Essential History | The top sights in London, Madrid and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London, Madrid and beyond.
Events and exhibitions in the open air, galleries and museums in London
In 1896, Charlie Chaplin, his mother and brother presented themselves at the door of the Lambeth Workhouse in south London. Charlie’s father had left them and with no secure earnings and they were destitute. Making matters worse Charlie’s mother, Hannah, also suffered from mental problems. Over the next few years the family passed in, and [...]
New exhibition at the V&A. An interesting presentation of political, technological and social drivers and exhibits that have shaped the relatively new nation of South Korea. Particularly fascinating to see how technology and entertainment have driven the country from obscurity to international recognition. Running until 25 June 2023. Each side encouraging defectors from the south [...]
In 1897 the King of Benin City (in present day Nigeria), Oba Ovonramwen, was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with an agreement he had signed with the British; permitting them to undertake direct trade with locals, limiting his weapons stockpile and banning human sacrifice and slavery – all in exchange for cash subsidies. Having had enough of [...]
Covent Garden is home to the world-renowned Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet and the London Transport museum – as well as some of the best shopping, food & drink and street entertainment in London. This post is about the foundation of Covent Garden. Covent Garden was originally a medieval orchard and garden, belonging to [...]
If you’re on the cusp of purchasing a Mercedes-Benz motor car - have no doubt this pace will push you over the line! Three floors of Mercedes history, performance machines and simulation experiences will leave you smiling as you sign on the dotted line. For the rest of us it’s a free and fun day [...]
Originally premiered on Regent Street in 1954, London’s Christmas lights are a much loved fixture of shoppers, photographers - and bloggers! Oxford Street caught up in 1959, before a hiatus during the 1970’s owing to austerity and power cuts. Today, the lights are LED units, consuming two-thirds the energy of electric bulbs. Here are a [...]
Built for £2.2 million in 1933, it’s the price of a modest apartment today in this swish residential-retail-leisure complex. Originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert-Scott, the station powered a quarter of London by 1948. Closed in 1983, the grade II* listed building was the problem child of the river front until rescued by Malaysian investors [...]
Billed as unlocking ancient Egypt, this exhibition explains the painstaking detective work of French and British academics during the combative early nineteenth century. It’s a fascinating study of how the hieroglyphic code was cracked by hard work, perseverance and cooperation. It’s astonishing to think that an entire language disappeared, after foreign imperial powers stamped their [...]
Welcome to part two of the ‘Must-see exhibits at the British Museum'! Part one, published recently, explored the ground floor galleries. Part two starts in Room 61 and will work clockwise around the entire first floor. Room 61 Here we find artefacts from the tomb of a senior (and very successful!) ‘financial book-keeper’ [...]
In Bloomsbury, London is the world’s finest collection of historical artefacts under one roof - and even the roof is a world-class masterpiece. This article will highlight the must-see exhibits at the British Museum. If you only have time to visit one museum or gallery, look no further. The British Museum The British [...]