding?

The Dukes of Devonshire and their family are famed for many things, including Chatsworth, their historic and beautiful seat in Derbyshire. One member of this well-connected family was briefly prime minister. Find out about his time in office here.

(6 of 15) What were earliest French sightings of the area of today’s Quebec city, and its people?

(5 of 15) How were early explorations of the St Lawrence River described?

How did Churchill's heir, Eden, become prime minister? How did the end of the British empire cut Eden's time short as prime minister? Find out about the Suez crisis and its consequences, both for the UK and for the 41st prime minister.

(4 of 15) During his 1534 journeys to explore the Atlantic coast of Canada, why did famous French explorer Jacquer Cartier cut his first journey short and return home?

(3 of 15) What were first meetings like between the French and the people of Canada?

The 11th prime minister was in office when the United States declared their independence. How and why did Frederick North - Lord North - lose America?

(2 of 15) How does Cartier describe the northern coast of Newfoundland and the waters on the way to Prince Edward Island?

(1 of 15) Jacques Cartier explored and named the St Lawrence river during three journeys beginning in 1534. Theories also suggest he was the first European to use the name Canada. Here listen to the account of the three journeys by the man himself. What did the famous French explorer find as he sailed from the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland into Canada's interior?

Robert Walpole, the first prime minister, was a huge act to follow. Did the second prime minister live up to his famous predecessor? (quick answer: no)

Vasco da Gama's journey to India changed the world. What are some of the surprises contained in the document describing that journey?

Discover the main events in this Portuguese explorer's historic journey. Follow da Gama as he opens a sea route from Europe to India via the tip of South Africa.

The 20th prime minster was an accidental prime minister who barely stayed in the job for four months. How did he end up with the job, and why did he leave so quickly? Was it something to do with his nicknames: Goody, Prosperity and the Blubberer?

(10 of 10) After exploring the southern Caribbean, on his return to Hispaniola, what does Columbus find?

(9 of 10) How does Columbus describe the coast to the north of Venezuela?

Also known as Viscount Melbourne, this was Queen Victoria's first prime minister, who gave his name to an Australian city. Find out more about the man and his wife's infamous love affair with Lord Byron.

(8 of 10) On his third journey Columbus explores the gulf of Paria between Trinidad and Venezuela. When does he finally escape the gulf?

(7 of 10) Columbus is exploring the waters between Trinidad and today's Venezuela. What riches does he find here?

The tenth prime minister was an aristocrat whose time in office was dominated by scandal. Find out about the first divorced prime minister and his attitude to the fateful tea tax.

(6 of 10) In this episode, Las Casas, who wrote this document based on Columbus' journals, condemns Columbus' treatment of the people he met in the Caribbean. How was Columbus criticised by Las Casas?

(5 of 10) How does Columbus describe the waters of the Orinoco river?

The first wholly 19th century prime minister was Henry Addington. He was also the first to take office in the newly defined United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the first middle class prime minister. Find out about this apparently unambitious, stopgap prime minister here.