*After the Roman period, Bath remained a small town until the 18th century, when it became a fashionable spa destination for the wealthy. The architect John Wood the Elder designed much of the city’s Georgian architecture, including the famous Royal Crescent and the Circus. Bath also played an important role in the English literary scene, as several famous authors, including Jane Austen, lived and wrote in the city. During the 19th century, Bath’s popularity declined as other spa towns became fashionable. In the 20th century, the city experienced significant redevelopment and preservation efforts, including the restoration of its Roman baths and the construction of a new spa complex.
Today, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination known for its historical and cultural significance.
Today, February 23, 2026, marks the start of Cornish Pasty Week in the UK — an annual celebration of the iconic Cornish pasty, Cornwall’s most famous traditional food.
This year’s event runs from February 23 to March 1, 2026, organized by the Cornish Pasty Association. It highlights the protected status of the genuine Cornish pasty (which must be made in Cornwall to traditional recipes: beef, potato, swede/rutabaga, onion, and seasoning in shortcrust pastry, hand-crimped) and encourages pasty makers, bakeries, and sellers across Cornwall (and beyond) to promote it.
Key highlights happening right now:
It’s kicking off with promotions, special offers, and events at local bakeries and shops.
The week builds excitement toward the Global Pasty Championships on Saturday, February 28, at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. This competition brings together bakers for a chance at a “global title,” featuring pasty-making, music, and Cornish pride — it’s positioned as a big finale to the week, just before St Piran’s Day (Cornwall’s patron saint day on March 5).
Pasties are being celebrated as a cultural staple, with mentions of fundraising (the event has raised over £35,000 in past years for school cooking programs in Cornwall).
Social media and news outlets are buzzing about it — BBC Cornwall shared a fun post calling it “any excuse for an oggy” (a common nickname for a pasty), and butchers/bakeries are posting their versions and specials.
It’s a lighthearted, food-focused week emphasizing tradition, community, and enjoying (or baking) these hearty handheld pies. If you’re in the UK, especially Cornwall, look out for local deals or events — or just grab a proper one to join in! No major controversies or breaking scandals today; it’s all positive vibes around this beloved British classic.
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Tolkien, author of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” completed his studies at the University of Birmingham in 1915. He graduated with first-class honors in English Language and Literature. After graduation, Tolkien went on to serve in World War I before embarking on his distinguished career as a writer and academic.
Our researchers have found that banning phones in schools doesn’t improve students’ mental health and wellbeing. However, increased phone and social media use correlated with negative impacts. Addressing use both in and out of school is crucial. Read more: https://t.co/OrMdq735f5pic.twitter.com/hkuuqGnQ8q
The Ploughman’s lunch belongs to the English foodway of simple cold meals built around bread, cheese and preserved foods. Its ingredients reflect the farmhouse, dairy, bakery and kitchen garden: a substantial piece of cheese, crusty bread, butter, pickled onions or chutney, often accompanied by apple, ham, boiled egg or salad.
Requiring little preparation and no cooking at the table, it evokes food carried into the fields or served at an inn during the working day.
Though the modern name and standardized pub presentation are comparatively recent, its components are much older: local produce, preservation, seasonality and refreshment arranged as an ordinary meal.
Ophelia Lovibond studied English at the University of Sussex, graduating in 2008.
How are our researchers transforming lives? From protecting children to preventing exploitation, our researchers are putting people at the heart of their research. Hear from our Centres of Excellence.
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UAL is Europe’s largest specialist university for art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. It ranks 2nd globally in Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2023). Formed in 2004 from historic colleges dating back to the 19th century, UAL is a collegiate federation of six renowned institutions:
Camberwell College of Arts
Central Saint Martins (famous for alumni like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney)
Chelsea College of Arts
London College of Communication
London College of Fashion
Wimbledon College of Arts
With over 18,000 students from more than 130 countries, UAL offers pre-degree to postgraduate courses, fostering innovation through professional practitioners as tutors. Its graduates dominate creative industries, including Turner Prize winners and British Designer of the Year recipients. Campuses span London, immersing students in the world’s creative capital…’
The Oxford Union Debating Society, founded in 1823, is one of the world’s most prestigious debating societies, affiliated with the University of Oxford. It has hosted numerous influential speakers and debates, including historical figures like Winston Churchill and Malcolm X. Over the years, it has played a vital role in shaping public discourse and fostering critical thinking among students. The society’s iconic debating chamber and rich tradition of lively debates have made it an enduring institution in the world of debate and public speaking.
“In an era of cancellation and defenestration we sometimes forget that we both cannot go on like this and that we have been here before. We know this because our greatest writers and artists have addressed this question in their own times.
When Roger [Scrouton] was going through his own battle with the shallows I often thought of Shakespeare’s rarely performed but great play Timon of Athens. Timon has the whole world before him. He is surrounded by friends and admirers. He is generous to all. Yet he falls on hard times and when he does absolutely everybody deserts him. He is left with nothing and nobody, and risks being filled with despair and rage. It does not help that he is shadowed by the cynical philosopher Apemantus, who has warned him that just such a desertion might occur.”
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T