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
Category: News
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!
2024 Elections
In 2024, more than half the planet will vote in elections. However not all elections are equal and whilst the better ones can completely change the course of a country or even the world, others are little more than a farcical sham. The dark burgundy circles represent good and almost ideal democracies despite the best efforts… Continue reading 2024 Elections
Digging up patients from a medieval hospital
Last week news broke on the results of a study which was set up after the discovery of a medieval cemetery in Cambridge a few years ago that just happens to have been active during the Black Death. It is thought that London possibly suffered the worth mortality rate in the world from the Black… Continue reading Digging up patients from a medieval hospital
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
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
Saving the home of the Gunpowder Plotters Last Stand
With Remember Remember The Fifth of November having just taken place a few days ago, it’s interesting that a pivotal site related to the plot to blow up Parliament has just been given protection. After their failure to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I in November 1605, the gunpowder plotters fled to Holbeche… Continue reading Saving the home of the Gunpowder Plotters Last Stand
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
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 