Frank Hurley’s legacy as a pioneering photographer and adventurer is filled with tales of extreme environments, survival, and an enduring passion for capturing the world’s most remote landscapes. Born James Francis Hurley in October 1885 in Glebe, Sydney, Australia, Hurley’s journey from a rebellious teenager to a legendary photographer is remarkable. His father, Edward, was a Lancashire-born typesetter and trade unionist, while his mother, Margaret, came from a family of vin

Shackleton set out to cross Antarctica. Instead Endurance was crushed, the men spent months drifting on ice, then reached Elephant Island. Six sailed the tiny James Caird to South Georgia and every man survived. A calm, human survival story like no other.

It's been well documented that AC/DC are the greatest band in the history of the galaxy, I've seen them a fair few times live and I can attest to their god-like status. (I even named my firstborn son after their lead guitarist) This is Bon's story though, the hell-raising singer that was with the band until his tragic death in 1980. Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott was born on July 9, 1946, in Forfar, Scotland , and grew up in the nearby town of Kirriemuir. His parents, Charles B

@burpzine is an Instagram series created by pastry chef Erik Vernieuwe in his spare time. Prepare to feast your eyes on a delightful spectacle: a series featuring sausages adorned in the likeness of celebrities, iconic artworks, and beloved cartoon characters. Indulge yourself below!

Everyone knows DHL , a lot of us will have used them from time to time. The business was set up in 1969 by three guys called Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn and now has upwards of 380,000 employees and turned the three owners into extremely wealthy men. Today we're not looking at the D or the L in DHL but we're taking a look at the H, Larry Hillblom. Born in Kingsburg, California in 1943, Hillblom pursued a career in law in San Francisco. However, he soon discer

On a summer day in 1924, a crowd gathered for what, at first glance, seemed like an ordinary mass baptism. Parents stood proudly with their children, ready to take part in the kind of ceremony that often marked a milestone in religious communities. But this was no regular Sunday service. As the families approached the clergyman, a group of 50 men in white robes stepped forward, their faces obscured by hoods, leaving no question about who they were or what this event truly rep

In the history of American photography, the name Karl Moon stands out for his captivating portrayal of Native American life. Born in 1879, Moon embarked on a journey that would immortalize the cultures, traditions, and faces of indigenous peoples across the American West. His work not only captured moments in time but also served as a bridge between worlds, bringing the rich tapestry of Native American life to a wider audience. Raised in Wilmington, Ohio, Carl (originally Kar

Newgate Prison was once London’s most feared place, home to daring escapes, grim legends and the terrifying Black Dog said to haunt cannibalistic inmates. Its stones may be gone but its stories remain unforgettable.

In the 19th century, certain books were bound in a specific type of leather made from human skin, obtained from individuals who did not consent to it. This practice, known as Anthropodermic bibliopegy, was prevalent between the 16th and 19th centuries. Doctors primarily bound these books, sourcing the skin from deceased patients or criminals who had been executed. Through advancements in technology, we have identified 18 books bound with human skin, although it is believed th

At around 8pm on March 20, 1974, Princess Anne and her husband of four months were being driven back to Buckingham Palace after a charity film screening. Anne's lady-in-waiting rode with them in the back of a maroon Rolls-Royce, while Inspector James Beaton of Scotland Yard's royal protection branch sat up front as their only bodyguard. Along The Mall, a white Ford Escort suddenly cut in front of them, forcing their chauffeur to stop about 200 yards from the palace gates. A b

In the chronicles of great explorers, the name Matthew Henson is often overlooked, relegated to a place far removed from the prominence it truly deserves. Henson’s life is one of remarkable courage, perseverance, and tenacity—qualities that would be impressive in any individual, but are even more astounding when one considers the racial prejudices of his time. As a black man born in the United States in the 19th century, Henson faced not only the unforgiving Arctic wilderness

Nelson on the deck of HMS Victory after being shot by a sniper. Life in the British Navy during the 18th century was far from...

Discover the remarkable life of Dr James Barry, the 19th century British Army surgeon who rose to Inspector General of Hospitals and performed one of the first successful Caesarean sections before a secret revealed after death stunned the empire.

By the early 1970s, Johnny Nash was a rising star, particularly in the UK, where his smooth reggae-influenced hit “I Can See Clearly Now” was becoming a massive success. Nash had been pivotal in bringing reggae to a wider international audience, especially after spending time in Jamaica, where he worked with local artists, including a then-unknown Bob Marley. At that time, Marley was still relatively unknown outside Jamaica, and although he had begun gaining recognition with

During their 1982 tour, Van Halen made a unique request in their tour riders: a bowl of M&M's, but with all the brown ones taken out, to be provided in the dressing room at each venue. This demand was widely viewed as an extravagant whim, with many believing that the band was pushing boundaries and testing the limits of what they could request from concert organisers. But the seemingly ludicrous request was actually a shrewd business move. (I was reminded of it while reading

Today is 3 October, and on this date in 1283, Dafydd ap Gruffydd met an infamously grisly end at the hands of the English crown. He wasn’t just any nobleman. He was a Prince of Wales in the truest sense, one born into the ancient royal line of Gwynedd, a Welshman fighting for Welsh independence long before we had inherited titles and investiture ceremonies at Caernarfon Castle. His death wasn’t just an execution; it was a political theatre piece. And its brutality marked the

In the summer of 1973, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's marriage faced turmoil. Ono proposed an unconventional solution: Lennon should engage in an affair with their assistant, May Pang. This decision led to Lennon's "Lost Weekend," an 18-month period during which the ex-Beatle lived with Pang in New York and Los Angeles. Despite personal upheaval, Lennon's creative output thrived. He completed three albums – 'Mind Games,' 'Walls and Bridges,' and 'Rock 'n' Roll' – and produced rec

In 1961, Jimi Hendrix faced a big decision following a legal entanglement related to his involvement with stolen vehicles: either two years of incarceration or enlistment in the Army. He opted for military service and was subsequently assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in May of that year. Thus began his tenure in the Army, a period often overshadowed by his subsequent rise to fame but nevertheless significant in understanding the man behind the music. Despite the deman

In 1981 Paul McCartney flew to Monteserrat, where Beatles producer George Martin had installed a state-of-the-art studio, to begin work on his Tug Of War solo album. One song in this album is Get It, to which recording session he invited Carl Perkins to provide vocals. Carl loved the experience and the following morning he wrote My Old Friend for Paul in appreciation. In fact, he recounted to Paul that usually when he writes he needs a pen and a sheet of paper to record his t

Tucked just a stone’s throw from the Museum of London, where the modern office blocks of the City of London give way to quieter streets,...

Woody Guthrie wasn’t just America’s folk hero — he was a radical, flawed troubadour who sang the struggles of workers and migrants. Discover the protest verses, politics, and myths behind This Land Is Your Land.

Joe Arridy didn't request a final meal, and it's doubtful he comprehended the notion. At just 23 years old, he possessed an IQ of 46. As he was led to his death he asked that the ice-cream he had been eating be put in the freezer so he could finish it upon his return. He understood tangible experiences like eating, playing, and trains, but abstract concepts such as God, justice, and evil remained beyond his grasp. Described by doctors as an imbecile—a term used in those times

Few know that Gwrych Castle in North Wales once sheltered hundreds of Jewish Kindertransport children fleeing Nazi Germany. From straw beds to community support, this forgotten Holocaust story shows resilience, survival, and the kindness of strangers.