Despite being a guide of 10 years standing, I never used to go in the Tower of London very much. I don’t like crowds and I always felt having guide in an attraction was a bit surplus to requirements or something ‘anyone’ by that I suppose any guide could do. Thus spring and summer however… Continue reading The Executioners Axe at the Tower of London
Tag: Death
10 years ago today, my Mam died
It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago today, my mother died. Unexpectedly after having several bouts of cancer over the years but seemingly on the mend after a very recent operation. March is just a completely dead month to me. Her birthday on the 14th is quickly followed by Mothers Day and then a… Continue reading 10 years ago today, my Mam died
Football to the beautiful game from the deadly one
Not quite Halloween related, heaven knows I have written enough of them over the last 10 years but something still a little bit gory to get our fangs into. I’m a great one for unfortunate deaths in times gone by, it inspired me to write 101 Most Horrible Tortures In History. For some reason this… Continue reading Football to the beautiful game from the deadly one
Remembering when I sang for the Queen in Westminster Abbey and speaking on on a Boston breakfast radio show
I know lots of people are a little or a lot sad about the Queen whether for her role in the country or simply as an older lady who has overseen us all our lives. It has been a weird few days working in London with a sombre but appreciative atmosphere and memorials cropping up… Continue reading Remembering when I sang for the Queen in Westminster Abbey and speaking on on a Boston breakfast radio show
A bit of historic detective work on a young Victorian hero – Solomon Galaman
The book I have been working on recently is one of those labours of love that I sometimes do if only for myself that quite often seem to catch the imagination of others. Researching places relating to the heroes of Postman’s Park near St Paul Cathedralcan be a time consuming process in more ways than… Continue reading A bit of historic detective work on a young Victorian hero – Solomon Galaman
The death and resurrection of Margorie McCall
If you’re anything like me then there is nothing that quite tickles your fancy like a historic ‘resurrection’ story. This one took place in Ireland in 1705 when after succumbing to a fever Margorie McCall was hastily buried to prevent the spread of whatever had sent her to her maker. Margorie was buried with… Continue reading The death and resurrection of Margorie McCall
Some birds aren’t meant to be caged
Shawshank Redemption has long been about my favourite film. I’m one of those rare people who saw it when it came out at the cinema back in the 1990’s, well before it became popular on the then cutting edge DVDs. I love everything about that film and it has scenes and quotes that fit so… Continue reading Some birds aren’t meant to be caged
Coronavirus Diary 87 : Down and still out
I don’t know about you but I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the invasion of Ukraine and a huge part of me wants to help-out. Not just in the donating clothes and powerpacks way but to actually go there and fight. I feel such disillusionment with my own country and despise the government… Continue reading Coronavirus Diary 87 : Down and still out
Snooping around a Charnel House (House of the dead) in Spitalfields, London.
Whilst I was out looking for my beigel a few weeks ago in Spitalfields, I decided to do a bit of a detour to look for an old ruin which if not quite in plain sight then is at least walked over by thousands of people every day without their ever really knowing. I’ve written… Continue reading Snooping around a Charnel House (House of the dead) in Spitalfields, London.
Coronavirus Diary 22 – Parting is such sweet sorrow
A really short but not particularly sweet post today. The wife of one my guides has died following 23 days in a coma due to the Coronavirus. As he told me, she had years left in her to drive everyone mad. Poor fellow, he’s such a nice man and engaging, dutiful guide. I’d already lent… Continue reading Coronavirus Diary 22 – Parting is such sweet sorrow
Stephen Liddell 