For the aspiring criminal mastermind, few objects hold greater allure than the British Crown Jewels. The intrinsic and symbolic value make the jewels a great prize. The world-class security guarding the relics […]
The Secret Disaster That Saved D-Day
Everyone knew the outcome of the war would be settled in Europe. For that to happen, it would require an invasion of unprecedented force. Over 7,000 ships and landing craft would have […]
The Sweet Story of Candy Instead of Bullets
The War to End All Wars was over. So was the one that came after it. It was 1949, and Edward Dee was trying to find a peacetime use for machinery that […]
The Strange Fate of Oliver Cromwell’s Head
We all know someone who just can’t leave things alone. No matter how little the slight and regardless of how much time has passed, they have an irresistible compulsion to have the […]
Take a Stroll Down the World’s Shortest Street
Taking a stroll to the end of the street might be just the thing so you can get some fresh air and get the blood flowing. If you happen to be staying […]
Welcome to the Land Wanted By No Nation
There’s nothing unique about disputed territory. It is one of the most common causes of war. When two nations cannot agree on who holds the right to possess a piece of real […]
Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth II
The staff of Commonplace Fun Facts extends its deepest sympathy to our British readers on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The United Kingdom is the second largest source of […]
Wigging Out on British Legal Customs
If you enjoy watching television programs that deal with the law, you have a good idea of what a courtroom looks like. It’s relatively easy to spot the lawyers, due to their […]
How Sherlock Holmes’ Author Was Tricked Into Believing in Fairies
Humanity has been looking for proof of the paranormal for a long time. Many people insist there is more to the world than the things most of us see. Skeptics need evidence, […]
Big Brother Keeps an Eye on Orwell Home
George Orwell’s novel 1984 took the world by storm when it was published in 1949. It told the story of a dystopian future where the government maintained control by keeping a close […]
A Silly Candidate With a Silly Name for Silly Times
Most candidates for political office have lofty goals for the betterment of society. They put themselves through the ordeal of a campaign with aspirations of influencing policy and making a difference. John […]
The Unkillable General Adrian Carton de Wiart
In the realm of science fiction, one of the most formidable fighters of all time is a Terminator. These robotic soldiers from the future are the ultimate killing machine because they are […]
Understanding the Different Types of Queens
When it comes to queens, there are all sorts. There are bees, playing cards, rock-and-roll bands, and men who wear women’s clothing. And, of course, there is “The Queen,” the one person […]
Did a Monkey Get Hanged For Being a French Spy?
Just when we thought we had thoroughly combed the historical record and reported all interesting tidbits on a subject, we are reminded that there is no limit to strange stories from the […]
An Argument Over an Unpaid Wig Triggered the American Revolution
The greatest historical events can be triggered by the smallest of incidents. This is especially true of warfare. There is the bloody war that was fought over a bucket. Another war was […]