  We present a histories version of the connection formalism of general
relativity. Such an approach introduces a spacetime description--a
characteristic feature of the histories approach--and we discuss the extent to
which the usual loop variables are compatible with a spacetime description. In
particular, we discuss the definability of the Barbero connection without any
gauge fixing. Although it is not the pullback of a spacetime connection onto
the three-surface and it does not have a natural spacetime interpretation, this
does not mean that the Barbero connection is not suitable variable for
quantisation; it appears naturally in the formalism even in absence of gauge
fixing. It may be employed therefore, to define loop variables similar to those
employed in loop quantum gravity. However, the loop algebra would have to be
augmented by the introduction of additional variables.
