Spitalfields is in the east end of London and very close to the City of London. Its been the traditional first stop in Britain for immigrants, going back to the 1600’s, and has had its share of poverty and destitution. Today, however, the area is a melting pot of the creative industries, street art and [...]
Recently returned from a summer-break in France, during which a highlight was the annual medieval fete in Vouvant, Pays de la Loire - the only fortified village of Vendee. Between 1150 and 1216, all of western France was ruled by the English kings; Henry II and Richard I - before being lost during the reign [...]
In the previous post we gave an overview of this historical area. We continue in this post - and take in the next four pubs! Foreign embassy capital Belgrave Square is home to around twenty foreign embassies; among them Norway, Spain, Germany, Austria, Brunei, Portugal, Bahrain, Turkey, Argentina, Mexico and the Ivory Coast. In the [...]
The 'square mile' of the City of London is home to half a million workers during the week. On Sundays however it is relatively quiet; allowing you to discover the deserted streets and secluded spaces. The juxtaposition of old and new architecture creates some interesting photographs. Here are a few from a recent visit.
A short history of Belgravia Belgravia is an area in the south west of London known for its concentration of large mansions, wealthy residents and foreign embassies. However, less than 200 years ago the area was a marshy wasteland frequented by vagrants and criminals. How did it make this transformation? In 1677, the 200 acre [...]
Syon House, near Brentford, is home of the Percys, Dukes of Northumberland. It sits in a 200 acre estate on the River Thames in Middlesex. The house we see today was built by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset in 1547, refurbished and enhanced by the Scottish architect Robert Adam in the 1760's and refaced in [...]
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 happily with his wife, Catherine, and their three children. Charles and Catherine would go [...]
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 [...]
Tower Hill is an open area of raised land just north of the Tower of London. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was the execution site for those incarcerated in the Tower in London. It's believed around 125 people were executed, mostly by beheading. At this time, only a few people (with Royal or [...]
In the very heart of the City of London (the historic ‘square mile’) is a labyrinth of hidden alleyways connecting coffee houses, wine lodges, restaurants and churches. If you’re visiting London, it’s a must-see! This short guide will direct you through the area. You might lose your bearings but it’s relatively compact - [...]
