When German Naval Airship Zeppelin L9 appeared over Blyth on the evening of 14 April 1915, it was only the second time bombs had been dropped on England. Although nobody was killed, it marked the beginning of a series of raids on the North-East which would kill many dozens of people. The Zeppelin L9, on… Continue reading A 1915 piece of fake news… with good intentions
Month: September 2019
I wonder what he meant by that!
Everyone likes a good quote don’t they. I particularly adore historical quotes and admire anyone who as was said of Churchill, mobilised the English language and sent it into battle. I was always quite a fan of Donald Rumsfelds infamous quote about known unknowns. At the time he was widely lambasted for it but it… Continue reading I wonder what he meant by that!
The environmental hypocrisy of Prince Harry
In Britain this summer, hardly anything has made the news this summer outside of a few major stories. Brexit of course, various protests bringing London to a halt many of which are invariably environment related and the seemingly strained relations of Prince Harry and Meghan with Prince William and Kate…. oh and the fact Harry… Continue reading The environmental hypocrisy of Prince Harry
Open House London
Open House London has long been my favourite cultural event in London each year, despite the fact I’ve always been busy working and never got to enjoy the fun myself but it is the concept of it that I love so much. One can enjoy free access to buildings which are not usually open to… Continue reading Open House London
Downton Abbey Film Review
It’s no secret that Downton Abbey is my favourite television show of the 21st Century. I love everything about it. The era, the mostly gentle storylines, the costumes, grant houses and beautiful countryside, the witty insults and quotes and the fact that everyone in the programme can actually speak in a civilised fashion which seems… Continue reading Downton Abbey Film Review
An example of how English has changed over 1200 years.
I found this poster earlier today and thought it was well worth sharing. The text contains a brief passage of one of the most famous Psalms and I think gives a wonderful insight to how language changes. I really don’t like the modern version, it sounds almost like it is written for people with learning… Continue reading An example of how English has changed over 1200 years.
The Hartley Colliery Disaster of 1862
My blog is full of disasters from beer floods in London to Grace Darling – A Victorian Heroine. burning building self-sacrifices to heroic against the odd tales of survival I Am The Army – The Incredible Story of William Brydon Many of them remain well known or at least just buried beneath the surface of public consciousness but… Continue reading The Hartley Colliery Disaster of 1862
Changing with the tide – how newspapers reported Napoleon’s march on Paris
I was doing a bit of research on some French related history and the following made me smile so I thought I would share it. I don’t often write on French history (except for WW1 or my trips to Paris) because there are people who are so much more knowledgeable than myself. However I thought… Continue reading Changing with the tide – how newspapers reported Napoleon’s march on Paris
HMT Bedfordshire – The Royal Navy ship sank defending the United States.
I’ve written several posts about American servicemen who died in Britain in WW2, most recently on the The Endcliffe Park Memorial in Sheffield & the incredible devotion of Tony Foulds. A few weeks ago I came across a fascinating sad little bit of history from WW2 regarding some British servicemen who died in American waters, securing… Continue reading HMT Bedfordshire – The Royal Navy ship sank defending the United States.
Stephen Liddell 