AskHistorians

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Wikipedia claims that the former Kingdom of Two Sicilies was excluded from laws which criminalised gay sex on Italian unification due to their "particular characteristics". Is this true and what characteristics are being referred to?	63
In Victorian England, were there any expectations of social propriety around women on the new public transport like trains? Was there any sort of stigma attached to travelling alone for women? Were there safety concerns for lone travellers and methods to alleviate them?	54
In 1832 the Anti Masonic Party nominated William Wirt a (former?) Mason as its presidential candidate. In his acceptance letter he defended Masonry. He apparently barely campaigned and yet still carried Vermont. What led to a seemingly organised party nominating a candidate they should oppose?	45
What was the meaning of "hostage taking" in the context of the High Kings of Ireland? Were there similar practices elsewhere in Medieval Europe?	41
From 1945 to 1957 the tiny country of San Marino was governed by a socialist-communist coalition. What led to communist success there and what influence did the Communists have?	40
In the Cadfael series a 12th century monk in England regularly gets involved in the daily lives of lay people. Is that realistic? What was the general relationship between monastic life and people outside in Catholicism in the medieval period?	39
How was the building of village churches in medieval Europe funded and organised?	36
The City of London's council has 80% of its seats almost entirely elected by companies. What led to this system being used in the first place and have there been any significant attempts to reform or change it?	25
The English Civil War was a time of great upheaval religiously, ideologically and materially. How did women experience the period? Were any acknowledged as part of radical movements?	24
A nearby English charitable foundation was founded in 1586 'for a nights' lodging for six poor travellers not being rogues or proctors'. In a world where the poor were expected to stay put, where did these sort of travellers fit in? Who would travel and how would they make their living?	23

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