Whilst out with his metal detector on the muddy foreshore of Thameside, amateur historian and enthusiast Tobias Neto stumbled on a very small but very special piece of history in December 2016. It was a medal, a VC or Victoria Cross, the highest medal for valour possible in the United Kingdom and old Commonwealth… Continue reading A tragic hero, forgotten in his own time but now remembered in ours.
Tag: history
Queuing by the numbers
There are few things more British than queuing or Standing In Line as it is called in some places. It’s often said that we will stand behind a queue of one and I’ve seen that quite a few times. It’s one of those characteristics like a stiff upper lip, a pot of tea, talking about… Continue reading Queuing by the numbers
WW1 Iraq & The Desert Campaigns
Last week I wrote on how it was the 100th anniversary of the death of my Great Grandfather in Iraq in WW1. In fact just last night I found a bookmark from my Great Grandmother who must have had it made long ago to remember her husband. So much of the history of The Great… Continue reading WW1 Iraq & The Desert Campaigns
Up Helly Aa – The Modern Day Viking Festival
This coming Tuesday sees one of the most spectacular event of the British cultural calendar though it is a long from most people in the British Isles. It is known as Up Helly Aa and takes place in the town of Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. I’ve always wanted to go to the Shetlands, partly… Continue reading Up Helly Aa – The Modern Day Viking Festival
Remembering My Great Grandad Ernest Heard Who Died 100 Years Ago Today in Amarah, Iraq.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of one of the biggest moments in 20th century history, if not for many people, at least for myself and perhaps a few others. For on this day, January 25th 1917, my Great Grandad Ernest Heard died in Iraq during WW1. Like many others in that particular campaign, he didn’t… Continue reading Remembering My Great Grandad Ernest Heard Who Died 100 Years Ago Today in Amarah, Iraq.
140 London Underground Facts
Some people say that we are living in a post-fact world. This epic list of facts relating to the London Underground says otherwise! So whether you use it every day or just see it on movies, here are some facts that only Fox News could ever disagree with. 1. The average speed on the Underground is… Continue reading 140 London Underground Facts
Found! The Lost Welsh City Of Trellech
Many people have their heroes, people that they might want to imitate. Maybe a film star, entrepreneur or scientist. Until now, I didn’t really have anyone… at least not alive but now I have in the unassuming form of Stuart Wilson. 10 years ago we were both pretty similar and we both had just over… Continue reading Found! The Lost Welsh City Of Trellech
Cross Bones Graveyard – A resting place for the ‘Single women’ of London
Today whilst conducting a private Charles Dickens Walking Tour with a colleague, I took a little detour through the back streets of Borough and Southwark to visit two very special and unique places. This area of London lies just south of the River Thames and since Roman times (like Whitechapel) has been something of the armpit… Continue reading Cross Bones Graveyard – A resting place for the ‘Single women’ of London
Stuck for Gift ideas? Grab yourself a book or ebook!
It’s that time of year when many people are looking for a gift for a friend, loved one or maybe just a treat for yourself. I must admit that living here in the UK and being relatively busy, I just end up watching the BBC which means I have yet to see any… Continue reading Stuck for Gift ideas? Grab yourself a book or ebook!
John “Mad Jack” Mytton – The craziest man in history!
John Mytton is one of those colouful characters that make history, especially British history such an interest affair. It’s always nice when one comes across someone who was totally nuts and I always look at them with a slight mix of jealousy and admiration and just a little astonishment. Of course history is littered with… Continue reading John “Mad Jack” Mytton – The craziest man in history!
Stephen Liddell 