The great twelve livery companies

The great twelve livery companies

Livery companies were a powerful force in the medieval City of London. Starting as religious fraternities, they evolved to control the prices, wages and quality of the City's trades, and collectively aspects of local government. Today, there are 110 livery companies operating as charities - supporting education, research and welfare in their sectors throughout the [...]

The shopfronts of Brick Lane, Spitalfields

The shopfronts of Brick Lane, Spitalfields

Brick Lane, in London's East End, is an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, market stalls and street art installations. Here are a few shots taken in late 2021. (Nearest tube station: Aldgate East).

Battle of Britain Bunker

Battle of Britain Bunker

By the summer of 1940, Hitler’s ‘Operation Sea Lion’ was in full swing. Hitler needed air superiority over the English Channel. This meant destroying RAF airfields in the south of England and the sources of aircraft production throughout the country. The enemy attacks started on 10 July 1940 and continued every day throughout summer – [...]

The Lambeth Workhouse that was home to Charlie Chaplin

The Lambeth Workhouse that was home to Charlie Chaplin

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 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 out, [...]

The National Army Museum

The National Army Museum

The National Army Museum in Chelsea exhibits artefacts about the history of the British Army, its impact on society and key conflicts from the British Civil War to the modern day. There are five galleries spread over four floors.  These are; Soldier, Army, Society, Battle and Insights.   The Soldier gallery asks us if we could join the [...]

Where to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show

Where to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show

It’s time to plan your itinerary for the oldest and grandest civic procession in the world taking place in London  in early November, as usual.   This is the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London.   Knowing the best place to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show will add to your enjoyment. The show can trace [...]

London’s first professional football club

London’s first professional football club

Arsenal was the first football team to turn professional in London.  That was back in 1893, playing as Woolwich Arsenal.  The team holds 43 honours, more than any other London side.  But why is the club called Arsenal - and where is Woolwich? I went on a bit of a pilgrimage recently. Although I’ve lived [...]

The Saatchi Gallery in London’s King’s Road

The Saatchi Gallery in London’s King’s Road

The Saatchi gallery is one of London’s premier contemporary art galleries.   It is based in an impressive Grade 2* listed building opened in 1801 as a school for children of soldiers’ widows.   From 1892 it served as the Duke of York’s Military School and in 1911 was re-named the Duke of York’s Barracks and became [...]

The Wallace Collection – an opulent townhouse and museum of art

The Wallace Collection – an opulent townhouse and museum of art

Hertford House The Wallace Collection is a national museum of fine art.  It is based in Hertford House, an original London townhouse from the 18th century and one of the best art museums in London, off the beaten track.  The museum is situated in Manchester Square, just north of Oxford Street and has a stunning [...]

Chinatown and Chinese New Year in London

Chinatown and Chinese New Year in London

The heart of Chinatown is Gerrard Street.  Here, we have a fusion of Hong Kong and mainland China in the centre of London!    In 2019, Chinese New Year is on 5 February and the main public celebrations will take place on Sunday 10 February.    2019 will be the year of the pig.    [...]