Category Archives: Culture

Posts predominantly culture related.

Are pubs making a comeback?

Posted on January 6, 2020 by

Most people around the world know that British pubs are a national institution but from 2001 to 2018, 25% of our pubs closed due to the changing nature of our societies, work-life patterns, availability of cheaper drinks elsewhere and other … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Life, London, News, Travel, Ye Olde England Tours | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

A Grotesque Gift – The difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque!

Posted on November 27, 2019 by

As I write this, yesterday I received a mysterious box from Oxford University and for a split second I wondered what it might be but then I realised it must certainly be a gift from my tourist friend Lorraine in … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Culture, history, Life | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Paying homage at the tomb of the Venerable Bede

Posted on October 23, 2019 by

If like myself you have anything like a passing history in old Anglo-Saxon history or even history itself, the works of Bede are something to behold. I always find it a bit boring I suppose that so many people think … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, history, Northumberland and Durham, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Open House London

Posted on September 18, 2019 by

Open House London has long been my favourite cultural event in London each year, despite the fact I’ve always been busy working and never got to enjoy the fun myself but it is the concept of it that I love … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Culture, Life, London, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An example of how English has changed over 1200 years.

Posted on September 11, 2019 by

I found this poster earlier today and thought it was well worth sharing.  The text contains a brief passage of one of the most famous Psalms and I think gives a wonderful insight to how language changes. I really don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Heritage, history, Religion and Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Quotable Tennyson

Posted on August 12, 2019 by

Last week I posted on the birthday of Alfred, Lord Tennyson.  It is little known but this Poet Laureate is actually the ninth most quoted literary figure.   Whilst not in the same league as Shakespeare  or perhaps as entertaining … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Heritage, history, Life, Popular Culture, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Knollys Rose Ceremony – Paying off a 619 year old rent

Posted on June 19, 2019 by

London and Britain is full of obscure ancient traditions and on Monday I bore witness to a ceremony that I did know about but never expected to see and it all has its foundations in events 619 years ago.  As … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, history, Life, London, Ye Olde England Tours | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments