This is the May 2025 edition of my fascinating facts newsletter, which includes a range of interesting topics. This includes writeups about follies, salt, longest roads, a rogue spy and more.
Fascinating Facts May 2025 Contents
“Fascinating Facts” is a free monthly e-magazine focusing on personal, historical, and military interests. Contributions are welcomed with appropriate credit given. You can download the full newsletter to read HERE, however some snippets are listed below.
The Folly of Follies
The magazine opens with a focus on architectural follies—ornamental structures with no practical purpose, often built for decoration or whimsy. England leads the world with over 80 follies, including Broadway Tower, a Saxon-style limestone tower designed by Capability Brown, and Rushton Triangular Lodge, a symbolic tribute to the Holy Trinity. The Folly Fellowship, established in 1988, documents and preserves these eccentric buildings, some of which were constructed as famine relief projects. Read More…
A Pinch of Salt: A Historical Staple
Salt’s profound impact on civilisation is explored, from its use in ancient Egyptian mummification to its role as currency (the word “salary” derives from Roman soldiers’ salarium). Venetian salt monopolies shaped medieval trade routes, while camel caravans transported it across the Sahara. The article also addresses modern health concerns, noting that while UK salt consumption has declined, it remains excessive, linked to heart disease. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, now a UNESCO site, is highlighted for its stunning salt-carved chapels. Read More…
Eddie Chapman: The Rogue Spy
The life of Eddie Chapman, a criminal turned WWII double agent, is detailed. Codenamed Zigzag by MI5 and awarded the Iron Cross by Hitler, Chapman staged a fake sabotage of a British aircraft factory. Post-war, he returned to a life of crime, smuggling gold and running a health farm, yet maintained friendships with former German handlers. His story blends espionage, deception, and audacity. Read More…
Passwords: From Ancient Watchwords to Biometrics
The evolution of passwords spans Roman military watchwords, WWII paratrooper codes (“flash-thunder”), and modern biometrics. The piece notes vulnerabilities, such as common passwords like “123456,” and emphasises the importance of complex combinations. Historical examples include the Tower of London’s brutal hand-severing punishment for incorrect passwords and the use of brass crickets by Allied troops for identification. Read More…
Shibboleths: Linguistic Life-and-Death Tests
The concept of shibboleths—words used to identify outsiders—is examined through tragic historical episodes. Examples include the 1937 Parsley Massacre (where mispronouncing perejil meant death for Haitians) and WWII Dutch resistance using “Scheveningen” to detect German spies. These linguistic tests often had fatal consequences, revealing the power of dialect and pronunciation. Read More…
The World’s Longest Routes
Three monumental transport routes are featured:
- The Trans-Siberian Railway (9,289 km), spanning eight time zones and taking eight days to traverse.
- The Nile River (6,650 km), vital for trade and agriculture, with its Blue Nile’s seasonal floods historically shaping Egyptian farming.
- The Pan-American Highway (30,000 km), stretching from Alaska to Argentina but interrupted by the impassable Darién Gap rainforest.
Dallol: Ethiopia’s Alien Landscape
Dallol’s hydrothermal springs, among Earth’s most extreme environments, are described. With pH levels below zero and temperatures exceeding 108°C, the site’s vibrant colours—caused by iron oxidation—mask a near-sterile habitat. Scientists study Dallol to understand the limits of life, finding only hardy archaea microorganisms surviving in its acidic pools. Read More…
The Penny’s Rich History
The humble penny’s journey is traced from Roman denarius to modern decimalisation. Key moments include:
- Anglo-Saxon pennies featuring Christian crosses.
- The 1797 “cartwheel” penny, Britain’s first copper coin.
- The rare 1933 George V penny, worth £72,000.
The article notes the irony of Americans calling their cent a “penny” despite rejecting British currency in 1776.
May: Traditions and Trivia
The month’s origins (possibly named for the goddess Maia or Latin maiores, “elders”) are paired with quirky facts:
- Maypoles banned in 1644 England.
- Star Wars Day (“May the 4th”).
- Nine UK prime ministers born in May—more than any other month.
