Category: London

Mansion House – The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London

Originally the Lord Mayor of the City of London would use their own home or livery hall in their elected position deafening up the City’s governmental, judicial and civic functions. After the Great Fire of London, the idea arose that the Lord Mayors should have their very own official home. It took almost a century… Continue reading Mansion House – The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London

An off the cuff tour for two Bobbies

On Armistice Day this year I was preparing to give a Darkest Hour Tour which involves a guided tour around some of the most important political places in Westminster including inside the Houses of Parliament as well as a few hidden places before heading off into the Churchill War Rooms. The last few weekends had… Continue reading An off the cuff tour for two Bobbies

St Stephen Walbrook Church – Prototype for that famous dome

Last week in a rather cool and stormy London, I arrived early for an appointment as I often do. This time I was attending a function at Mansion House so I decided to visit the neighbouring old Church, St Stephen Walbrook. I’m sure you’ll agree St Stephen is a fine name for a church, particularly… Continue reading St Stephen Walbrook Church – Prototype for that famous dome

Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire at the Guildhall

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

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

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

Standing under the shoulders of giants

A few days ago I was fortunate to be invited on a private behind the scenes tour of the Guildhall in the City of London. Imagine that, me on a tour! It’s one of a handful of buildings I’ve always wanted to look around that I’ve never properly been in. I did once get a… Continue reading Standing under the shoulders of giants

Looking for the River Fleet

A week or so ago I was fortunate to have a special invitation in the City of London and unusually found myself with time to spare and no tourists with me. I decided to hunt down the River Fleet. The River Fleet is perhaps the second most important river in the formation and history of… Continue reading Looking for the River Fleet