HistoryExtra

1. George Washington is an American hero – so why was he the pride of Victorian England?

   He may be a symbol of US independence, but George Washington’s family tree is firmly rooted on the opposite side of the Atlantic. Sam Edwards visits the English towns and villages that the president’s ancestors once called home

2. Meet the reluctant US president who accidentally changed American political norms forever

   In an era when candidates were expected to remain silent, detached and above the chase for votes, James Garfield’s improvised presidential campaign in the late 19th century transformed the race for the highest office in the USA

3. He shot down 3 planes in 4 minutes: meet the WW2 pilot you won't have heard about

   "Everyone cried unashamedly at the news of this young pilot’s death", writes Kavita Puri

4. History TV and radio in the UK: what's on our screens this week?

   Can't decide which shows to watch or listen to this week? Here are the latest history radio and TV programmes airing in the UK that you won't want to miss

5. Who was the REAL Santa?

   Red suit, white beard, a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly. That might well be your image of Santa – but there's more to the big man than that. Matt Elton busts three common misconceptions about Father Christmas