The Flying Scotsman is one of the most famous names in locomotion and with a history as grand as its reputation. The Flying Scotsman is an express passenger train service that has run the 392 miles between London and Edinburgh since 1862 and which continues to this day. Of course, a number of trains… Continue reading The Return of The Flying Scotsman
Tag: history
The Battle of Verdun 100 years on.
France and its military have something of poor reputation amongst many. Centuries of rivalry with Britain where it increasingly came off second best, its requirement to be rescued in WW1 and quick capitulation in WW2 coupled with decisions to stay out of recent major wars mean that we all forget that there were many events… Continue reading The Battle of Verdun 100 years on.
Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes.
At this time of year, my back garden so often looks like it has taken a real battering from months of incessant rain, sometimes snow and many weeks of seemingly constant gales or worse. Sometimes a tree will blow over or even snap meaning our beloved garden has a gaping hole in it. Of… Continue reading Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes.
The Epic of Beowulf
Last week saw the premiere of a new ITV show in the vein of Game of Thrones, The Vikings and The Last Kingdom, Beowulf. Whilst less intense and made to appeal to a wider audience than the other shows, many may be unaware that Beowulf isn’t just based on a classic work of literature but… Continue reading The Epic of Beowulf
12th Night – Christmas isn’t over yet!
You might not realise it but today (or indeed yesterday depending on your calendar) is 12th night. In my street most of the Christmas decorations have been taken down with people and you could be forgiven for thinking Christmas is over if your Christmas revolves around spending money and the back to work depression has… Continue reading 12th Night – Christmas isn’t over yet!
Barnard Castle and the Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum
Some of you may remember back in October I went on holiday to the north of England and made a number of popular posts on my trip into old mines, behind waterfalls and along Hadrians Wall amongst other places. I always had one more day to post so a little late, here it is. On… Continue reading Barnard Castle and the Silver Swan at The Bowes Museum
Amazing chart on the rise & fall of civilisations
I don’t normally post short little blog posts but I thought I would make an exception for this. I’ve been studying it on and off for several months and it is one of the most fascinating charts that I’ve ever seen. This chart is a little old and dates from the mid 20th century but… Continue reading Amazing chart on the rise & fall of civilisations
The history of Father Christmas & Santa Claus
I’m not really into the modern Christmas, I’m much more into the original meaning of Christmas. However that’s not to say I’m not interested in the traditions of Father Christmas it’s just that I am into the more original meanings of it rather than the money and over indulgence of this biggest of HOLY(i)days. Many… Continue reading The history of Father Christmas & Santa Claus
War In Syria, Peace In The Middle-East
This week the U.K. voted to go to war against the terrorists in Syria. It doesn’t seem to be a popular cause in the U.K. or perhaps it is simply that its opponents are more vocal as it is hard to admit support for a war. Of course there is no easy solution and none… Continue reading War In Syria, Peace In The Middle-East
20 of the greatest speeches of all time
I’ve always been interested in speeches and it always seems interesting how easy it is to pick out those that are naturally gifted orators with those who merely give it their best shot. Last night much if the U.K wS watching a parliamentary debate that was rounded off by the latest in a long line… Continue reading 20 of the greatest speeches of all time
Stephen Liddell 