Not many people know of Rockall and fewer still can pinpoint it on a map. Those that vaguely know of it likely do as the BBC mention it on their shipping forecast several times a day. There is a good reason for that. It’s rather in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The tiny, uninhabitable… Continue reading Rockall – The loneliest rock in the world.
Month: June 2023
The curse of Tamurlane (Timur the lame) and the disaster that struck Russia.
I’m sure like many others, I watched the events in Russia over the weekend. I had a 20+ year start on most peoples as I’ve despised Putin since almost the day he came to power due to his brutal obliteration of Chechnya. I remember back then being a bit disappointed not just on that but… Continue reading The curse of Tamurlane (Timur the lame) and the disaster that struck Russia.
The RAF Flypast at the 2023 Trooping of the Colour
Saturday saw the annual Trooping of the Colour ceremony at Horseguards, an event that has taken place for centuries but which was notable for it being the first one wit King Charles III in attendance. Normally it is a bit of a pain to do tours in Whitehall when Trooping of the Colour is on… Continue reading The RAF Flypast at the 2023 Trooping of the Colour
The Mold Gold Cape
One of my favourite treasures of the British Museum always catches me by surprise at just how splendid it is. Take a look at this wonderful cape below. This is one of if not the finest prehistoric gold sheet workings in the entire world. It’s not from some fancy and famous ancient civilisation. Having been… Continue reading The Mold Gold Cape
Cloaked in history or I wish I could wear a cloak
It probably says more about what I watch on television or in the cinema that so many people seem to wear cloaks. We tend to think of cloaks as a little Medieval but both ancient Greek and Roman men and women wore cloaks. The Greek-styled Roman cloak, or pallium, was shaped like a square and sat on… Continue reading Cloaked in history or I wish I could wear a cloak
Secret Gardens, lavish lunches.
Some of you might remember that on the hottest day in the history of London last year, I became a Stationer. There are 111 livery companies, comprising London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the ‘Worshipful Company of’ their respective craft, trade or profession. These livery companies play a significant part in the… Continue reading Secret Gardens, lavish lunches.
When we were young
I don’t know about you but when I was little I used to spend most of my time out on the streets. In summer time from 8am until 8 or 9pm. Riding bikes, playing football or various traditional and sometimes rough games of times gone by. I remember being surprised about 10 years ago in… Continue reading When we were young
A special Charles Dickens Tour. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Recently I did a most special tour for two blind tourists from Iran. It was hard work and tiring but thoroughly rewarding and ultimately a huge success. My guests were Bita and Parham and were lovely. Very clever and witty and charming, it really was their dream to visit London and follow in the footsteps… Continue reading A special Charles Dickens Tour. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 5) – The Court Martial for the loss of HMS Wager and the fate of the mutineers!
This is the final post on the account of the quite frankly shockingly unbelievable voyager of HMS Wager and its shipwreck followed by the treacherous mutiny and terrible suffering all round as stragglers make their way home from the other side of the planet. Proceedings for a full court martial to inquire into the loss… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 5) – The Court Martial for the loss of HMS Wager and the fate of the mutineers!
Stephen Liddell 