And in the news this week . . . a hairy situation for the RAF, plus Steve Coogan’s close shave!

There’s so much more in this issue besides including an examination of Prince Charles’s Dorchester development, Poundbury, 25 years after the first residents moved in, an autumnal walk around the temples of Stowe in Buckinghamshire and a profile of Sir John Lubbock, the man behind our Bank Holidays. Plus all the regulars too: Historic Homes of England, In Praise of Modern Britain, Poets’ Corner, Heritage Church, Great Britons and much, much more!

And in the news this week . . . the problem with building bridges, Brexit-busting crops and royal dogs!

And in the news this week . . . record-breaking sailors, an endangered rite of passage and a garden in bloom.

And in the news this week . . . the boyband Tory party, Alexa the saviour and another reason not to feed pigeons.

  And in the news this week: Jeremy Hunt’s secret weapon, a curious case of mistaken identity and unicorns (the kind that actually exist) 

Image Chris Jackson/Getty Images. 

**Win this year's Wolfson History Prize shortlist**

Books your thing? History your thing? Well you’re in the right place!

We’re giving away all six titles shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2019 to one lucky winner!

 Gove speaks up, sparkling wine booms and there’s a treat from Downton Abbey . . .

Today (Friday, May 24) marks the 200^th birthday of one of the UK’s longest-serving and most influential monarchs.

We are, of course, talking about Queen Victoria, whose reign began less than a month after she turned 18 (it began on June 20, 1837) and lasted until her death on January 22, 1901 when she was 81.

 Multiple ovens, 007 drama and ravens return to the tower

However you relax and recharge your batteries this summer, we hope you find a few sun-drenched moments to sit back and enjoy our new summer issue of This England.