I have spent the last few days creating a few new tours in Newcastle, two of which are historic pub themed tours. Whilst deciding upon which pubs to visit I was reminded of a fascinating if I think tragic story behind the landlord of the Duke of Wellington Pub in High Bridge. William Campbell was… Continue reading William Campbell – The Heaviest Man In The World
Month: February 2024
Wading through floods to find a 1300 year old border
Two weeks ago my car had its annual MOT inspection. The garage I have been using for 20 years had moved during Covid and me being a loyal type and the mechanic being amazing, I decided it was worth going to his new premises about 15 miles away. When I arrived at the garage I… Continue reading Wading through floods to find a 1300 year old border
The strange story of the first Elephant in England
It’s long been the habit for monarchs around the world to receive some of the most incredible gifts. You only have to go to Windsor Castle to see some of the things our Royal Family have received over the centuries and apparently there are entire stores of more humdrum or precious objects. But what to get… Continue reading The strange story of the first Elephant in England
New London Overground names revealed
Most people are familiar with the London Underground map. It’s one of the most used, recognised and perhaps even loved designs ever used in travel. That famous old map doesn’t really tell the whole story though. Aside from the countless commuter lines and intercity lines which most foreign visitors would never use and so are… Continue reading New London Overground names revealed
Face to mask with a WW1 Gashood
Despite walking round London over 300 days a year for 11 years, the amount of times I’ve been there just for fun like a local or tourist could be counted on one hand. I’ve not been in Buckingham Palace, until last year I’d not been to a West End Show for 16 years nor eaten… Continue reading Face to mask with a WW1 Gashood
The Holdovers Film Review
The last really great film I watched was Saltburn which was shockingly unique and often simply shocking. I remember when sitting down to watch Saltburn there was a trailer for The Holdovers and I made a mental note that this film was just my cup of tea. Nobody likes teacher Paul Hunham who is fantastically played… Continue reading The Holdovers Film Review
Don’t tell him Pike!
The Home Guard (initially Local Defence Volunteers) was an armed citizen militia supporting the army during WW2. Operational from 1940 to 1944, the Home Guard had 1.5 million local volunteers otherwise ineligible for military service, such as those who were too young or too old to join the regular armed forced (regular military service was restricted to those aged 18 to… Continue reading Don’t tell him Pike!
Rediscovery of a lost British Saint and today is his Feast Day!
Today is a Red Letter Day, or at least it was centuries ago. We still sometimes say that it is a Red Letter Day which means it is somewhat special. In the medieval times when monks and scholars would document every day regardless of whether anything happened or perhaps they’d write out the Holy Bible or the… Continue reading Rediscovery of a lost British Saint and today is his Feast Day!
Stephen Liddell 