Have you ever heard of the phrase “on tenterhooks”? It has come to mean being in a state of tension, uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense, and that is because tenterhooks were once very common sights indeed. Tenterhooks aren’t the big hooks you might see in a meat market or butches but are instead related to the cloth… Continue reading To be on Tenterhooks in Spitalfields
An old plan of Piccadilly Circus Underground Station.
I’m away on a 2-week tour in the near future and so this shorter than usual post is just to help fill the gap before, during or after I come back. The incredible print below is of Piccadilly Circus Underground Station and dates from the late 1920’s. It illustrates the multitude of tunnels needed to… Continue reading An old plan of Piccadilly Circus Underground Station.
The Restoration of the Aldgate Pump of Death!
I’ve no doubt included photos and mentioned in passing the old Aldgate water pump which used to be right next to an eastern gate of the old Roman wall surrounding the city of London. Aldgate Well was first mentioned all the way back in the thirteenth century during the reign of King John. It possibly… Continue reading The Restoration of the Aldgate Pump of Death!
A 1915 piece of fake news… with good intentions
When German Naval Airship Zeppelin L9 appeared over Blyth on the evening of 14 April 1915, it was only the second time bombs had been dropped on England. Although nobody was killed, it marked the beginning of a series of raids on the North-East which would kill many dozens of people. The Zeppelin L9, on… Continue reading A 1915 piece of fake news… with good intentions
I wonder what he meant by that!
Everyone likes a good quote don’t they. I particularly adore historical quotes and admire anyone who as was said of Churchill, mobilised the English language and sent it into battle. I was always quite a fan of Donald Rumsfelds infamous quote about known unknowns. At the time he was widely lambasted for it but it… Continue reading I wonder what he meant by that!
The environmental hypocrisy of Prince Harry
In Britain this summer, hardly anything has made the news this summer outside of a few major stories. Brexit of course, various protests bringing London to a halt many of which are invariably environment related and the seemingly strained relations of Prince Harry and Meghan with Prince William and Kate…. oh and the fact Harry… Continue reading The environmental hypocrisy of Prince Harry
Open House London
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 so much. One can enjoy free access to buildings which are not usually open to… Continue reading Open House London
Downton Abbey Film Review
It’s no secret that Downton Abbey is my favourite television show of the 21st Century. I love everything about it. The era, the mostly gentle storylines, the costumes, grant houses and beautiful countryside, the witty insults and quotes and the fact that everyone in the programme can actually speak in a civilised fashion which seems… Continue reading Downton Abbey Film Review
An example of how English has changed over 1200 years.
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 like the modern version, it sounds almost like it is written for people with learning… Continue reading An example of how English has changed over 1200 years.
The Hartley Colliery Disaster of 1862
My blog is full of disasters from beer floods in London to Grace Darling – A Victorian Heroine. burning building self-sacrifices to heroic against the odd tales of survival I Am The Army – The Incredible Story of William Brydon Many of them remain well known or at least just buried beneath the surface of public consciousness but… Continue reading The Hartley Colliery Disaster of 1862
Stephen Liddell 