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History

A mural of former South African President Nelson Mandela at the Islas Marias Federal Penal colony (Credit: Getty Images)

A weekend on Mexico's former prison island

As calls to reopen Alcatraz make headlines, Mexico's prison island tells a different story – of sea turtles, green parrots and a dark past giving way to new beginnings.

A group of six airmen smile and pose together (Credit: Getty Images)

The true story of World War Two's Dambusters raid

In May 1943, a specially formed RAF squadron embarked on a daring moonlit mission. In 1976, the BBC spoke to one of the airmen who made it home alive.

An old rusted cannon firing, with a large blast of white smoke and orange sparks. A person in a hat and gloves is wearing dark clothes and is crouching beside it. Another person in a red/maroon uniform is standing next to it, holding a long stick

Event to explore town's role in Civil War

The event is run by historical re-enactment company Militias of Anglia.

Part of an ornate ceiling. It is mainly blue and cream with plasterwork flowers in vases inlaid

Historical hall to reopen after ceiling repaired

The Victorian building is due to reopen in the summer on the completion of the £350,000 project.

A black and white photo showing a group of people, mainly children, in 1950s clothing, sat around a table smiling at the camera, with union flags hanging in the background.

Exhibition of historic seaside town photos opens

Pictures dating back 140 years go on display to mark the anniversary of a local history group.

A black and white studio photo of George Whalebelly. He has short hair and his Army tunic collar can just be seen.

'VE celebrations muted due to Far East prisoners'

Many families were still waiting for news of soldiers captured at Singapore, say historians.

A drone image of Rougham Hall. It shows a large red brick stately home that is in ruins. Trees and vegetation surround the property.

Crumbling ruins hold the secrets of centuries past

Rougham Hall has a varied and colourful history which includes being targeted by a German bomber.

David Pracy standing in front of the war memorial. He has short white hair and is wearing dark glasses and an open-necked shirt in blue, grey, white and red plaid.

'I wanted to bring the memorial cricketers alive'

A new memorial lists the names of 16 county cricketers who died during the world wars.

A close-up of a portrait of the Battle of Naseby. Oliver Cromwell is shown on a rearing horse, wearing armour over a yellow jacket. A melee of men can be seen fighting one anther behind him and to his left.

'Naseby was the battle that transformed Britain'

It was a turning point in the British Civil Wars and introduced the Redcoats, says a curator.