It probably says more about what I watch on television or in the cinema that so many people seem to wear cloaks. We tend to think of cloaks as a little Medieval but both ancient Greek and Roman men and women wore cloaks. The Greek-styled Roman cloak, or pallium, was shaped like a square and sat on… Continue reading Cloaked in history or I wish I could wear a cloak
Secret Gardens, lavish lunches.
Some of you might remember that on the hottest day in the history of London last year, I became a Stationer. There are 111 livery companies, comprising London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the ‘Worshipful Company of’ their respective craft, trade or profession. These livery companies play a significant part in the… Continue reading Secret Gardens, lavish lunches.
When we were young
I don’t know about you but when I was little I used to spend most of my time out on the streets. In summer time from 8am until 8 or 9pm. Riding bikes, playing football or various traditional and sometimes rough games of times gone by. I remember being surprised about 10 years ago in… Continue reading When we were young
A special Charles Dickens Tour. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Recently I did a most special tour for two blind tourists from Iran. It was hard work and tiring but thoroughly rewarding and ultimately a huge success. My guests were Bita and Parham and were lovely. Very clever and witty and charming, it really was their dream to visit London and follow in the footsteps… Continue reading A special Charles Dickens Tour. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 5) – The Court Martial for the loss of HMS Wager and the fate of the mutineers!
This is the final post on the account of the quite frankly shockingly unbelievable voyager of HMS Wager and its shipwreck followed by the treacherous mutiny and terrible suffering all round as stragglers make their way home from the other side of the planet. Proceedings for a full court martial to inquire into the loss… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 5) – The Court Martial for the loss of HMS Wager and the fate of the mutineers!
Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 4) – The torturous trips back to England.
As we near the end of the tumultuous tale, a few people have been asking me about the title of this series. It actually comes from an old Treasure Island film and is uttered by actor John Newton as Long John Silver. It is said that all our popular opinions and indeed impressions of pirates… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones (Part 4) – The torturous trips back to England.
Them that die will be the lucky ones!(Part Three) – Escape from Wager Island
At noon on the 13th October 1741, the improvised schooner, now named the Speedwell, got under sail with the cutter and barge in company. Captain David Cheap refused to go, and to the relief of the mutineers he agreed to be left behind with two marines who were earlier shunned for stealing food. The mutineers expected… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones!(Part Three) – Escape from Wager Island
Them that die will be the lucky ones!(Part Two) – The HMS Wager Mutiny
If you have read my last blog post on the Voyager of HMS Wager, it might make sense to do so before ploughing on below. Wager struck rocks on the coast of a small, uninhabited island. Some of the crew broke into the spirit room and got drunk, armed themselves, and began looting, dressing up in officers’ clothes… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones!(Part Two) – The HMS Wager Mutiny
Them that die will be the lucky ones! – The Voyage of HMS Wager (Part One).
Maritime history and the Royal Navy in particular is rich in tales of daring-do’s, inspeakable suffering and survival against all the odds. Whether it is Captain Bligh, Fletcher Christian and The Mutiny on The Bounty or the more recent Ernest Shackleton and the Third Man (an Angel) For every Lord Nelson Original hand-drawn battle plans by Admiral… Continue reading Them that die will be the lucky ones! – The Voyage of HMS Wager (Part One).
St Mary’s Lighthouse
For people who live in the U.K. St Mary’s Lighthouse is one that lots of people know if they don’t realise it due to its rugged though photogenic location, it is often featured on photos depicting spectacular sunrises and stormy seas. The rocky, tidal sandstone outcrop 2½ miles north of Whitley Bay, known as St Mary’s… Continue reading St Mary’s Lighthouse
Stephen Liddell 