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What Did the Tudors Smell Like? A Guide to Tudor Perfume

What did Tudor perfume smell like? From a pomander raised from the Mary Rose to Elizabeth I's perfumed gloves — the real history, myths and all.

What Did the Roaring Twenties Smell Like? Jazz, Gin, and Gardenia

Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, bathtub gin and speakeasy smoke: what the Roaring Twenties really smelled like, and the perfume revolution the decade started.

The History of Cologne: How One City's Water Changed the World

Discover the history of cologne: from a contested miracle water in 1709 Cologne to Napoleon's 50-bottle habit. The real origin story of eau de cologne.

Marie Antoinette Perfume: The Forbidden Tuberose Scandal of Versailles

What perfume did Marie Antoinette really wear? The truth about the tuberose scandal, her perfumer Fargeon, and the legends the perfume industry invented.

The Scents of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition

What did Shackleton take to Antarctica? Whisky, tobacco, leather and spice: the real scents of the Endurance expedition, recreated in our Erebus fragrance.

Did Churchill Really Wear German Cologne Every Day?

The story goes that Churchill wore German 4711 cologne daily. We checked the evidence — the one fragrance he provably wore was British.

Winston Churchill's Secret Tattoo

Nowadays, having a tattoo isn't a big deal. Today, tattoos are popular and more accepted than ever. Sir Winston Churchill didn't have this luxury when he got his tattoo in the 1930's. Did Winston ...

Napoleon's Cologne: The True Story Behind His 4711 Habit

  Many people know the name Napoleon, but so few know what he was truly like. Much of the man's personal life is certainly shrouded in mystery, but we do know of his love for cologne. Born in 1769 ...

What Did Churchill Really Smell Like?

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during perhaps one of the most difficult and trying periods for any head of state.  A strong leader (with his flaws), he served as Pri...