Essential History | The top sights in London, Madrid and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London, Madrid and beyond.
Historical locations, people and buildings in London
Gateway to the first capital city of England, Colchester, the ‘old gate’ has seen more than its fair share of British history. It’s the route taken by the Barons (laying seize to the Tower before Magna Carta was agreed in 1215), home to Geoffrey Chaucer for ten years from 1374 and the gate through which [...]
During the fifteenth century, London’s merchants and elites supported the Yorkists in the infamous Wars of the Roses. So, in 1485, it was somewhat ‘cap in hand’ they greeted the victor of the Battle of Bosworth Field, the Lancastrian Henry Tudor - soon to become King Henry VII. Henry settled in Greenwich and embellished an [...]
In July 1870, Joseph Bazalgette’s Victoria Embankment was opened by the Prince of Wales. Reclaiming 37 acres of the Thames river and foreshore it provided space for new underground railways and a sewer system (also designed by Bazalgette). At ground level, landscaped gardens and statues of leading figures were laid out for the enjoyment and [...]
Holland Park in west London is the former estate of Holland House, home to Henry Fox Lord Holland and his family from the late 1700s. Henry’s son, Charles James Fox, was a prominent Whig politician. A leading libertarian and lifelong thorn in the side to George III, he was Britain’s first foreign secretary. Today, the [...]
Now that the great April deluge has ceased in London, it’s time to venture out for a few pics - this time taken on my iPhone with Snapseed. In the West End:
Running until 30 July, ‘The Big City’ is a special exhibition exploring three themes of life in the City through large artworks. Grand Occasions portrays the City’s celebrations, Colossal Landscapes exhibits super-wide views of the City and Larger than Life focuses on everyday scenes of London. The exhibition celebrates the artists, past and present, who [...]
St Katharine Docks were opened in 1828 to provide capacity for Britain’s largest import (and second largest export after wool); tea. Arriving in tea chests from China and India it was a roaring trade, accounting for around 400,000 tea chests per year. For 140 years, these docks were central to satiating the appetite for the [...]
The National Army Museum has recently completed a curatorial overhaul of its European collection of artefacts charting ‘Conflict in Europe’ from the 1700s to the present day. Covering territorial and balance of power disputes in continental Europe, the gallery explains the Army's role in helping maintain Britain's influence in European affairs. Waterloo artefacts - including [...]
Note: Book ahead, walk ups will be accommodated subject to availability. At the age of 25, Charles Dickens rented (as was normal practice of the day) a large home in Doughty Street, London. He did this, just as his writing career, under the pseudonym of ‘Boz’, was taking off. Dickens lived here with his wife, [...]
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 [...]