The earliest recorded begging letter was sent to the Paston family by a woman's husband to join Henry V's campaign for the French throne

It would be easy to dismiss Ocean’s 8 as being little more than the cynical cash in it appears on the surface; a crass attempt to squeeze a few more bucks out of a stagnating franchise by assuming the façade of a contemporary ‘woman’s picture’. Indeed while this critic doesn’t concur with such musings, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t in the back of my mind as I settled in to watch this soft reboot-cum-sequel to Steven Soderbergh’s...

There have been further warnings of a weakening of the UK economy, as we approach Brexit. This time the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) predicts gross domestic product (GDP) will increase 1.3 per cent in 2018, a downgrade from its previous forecast of 1.4 per cent. It has also sliced its 2019 GDP outlook from 1.5 per cent down to 1.4 per cent. Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC said the UK faces another “extended period of weak growth”....

Hana is from East Africa, where she grew up, studied art, worked and started a family. But, just over a year ago Hana had to flee her home country for the safety of herself and her son. She found herself homeless in London and unable to get a job. Now, thanks to donations from the public, Hana has enrolled on a beauty therapy course and will be able to pursue her dream career in the beauty and fashion industry. Hana’s...

Just like the NHS pay deal, a closer look at figures shows this 'late night petrol station guilt gift' is more sleight of hand from the PM after years of neglect, says union. GMB, the union for NHS staff, has criticised the PM for yet more health service sleight of hand. Theresa May unveiled an extra £20bn in funding for the NHS in a speech today But the Tories’ unfunded commitment works out as just 3.4% a year - after...

A shocking investigation by ITV news has found a seventy per cent rise in “paupers funerals,” over the last three years. If that wasn’t shocking enough some of the councils do not allow family and friends to attend the funeral. Others won't let the bereaved have ashes or even choose words and music. Their investigation found: 300 councils across the UK responded to a freedom of information request Their responses revealed a 70% increase in paupers' funerals over the last...

Martyn Grass, of Cambs., claims they went for a fry up

Trio found on tracks at Loughborough Junction this morning

They are more likely to have a harmful preoccupation with weight loss and or behaviours that are perceived to aid weight loss such as smoking, taking diet pills or purging