Who was prime minister in the late Victorian era? Archibald Primrose was one of three prime minister in the 1890s, but he lasted for just a year, until it became obvious how unsuited to the job he was. Find out about how this aristocrat, who seemed destined to become premier, then flopped badly when he reached the top job.

(3 of 18) Long History's second document of the series Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia continues. The English have reached Virginia and met with the King’s brother. They go back to his town. How was the first visit of the English to a Virginian town in the 1580s?

(2 of 18) This is the first section of a source document about Sir Walter Raleigh and the early Virginia settlements. This document, which looks at the first voyage by the English to settle Virginia, is part of our 18-part series covering seven source documents. What was the first ever meeting like between the English and the people of Virginia? 

Who was the prime minister as the 1950s turned into the 1960s? Find out about Harold Macmillan, drafted into the top spot after the disastrous Suez Crisis.

(1 of 18) Our series on Walter Raleigh and Virginia starts here. In 18 parts we cover seven historic documents about the earliest British attempts to settle North America.

This first episode covers Elizabeth I's official document giving Raleigh the right to settle Virginia.

The documents in this series:

• 1: Elizabeth grants permission

What did the official document say that gave Sir Walter Raleigh the ability to explore and settle Virginia? Listen to Queen Elizabeth’s words in this episode, and follow Long History for further episodes about the early colonisation of Virginia.

(15 of 15) Jacques Cartier is on his third journey exploring the area of today’s Quebec. How does Jacques Cartier’s third and final journey end?

Who was the prime minister at the peak of the British Empire? One example is today's random prime minister, the man in charge during the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston, was happy to use patriotism as one of the tools in his political arsenal. Along the way, he had a city (and a town!) in New Zealand named after him.

(14 of 15) Jacques Cartier's third historic voyage to Canada began in 1540. What happened to Donnaconna, Lord of Canada, who was captured during Cartier’s second journey and taken back to France?

(13 of 15) In May 1536, Jacques Cartier finished exploring the St Lawrence River, and, having taken a local leader captive, decided to return to France. How was Cartier’s return home?

Who was the shortest serving prime minister before 2023? Why was his time in office so brief? Find out about one of the great prime ministers we didn't quite have, George Canning.