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Guy Fawkes, born on 13th April 1570 in Yorkshire, is a name almost everyone in the UK will know. After his father’s death in 1579, his mother remarried and it is known the family were then against, and resisting, the authority of the Church of England. Guy Fawkes finally converted to Catholicism when in his mid teens. At this period, religion was a big part of life and Catholicism was not the religion to be in. Catholics were openly persecuted, with harsh punishments. For example, Margaret Clitherow was caught harbouring Catholics and was punished by being crushed to death.

The Black Death has his many countries around the world killing millions. An estimated 100 million at it's height, may be more, in the mid 14th century. The Black Death is commonly thought to be an out break of bubonic plague, although this has been questioned.

The Commodore Story: A Company on the Edge by Brian Bagnall is, as the name suggests, all about the history of Commodore. Commodore was seen by many in the 70’s and 80’s as a pioneering computer company with cutting edge machines that were on a par with the likes of the Apple Mac and Lisa.

What If: Charles Darwin had never developed and/or published his theory of evolution by natural selection? This year, 2009, is Darwin’s 200th birthday, having been born on 12 February 1809 and 150 years since the publication of "On the Origin of Species." Darwin took on various studies and interests and eventually ended up studying nature. He formed varying ideas; he looked at the transmutation of species, which was essentially the forerunner to evolution, as well as other areas.

What if: The English Civil War, consisting of three distinct conflicts took place between the Royalist (Cavalier's) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads). The conflict was brought about, partly due to King Charles I wanting to unite England, Ireland and Scotland in to one Kingdom, which Parliament saw as a threat. Problems and differences in opinion between various issues gradually built up until Civil War broke. This conflict saw the creation of the Common Wealth of England followed by the appointment of Oliver Cromwell as the Lord Protector.
What If: Civil War never took happened?