Margo Lestz – The Curious Rambler

Imagine inheriting hundreds of paintings that nobody wanted – by an artist almost nobody had heard of.

The walls of a medieval Italian palace tell this 13th-century French tale of courtly love, secrets, and tragedy.

During the Jane Austen Festival, Bath celebrates its favorite author.

What do Jane Austen, shell-shocked soldiers, Florentine monks, coca leaves and champagne have in common?

Step into Jane Austen’s Bath… (the city – not the tub).

The combination of coca and kola is famous around the world.

Great Britain’s animal symbols… The rooster that represents France… London’s most curious birds… The cats that sold gin… You’ll find them all in this month’s Curious History Review.

If you enjoy discovering history through unusual stories, these feathered Londoners are a surprisingly good place to start.

Many countries choose national animals that actually live within their borders.

Portrait of a very Ugly Duchess… A list of themed tours… Victorian bathing machines… The grand vacations in France… You’ll find them all in this month’s Curious History Review.

Most city guides tell you where to find the major landmarks.

Few paintings provoke such reactions as An Old Woman, better known as The Ugly Duchess.