These days we all have easy access to maps and our local administration is likely run by some sort of government office, elected or otherwise. That wasn’t always the case especially in the U.K. where the role of the church was hugely important. With churches across the whole country, it was important to know what… Continue reading Beating the bounds
Tag: church
The five heads of John the Baptist
In my last post I mentioned in jest about there were several ‘heads of John the Baptist’ and I thought I might try and see how many I could quickly find. It should be noted that there are some photos of 2,000 year old dried out skulls below so if it’s not your thing then… Continue reading The five heads of John the Baptist
St Mary le Strand – The finest 18th century church in London
St Mary le Strand is a justly celebrated architectural gem and a widely recognised landmark building. It has a grand and dignified worship space which makes it a sanctuary and place of peace in the heart of the district. After the Great Fire and the subsequent rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral, the City Commissioners proposed a… Continue reading St Mary le Strand – The finest 18th century church in London
A look inside an Anchorite Squint
Whilst I was poking around a church recently I came across one of these (see photo below). It is an Anchorite Squint. Pious and and Holy people from faiths around the world have long sought solitude to get closer to God. usually this would take the form of living on top of a mountain or… Continue reading A look inside an Anchorite Squint
A wintery walk around Waltham Abbey
It’s often the case that one doesn’t visit the places on your doorstep and even as a guide in London, I sometimes only visited the most famous of places because I was being paid to. Just over a week ago in one of those freezing winter days where the weather doesn’t change for weeks on… Continue reading A wintery walk around Waltham Abbey
A little bit of the Assyrian Empire from ancient Babylon in a London garden
I don’t know about you but I’m the sort of person who always likes to go off exploring. If I see an open door or gate then I have to take a peek inside. I’ve seen some fascinating places by doing so and so far not got into serious trouble. I was in London a… Continue reading A little bit of the Assyrian Empire from ancient Babylon in a London garden
Rank hath its privileges in the Tilbury Fort Chapel
Even in a Georgian Fortress, religion had its place and Tilbury has a rather modest chapel near the front gate. There is barely any ornate decoration but the simple decor and large stylised windows being the altar and along one side make a big impact. One thing that I found interesting though is the pews… Continue reading Rank hath its privileges in the Tilbury Fort Chapel
The Legend of Jack O’ Legs – Hertfordshire’s answer to Robin Hood!
We all know the story of Robin Hood, Little John and the others in Sherwood Forest but where I live we have a similarly motivated though perhaps less successful and well-know figure and his name is Jack O’Legs who also stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Jack lived in a cave near the… Continue reading The Legend of Jack O’ Legs – Hertfordshire’s answer to Robin Hood!
My new book is out – Secret Gardens of the City of London
After a year of solid work my new book has just been released in Paperback, Kindle Apple iBook formats. So what’s it all about? Secret Gardens of the City of London is based on my unique, popular and generally well regarded tour with Ye Olde England Tours Sacred Secret Sanctuary Gardens Walk (rated by Trip Advisor… Continue reading My new book is out – Secret Gardens of the City of London
The forlorn church of St Mary Somerset
When I was out in London last week, I went on a walk of discovery. As is often the way in London, I ‘discovered’ several places but also got the chance to visit somewhere I knew perfectly well even though I’d never been there… at least not for 6 or 7 years and never to… Continue reading The forlorn church of St Mary Somerset
Stephen Liddell 