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What became known as the “troubles” began in Northern Ireland in 1969. It could be said that this was just the latest flare-up in tension and violence which had been going on and off for centuries. Although it did put Catholics against Protestants, it was also about whether Northern Ireland should remain as part ofContinue reading “The Docklands Bomb”

When Robbie Williams sang “Let me entertain you,” he probably had no idea that in the past, one of the most popular entertainers of the day only needed a potato for his act and for the public to give him money. If we go back to the early decades of the twentieth-century, poverty was stillContinue reading “Let Me Entertain You”

Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans set up the town of Londinium where London is today. It was a good spot because the Thames offered relatively easy access to the rest of the Roman Empire. And so, part of the development included the building of a port. This would grow in size over the centuries.Continue reading “Old London Docks”

The River Thames which flows through the centre of London is probably as famous as any other landmark in the capital. But, how much else do we know about this historic river? I say historic because it has existed for thousands of years. Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a port here when LondonContinue reading “Is the River Thames the Thames?”

Big Ben in London is famous throughout the world, but there are aspects to the history of this structure that are not as well-known. Now, I’m sure there will be a lot of you who are saying we know what you are about to say and that is Big Ben is not the famous clockContinue reading “Big Ben? That Rings a Bell”

Like most people who use the train, you are likely to want to have the train come on time and to get a seat. Probably the last thing on your mind is how good-looking the locomotive pulling the carriages is? But that was the main criticism when the first train serve started up in London.Continue reading “Your Train is Too Ugly”

I should imagine many of us know exactly who we are referring to when we hear the words Tom and Jerry. I enjoyed their antics both as a child and an adult. A mouse and a cat in constant battles with each other and causing some terrible injuries on each other, but the next second,Continue reading “Tom & Jerry – A Cat & Mouse Tale”

There’s money in most things, if you know how to make it. And I suppose scrap metal merchants down the ages, always have an eye for a bargain or something which might accrue in value at a later date. This latter reason was certainly understood by Mr Rivett, a scrap metal merchant in the timeContinue reading “There’s Money in Royal Scrap Metal”

All of us probably have memories of our school days and of the teachers who had the most influence on us. Personally, I had two teachers who encouraged me to become a writer. It took some years and a number of other professions before I took their advice but I have to agree with theirContinue reading “The Teacher Who would be King”

To have a statue erected in your memory is perhaps one of the greatest compliments people can pay you. Having a statue planned for you and then finding no one was prepared to pay for it and even when built, everyone hated it, then maybe you’ve not led a life to be proud of. So,Continue reading “The Statue No One Wanted”