Essential History | The people, places and events that have shaped our history and culture
The people, places and events that have shaped our history and culture
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 [...]
The Saatchi gallery is one of London’s premier contemporary art galleries. It is based in an impressive Grade 2* listed building opened in 1801 as a school for children of soldiers’ widows. From 1892 it served as the Duke of York’s Military School and in 1911 was re-named the Duke of York’s Barracks and became [...]
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement home to around 300 veterans of the British Army. Located on a large site in Chelsea, it offers fabulous walks in the gardens, beautiful art and architecture and an intimate view into the retired lives of the service men and women who live there. These former [...]
In the north east corner of Grosvenor Square is a little-known and unique piece of American history. Here is the home of the 1st American Minister to Great Britain! You may not immediately know who that was? He was later to become the 2nd President of the United States. It is John Adams. He fulfilled [...]
Continuing the naval theme of the previous post on the Mary Rose, here is something far more recent. A time capsule from World War II and a reminder of the debt we owe to servicemen - as well as a great adventure for kids. Being in central London and with elevated views over the City [...]