Nothing quite says Christmas like the enthusiastic rendition of a seasonal carol or two. But where do carols come from, how did they become so popular – and why are some carols not actually carols at all?

We reveal the secret history of these festive favourites.

As winter bites and we start putting on those extra layers, you might wonder how our ancestors coped before the modern invention of central heating.

From Roman bath houses to draughty medieval castles, here’s the story of keeping of warm over the past 4,500 years.

What would Christmas dinner be without a Christmas pudding?

Sam Bilton looks at the origins of the Christmas pudding. She’s also found some historical recipes to try at home, including medieval figgy pudding and a classic Victorian Christmas pudding recipe – straight from Queen Victoria’s chef.

Christmas – the Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ – has been celebrated on 25 December since the early 4th century. But the way Christmas is marked has evolved over the years.

Dr Michael Carter, Senior Properties Historian, reveals how evidence from medieval monasteries gives an insight into how Christmas was celebrated in the Middle Ages, a time viewed by many as the 'heyday' of festive frolicking.