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
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 [...]
King Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, sank in the Solent on the south coast of England during an engagement with the French Fleet in July 1545. The disaster was witnessed by many, including the King. It was 450 years before she was seen again - after the world’s largest underwater archaeological excavation brought her [...]
In September 1066, Duke William II of Normandy landed a French force at Pevensey, intent on taking the English throne from King Harold II. Two weeks later, the English forces were defeated at the Battle of Hastings. And in December 1066, William II was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day - so called William [...]