Category: Cool Britannia

Sword Rests in the City of London.

The historic churches of the City of London contain many unusual and interesting furnishings and fittings. Among the most intriguing are the sword rests. You don’t really find Sword Rests in the rest of the country, perhaps because bringing a sword into a church may seem rather incongruous but in the City, the Lord Mayor… Continue reading Sword Rests in the City of London.

Where Little Dorrit slept – A secret spot of Dickensian London

Most peoples experiences of London are packed tube trains, busy shops, bright lights and crowds of people. Mine always seem to be very different and I often feel like I am living in a Charles Dickens story. Walking around quiet lanes or alleys, church bells ringing as random people shout out greetings as I run various errands.… Continue reading Where Little Dorrit slept – A secret spot of Dickensian London

Christmas trees of London

As I posted last week on the most famous Christmas Tree, the one being in Trafalgar Square, I thought I might put up a few photos of some of my favourite ones I’ve seen in public spaces in London this year. Of course there are hundreds of Christmas trees on display in London, possibly thousands… Continue reading Christmas trees of London

The History of the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

It is said perhaps to be the most famous Christmas tree in the world and in London marks the run-in to Christmas. Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given the people of London a Christmas tree which finds its home in Trafalgar Square. This gift is in gratitude for Britain’s support for… Continue reading The History of the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

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