Essential History | The top sights in London, Madrid and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London, Madrid and beyond.
The history of Hatfield House starts in 1485, when the Bishop of Ely (Cambridgeshire) constructed Hatfield Palace, today known as 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Originally premiered on Regent Street in 1954, London’s Christmas lights are a much loved fixture of shoppers, photographers - and bloggers! Oxford Street caught up in 1959, before a hiatus during the 1970’s owing to austerity and power cuts. Today, the lights are LED units, consuming two-thirds the energy of electric bulbs. Here are a [...]
In 2019, Scotland welcomed almost 3.5 million inbound visitors who spent approximately £2.5 billion in the country. This has resulted in the UK Government earmarking £19 million to promote destinations across Scotland. The influx of visitors has helped secure the UK’s position in the top five countries globally when it comes to inbound visitor spending.Thanks to this [...]
Pushing the boundaries of ‘beyond London’ here, but wanted to share some pictures taken of Ostia, the ancient port city of Rome. Brought to our attention by Mary Beard and her excellent TV show ‘Meet the Romans’. Ostia kept Rome’s population fed with imported grain from Africa - freely dispensed to citizens to keep them [...]
This is part one of a two-part article on one of London’s best places to live. The article covers the sights to see in Clapham, South West London. You’ll discover compelling facts about the area, its residents and renowned architecture. Plus, an awesome selection of pubs and cafes to visit! Introduction Clapham is perhaps best [...]
The deputy leader of Westminster Council has resigned over the 25 metre high artificial hill and the council will dismantle it soon. It's London’s lockdown-induced £6 million white elephant; the Marble Arch Mound - a ‘one-of-a-kind viewing experience’. But adverse publicity over the architect-designed temporary structure has forced the council to scrap the entrance fees [...]
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 [...]
Finale Ligure is an Italian comune on the Gulf of Genoa in the Province of Savona in Liguria. We visited in autumn, flying from London to Turin and hired a car for the eighty mile drive south to the coast. Finale Ligure is a popular resort for Italians living in the north, but has very [...]