Crumbs

This is one of three portraits by Hans Eworth at Tate Britain.

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Categorised as Art, History

St Stephen’s Day

Wednesday 26 December 1660 In the morning to Alderman Backwell’s for the candlesticks for Mr. Coventry, but they being not done I went away, and so by coach to Mr. Crew’s, and there took some money of Mr. Moore’s for my Lord, and so to my Lord’s, where I found Sir Thomas Bond (whom I… Continue reading St Stephen’s Day

Christmas Day

25 December (1940) Christmas Day! An old butler came in to wake me at half-past eight, bearing the conventional tray with tea. He was a trifle apologetic at bringing it to an American. And as he began fussing around opening the curtains and folding my clothes, I asked him about himself. He said he had… Continue reading Christmas Day

Of Obelisk and Orchid

I have been interested in war memorials for a long time and have wondered vaguely when they were first erected and, in particular, when the names of the fallen of all ranks were listed and commemorated.

Walking the Streets

  In Paris on Monday it was 15C and the sun was out. We walked from near the Palais Garnier to the base of the Eiffel Tower. May I digress and tell you that sentence has the names of two architects with structures named after them. This is not as usual as you might think.… Continue reading Walking the Streets

The Holy Right Hand

I don’t know why I went to St Stephen’s Basilica to see his Holy Right Hand when St Oliver Plunkett’s head is more dramatic in Drogheda. But, to be fair, something I don’t like, Saint S in Budapest gets a lot more visitors (half price seniors and students) than St O in Drogheda. And, if… Continue reading The Holy Right Hand

Into the East

I am a fan of Tony Scotland’s books, as you may remember from previous posts. His latest has transported me to Eastern Europe in 1989. Tony explains how the book came about in his Introduction.

Ruler of the Queen’s Navy

In a recent comment John mentioned that the First Sea Lord’s flagship is HMS Victory. At lunch yesterday I was asked what the difference is between the FSL and the Admiral of the Fleet.

Books and Maps

“The British Library holds more than 150 million items in its collection. British Library Publishing actively publish from the Library’s collection to bring forgotten stories and original non-fiction to new audiences.  We publish thought-provoking books to showcase unexpected treasures from our collections, including maps, manuscripts, great works of literature and rare books.   We are also… Continue reading Books and Maps

HMS Victory

A wet Monday morning in November, in school term-time, may not sound the ideal conditions for a visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard but better than the crowds in summer.

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Categorised as History