The Myth that made Millions
The Story of Belgravia Belgravia was indeed a Myth that made Millions. It was a fabricated name to which various attributes of grandeur were given, through sales-speak and word of…
It all started with a Tea Dance
It all started with a Tea Dance … Bringing back and making memories … Silver Sunday has become a national campaign tackling loneliness that affects so many older people. “Our…
Visit to Freemason’s Hall
In May, the membership of the City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association was treated to an extraordinary tour of an extraordinary building - the Freemasons’ Hall. Simon Tansley, the building’s…
Faithful friends remembered
Tucked away in a corner of Hyde Park is a patch of green scattered with tiny headstones, a place where well-to-do Victorians commemorated joyful times in the park with their beloved pets Cherry, Spot and dear old Topsy
London Underground Booking office sign on background of 1960s Tube train
The roundel: a design for all times
It is a symbol of London that even those who have never boarded a London Underground train or London bus will almost certainly recognise The roundel was only meant to…
Montage: Hippodrome Casino, Judy Garland plaque and Talk of the Town programme
A Hollywood legend in Leicester Square
Judy Garland was just one of the many American stars who for almost a quarter of a century brought a touch of glamour to the Talk of the Town For…
Portrait of Chopin and house in St James's Place with blue plaque
Chopin’s London triumphs
On November 16 1848, Chopin 'played like an angel' at Guildhall, yet this performance was to be the composer's final public appearance Chopin was feeling unwell but when the carriage…
Vacation Amusements. (No.3.) Cricket. (A Long Innings).
by John ('HB') Doyle, printed by Alfred Ducôte, published by Thomas McLean (Image: National Portrait Gallery)
Batting for history at Lord’s Old Cricket Ground
Marylebone Cricket Club may have been hosting matches at its current location for more than two centuries, but this site is not its first home
London: The Old Horse Guards from St James's Park c.1749 Canaletto
Canaletto’s London stage set
An Italian artist better known for his depictions of Venice, Canaletto also painted more than 50 English river and cityscapes during his many years living in London
Memories of little Nipper in Oxford Street
How a little Jack Russell terrier became the mascot of a record label and the symbol of the now closed flagship HMV shop in London Sad and shuttered, the HMV…