A few weeks ago, on opening day actually, I went to see a new exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery which features over 200 items dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, many of them viewable for the first time. There is a wide range of historical items, royal, military, ecclesiastical, and theatrical… Continue reading Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire at the Guildhall
Month: October 2023
How to spot when a London bridge is undergoing repair work
Having reached its third decade of use, the Millennium Bridge in London has been closed for repairs, maintenance and a thorough cleaning. I use the Millennium Bridge several times a week and its one of my favourite bridges if only for the amazing views it affords. There is also lots of miniature artworks that some… Continue reading How to spot when a London bridge is undergoing repair work
A notorious local murder 200 years ago today!
Originally I started composing this blog post for halloween but then I noticed how today is the anniversary of this awful crime so I thought it was rather fitting to post today. Just 3 or 4 miles from where I live is the scarily affluent town of Radlett, brimming with actors, socialites and premier league… Continue reading A notorious local murder 200 years ago today!
You’re hired! In a Victorian way
Over the weekend I came across this old photo from 1895. It is from the Victorian equivalent of a Jobs or Recruitment fair. We Saw this old photo from 1895. A Victorian service fair. The young lady is having a coin placed in her hand to confirm she is employed. We can see the young… Continue reading You’re hired! In a Victorian way
My sneak-peak inside the Raffles OWO Hotel
A few days ago after 9 years or so of waiting, the Raffles OWO Hotel opened in Whitehall to a great fanfare of a no-expense party with royalty and other high-status people. Obviously it will come as no surprise to you to learn that I too was there, yes about 9 hours after the party… Continue reading My sneak-peak inside the Raffles OWO Hotel
John Clayton – The man who planted the most famous tree in the world!
Not many people have heard of John Clayton but most of us have enjoyed his farsighted benevolence even if from a distance. There is a saying that a person is truly generous when they plant a tree that they will never live to see mature. If that is the case then there are few better… Continue reading John Clayton – The man who planted the most famous tree in the world!
Remembering the felled tree at Sycamore Gap
I wasn’t sure what I would post today. I have lots of material but some of them are quite in depth and take an hour or three to write and the busy summer tourist season in London shows no sign of ending. Sadly a few days ago something happened in the news that made my… Continue reading Remembering the felled tree at Sycamore Gap
Stephen Liddell 