The Blitz of London – after the ‘Darkest Hour’

The Blitz of London – after the ‘Darkest Hour’

The ‘Darkest Hour’; directed by Joe Wright and starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill is an account of Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister, machinations in 'Whitehall' and the Dunkirk evacuation.  The film is set over one month in May 1940.  It concludes with success at Dunkirk and Britain resolved to stand strong over Nazi [...]

12 portraits at the National Portrait Gallery for Americans

12 portraits at the National Portrait Gallery for Americans

Here is self-guided tour of 12 key portraits at the National Portrait Gallery for Americans in London.   The National Portrait Gallery (NP)G is a haven of peace compared to its next door neighbour; the National Gallery.  It also has a rather nice rooftop cocktail bar with views over London.   Both galleries are on Trafalgar [...]

‘Deeds not words’ – the centenary of Votes for Women in the UK

‘Deeds not words’ – the centenary of Votes for Women in the UK

Yesterday, the UK celebrated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 'Representation of the People Act 1918'.  This was the Act that gave many women the vote for the first time.  The anniversary was reported widely in the media and to mark the occasion an exhibition of life-sized images of the central figures of [...]

The Old Operating Theatre, London Bridge

The Old Operating Theatre, London Bridge

The Old Operating Theatre This is it is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe!  We left feeling grateful we live in the 21st century. The Old Operating Theatre was active between 1820 and 1862 - predating anaesthetics and antiseptics.  This is pioneer land in surgical terms. The place consists of a small museum and [...]

5 must-see American historical sites in London

5 must-see American historical sites in London

Here are five must-see American historical sites that you can visit in London today.  They are not in any order or category, but having said that, we should start from where the Mayflower set sail in the first place. 1 The Mayflower Pub Back in 1620, the Mayflower started its journey from here to the [...]