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Back in the late 16th century one of the foremost playwrights in the land was Christopher Marlowe. Amongst other works, he penned the theatrical play Dr Faustus about a man who sells his soul to the Devil. However, it is rumoured that he had another occupation, that of a government spy. Apparently, just like manyContinue reading “Who Killed Christopher Marlowe?”

When the Romans invaded Britain about 2,000 years ago, one of their actions was to expand a small settlement on the Thames. It was called Londinium which of course eventually became known as London. Today London has many boroughs which exist within what is termed Greater London. But, back in the time of the RomansContinue reading “The Kingdoms of London”

In the previous about Kensington Gardens, I mentioned the Great Exhibition of 1851 which was held in Hyde Park. And it deserves an article in its own right. Today we can see some similar large edifices around the world designed to hold big exhibitions. Some are spectacular, but the building that was built to houseContinue reading “The Crystal Palace that made Crystal Palace”

Kensington Gardens in London joins on to the west end of Hyde Park. Unless you knew where to look you would have a job finding where one finished and the other one started. Kensington Gardens has always and managed to keep its self somewhat aloof from its eastern neighbour. But, before Kensington Palace arrived onContinue reading “A Park for Nobles Only”

Now there’s a title to get a few hearts racing. After all, he was one of America’s best known and feared gangsters of the 1920s. He eventually went to prison on tax evasion charges. However, his criminal empire reached into protection, prostitution and prohibition. And it was this last one which allowed the UK toContinue reading “How Britain Helped Al Capone”

In today’s world of “superstars” and “celebrities” almost everywhere you look, even like me, you can’t name many of them. The reason for this upsurge is mainly down to two things; the advent of social media and its influencers and the increasing number of programmes on TV and other devices, which feature ordinary members ofContinue reading “London’s Best-Known Tramp”

Barnet in north London will probably admit it is not very famous for landmarks in British history. Even today, it is a normal urban part of London like so many other boroughs. However, on the 14th April 1471, it was the location of a battle which had consequences for who would next wear the RoyalContinue reading “How to Lose a Battle in Barnet”

The Author and YouTube broadcaster Estelle Van de Velde recently asked to interview me about my writing philosophy, style and output. It was first broadcast on 30th May 2023 and if you click on the link below, you will be taken straight to it.

Auction Houses are located in many towns and cities around the world. They can vary  from small local companies selling furniture and other household pieces which may sell for conservative amounts right up to the largest and most prestigious, auctioning fine art and other valuable collectables for millions of pounds. London, of course, does notContinue reading “Sold to You the Reader”

Taking the London Underground can be quite a chore, especially in the rush-hours. There are stairs to climb and sometimes it feels as though you’re walking down endless tunnels to reach your particular platform. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that London was the first to have an underground railway. These days, mostContinue reading “Hopping on the Tube”