Tag: City of London

Sword Rests in the City of London.

The historic churches of the City of London contain many unusual and interesting furnishings and fittings. Among the most intriguing are the sword rests. You don’t really find Sword Rests in the rest of the country, perhaps because bringing a sword into a church may seem rather incongruous but in the City, the Lord Mayor… Continue reading Sword Rests in the City of London.

Mansion House – The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London

Originally the Lord Mayor of the City of London would use their own home or livery hall in their elected position deafening up the City’s governmental, judicial and civic functions. After the Great Fire of London, the idea arose that the Lord Mayors should have their very own official home. It took almost a century… Continue reading Mansion House – The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London

St Stephen Walbrook Church – Prototype for that famous dome

Last week in a rather cool and stormy London, I arrived early for an appointment as I often do. This time I was attending a function at Mansion House so I decided to visit the neighbouring old Church, St Stephen Walbrook. I’m sure you’ll agree St Stephen is a fine name for a church, particularly… Continue reading St Stephen Walbrook Church – Prototype for that famous dome

Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire at the Guildhall

A few weeks ago, on opening day actually, I went to see a new exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery which features over 200 items dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, many of them viewable for the first time.  There is a wide range of historical items, royal, military, ecclesiastical, and theatrical… Continue reading Treasures of Gold and Silver Wire at the Guildhall

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

Standing under the shoulders of giants

A few days ago I was fortunate to be invited on a private behind the scenes tour of the Guildhall in the City of London. Imagine that, me on a tour! It’s one of a handful of buildings I’ve always wanted to look around that I’ve never properly been in. I did once get a… Continue reading Standing under the shoulders of giants

Thomas Dagger – The Man who discovered The Great Fire of London

By the time it was extinguished, an area about a mile-and-a-half (2.4km) wide along the River Thames was devastated, with 13,200 houses, 87 churches and the old St Paul’s Cathedral destroyed. The huge fire left some 100,000 people homeless but led to widespread changes in the city, many of which still resonate to this very… Continue reading Thomas Dagger – The Man who discovered The Great Fire of London

The return of the Bartholomew Fair

West Smithfield is one of my very favourite parts of London and I’ve written about it countless times despite it being an area little larger than a football field. As the western worlds oldest hospital, St Bartholomew’s and its neighbouring and magnificent neighbour St Bartholomew The Great Church both prepare for their 900th birthday party… Continue reading The return of the Bartholomew Fair

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.