The charter of King William I (The Conqueror) to the City of London

I’ve been giving private walking tours in London for almost 10 years and one of the very few who have a range in the City of London, the one square mile that was once Roman Londinium. I often tell visitors between the City and Greater or Metropolitan London. Most people visit London without even visiting… Continue reading The charter of King William I (The Conqueror) to the City of London

Coronavirus Diary 85: Living by example.

It is surprising how often in life how often synchronicity happens. Last Saturday I set off for the East End of London to take some photos and do a little research for the new book that I am writing on every day Victorian era people who lost their lives whilst saving the lives of others.… Continue reading Coronavirus Diary 85: Living by example.

Exploring some of the cute and colourful mews off Brompton Road

A few days ago I found myself at the Victoria & Albert Museum and afterwards with a bit of time to spare and still entirely without any tourists, I decided to take a stroll to properly explore some of the lanes and mews that are just off the busy Brompton Road where Harrods is. Whilst… Continue reading Exploring some of the cute and colourful mews off Brompton Road

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 Mary Overie

Everyone knows of that famous old miser Ebenezer Scrooge in the the literature of Charles Dickens but right in the heart of one the most Dickensian feeling part of Central London there is a story that predates Ebenezer by 1,000 years and is largely unknown by everyone except for a few hardy visitors to explore… Continue reading The Legend of Mary Overie

Why do so many think 2 weeks of Lockdown poverty is worse than 8 months being ExcludedUK?

I was in London yesterday.  Not for fun or spending money, not really for work, well not paid work but to get out of the house and feel vaguely human whilst trying to plan for a future that I have no idea when it may arrive. Heading back to Tottenham Court Road Station I came… Continue reading Why do so many think 2 weeks of Lockdown poverty is worse than 8 months being ExcludedUK?

The origins of tipping – Paying a TIP at Twinings Tea

Whilst I was out and about in London last week, an area I wanted to visited was closed off so I ended up on a mini-diversion and went past the famous Twinings Tea Shop at #216 on The Strand, the famous old road that links the City of London to the City of Westminster. Twinings… Continue reading The origins of tipping – Paying a TIP at Twinings Tea

The famous London Underground Rush Hour Like Never Before – A Deserted Westminster

On thursday last week I had reason to go into London as I was practicing one of the new tours I have been working on. For the first time since I moved house in January, I got the tube direct to Westminster Station… one of the reasons I actually moved to where I did as… Continue reading The famous London Underground Rush Hour Like Never Before – A Deserted Westminster