Short Trips: Past Tense

Throughout all his travels, the Doctor has had many adventures, both on Earth and in the past. His affection for this particular planet is clear — as is his enjoyment of seeing history happen.

Past Tense features stories set exclusively in Earth's past: from the heady atmosphere of Shakespearian London to the shadowy world of pre-war Istanbul; from the time of King Alfred to the turn of the Millennium.

Established writers of Doctor Who for television, print and audio are joined in this collection by fresh talent and new voices.

his-tory n. : 1: a continuous, usu. chronological, record of important or public events. 2: the study of past events, esp. human affairs. 3: an eventful past.

"History sometimes gives us a terrible shock, and that is because we don't quite fully understand..." - Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve by John Lucarotti and Donald Tosh

Doctor Who began in 1963 with a remit to teach its audience about the past. One of the regular characters was a history teacher — and the intention was that the series would regularly explore bygone centuries, meet historical figures and interact with our ancestors.

Soon, the TARDIS was making visits to the Roman era, the time of the French Revolution and the pre-Cortez Aztec culture; the Doctor and his companions met cavemen, Marco Polo, Richard the Lionheart and Wyatt Earp.

But just as the Doctor is an alien visitor, so other interlopers from other worlds have found themselves in Earth's past — some with the intention of changing history.

Past Tense features seventeen tales set on Earth in days gone by. The Doctor finds himself and his fellow travellers in a variety of times and places: involved in international espionage with British and German spies, at the annexation of the Transvaal, watching an Ashes cricket match and mixing with the late-sixteenth century theatrical set.

Seeing history happen, learning about its nuances, trying to prevent its corruption, or simply enjoying its atmosphere, our heroes find themselves in exciting adventures wherever — or whenever — they go.