The Augustan Society, Inc.

We’re Building a Library in Sacramento and We Need Your Help!

The Augustan Society is bringing its 30,000-volume historical research and antiquarian library to Sacramento this month, and we need bookcases.

We are especially wishing for donations of ornate, dark wood shelves, and can also consider sideboards, hutches, secretary desks, and entertainment centers.

We’re also in need of standard steel shelves from 60-84” tall.

Locals are invited to volunteer to help us:
~ paint
~ pick up furniture
~ secure shelving to the walls

… and unpack our collection of specialized books on chivalry, heraldry, genealogy, ancient & medieval history, and royal & noble studies. ✨

We want to make this space an extraordinary experience for our community. DM, or comment below if you would like to be a part of it!

To volunteer: https://www.augustansociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&pageId=1553

Image Credits: Pinterest, Google Search, image with chair may be AI, from Pinterest.

Looks fascinating!

On Friday 5 June do consider a journey to Exeter College Oxford for a conference on "Portable Archives: Moving Repositories and their Makers across the Early Modern World"

A truly global focus with talks discussing themes from places such as Madrid, Rome, and Ming China!

Spaces are limited, so email [email protected] to register!

Today we take a moment to contemplate the sacrifice of the few so the many can continue the work of democracy. We salute the brave.

Great opportunity for students!

School Essay Competition

Love history? Fancy winning £200 for writing about one of the most fascinating figures of the 15th century?
The Richard III Society is running an essay competition for students under 19 (as of 31 August 2026), and you could win:
£200 for first place
£100 for second
£50 for third

Your task: write a 3,000–5,000 word well‑researched essay on anything connected to:

The Life and Times of Richard, Duke of Gloucester / Richard III (1452–1485)
You can submit work in the style of an NEA, EPQ, IB EE, or any similar academic essay—just make sure it’s properly researched and referenced.

And the topic is wide open. You could explore things like:

Power struggles and political influencers of the era
What everyday life was like in late‑15th‑century England
England’s relationships with European powers under the Yorkist kings
Royal and noble marriage strategies
Or any other angle that fits the period

(There are more ideas on the Society’s website if you need inspiration. https://www.warsoftheroses.com/essay-prize/ )

How to enter
Email your essay as a PDF to: [email protected]

Deadline: 31 May 2026

Make sure you include:
Your school name, your History teacher’s name and their contact email

Looks like a fantastic event coming up!

Discover the history behind Scotland’s most enduring symbol. Join Peter MacDonald, OBE, Scotland’s foremost historian of tartan, for a free presentation on its design, history, and meaning. Register here: https://t.co/ZYcZkDLayY

Interesting find with these Roman writing tablets in Belgium!

Roman wax tablets from Belgium reveal hidden texts on law, administration, and daily life in a northern Roman city Roman wax tablets from Tongeren reveal legal records, offices, and daily life in a northern Roman city through newly deciphered wooden inscriptions.

An unknown Roman Villa found in a Welsh deer park.. this will be an exciting discovery to follow in the years to come!

Margam park Roman villa find could be 'Port Talbot's Pompeii' The largest Roman villa ever found in Wales lies less than a metre under Margam Country Park.

It is with enormous sadness that we hear of the death of one of the giants of Scottish Heraldry, Mark Dennis, formerly Ross Herald Extraordinary. Even more extraordinary is the legacy of love and artistry Mark leaves behind him. Among the many memorials to his exceptional skills and talent is the Elizabeth Sword, which he designed and which was presented to His Majesty The King at the Honours of Scotland Ceremony which followed the Coronation.

Here is Mark (left) with HM The King and the Lord Lyon examining the Sword at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Mark's family.

May his sweet and generous soul rest in peace.