Before the lockdown, my brother and I took a trip to Normandy (ahead of the 75th anniversary commerations of VE day on 8th May 2020). We visited the D-day landing beaches, museums and memorials. We also visited the Bayeux Tapestry (depicting the Norman invasion of England in 1066) and the burial tomb of King William [...]
Ever wondered what London would look like without people? Take a look at these shoots taken last Saturday and Sunday on my permitted daily exercise. Astonishing to see it and hear it, but hoping for a return to normality. Thank you front line workers.
Like me, you're probably hoping we get on the other side of this global pandemic soon! Once we do, here is a pub-walk through one of London's most historical and well-heeled residential areas. Mayfair, named after its raucous annual fair, was purpose-built during the mid to late-1700's. Many wealthly residents moved here from Soho - [...]
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 history of Hatfield House starts in 1485, when the Bishop of Ely (Cambridgeshire) constructed Hatfield Palace, today called the Old Palace. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-41), Hatfield Palace was acquired by King Henry VIII, passed down in sequence to his children; Edward, Mary and Elisabeth and then inherited by King James I [...]
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 [...]
More than three hundred years after its completion, St Paul's Catherdral dominates the skyline on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. Seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the British Commonwealth, it is the second largest domed church in the world (after St Peter's in Rome). The work of Sir [...]
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest markets, first mentioned in 1276. This is owing to its position on the south side of London Bridge - the only bridge across the river until 1750, when Westminster Bridge opened. Borough Market served travellers arriving or departing London from places to the south east of London, in [...]
Albert Bridge in south west London, is one of the most attractive bridges crossing the River Thames. It may not be as iconic as Tower Bridge downstream, but it’s actually older. Named in memory of Prince Albert, it provides access to Battersea Park which, disconcertingly for south Londoners today, was originally built for the wealthy [...]
The Barbican is a major residential estate, an international arts centre and an oasis of calm in the heart of the City of London. It is one of London’s best kept secrets; whether you’re looking to explore somewhere unique, visit Europe’s largest arts complex under one roof, admire its prominent Brutalist style architecture or see [...]
