Category: History

Some Corner of a Foreign Field

When PG Wodehouse was interned in 1940 he had a long and uncomfortable journey to Upper Silesia, spending five weeks in the fort at Huy, a place better viewed from the outside. You will be curious about Huy and may not be quite sure where it is or how to pronounce it.

An Admirable Admiral

Cloudesley Shovell’s a grand name for a chap who doesn’t have to spell it out every time he talks to a call centre. He could be the central character in a series by Patrick O’Brian, for he spent most of his life at sea.

Another Roller

A blogger trying to grab a reader’s attention often casts modesty aside and is boastful; guilty as charged. The Bible, so often a source of solace, has consolation.

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Categorised as History

Blue Mist

Next time I watch Lawrence of Arabia I will pay more attention to the armoured car. It’s a replica in David Lean’s film.

For Richer for Poorer

When Edward Bellew married Augusta Bryan in 1853 it brought two old, landed Catholic families together; one rich the other stupendously rich.

Christmas Day

The Prime Minister no doubt is spending Christmas in Downing Street working on the Deal that needs to be approved next week by the House of Commons. It’s unclear when the Upper House gets its say. It is not the first time a Prime Minister has worked on Christmas Day.

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Categorised as History

The Pripet Marshes

The Pripet Marshes, also known as the Pinsk Marshes, cover more than 100,000 square miles straddling Belarus and Ukraine.