Category: History

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.

Published
Categorised as History

Pompey

Pompey’s Pillar is a Roman triumphal column not built in memory of the emperor Pompey (106 – 48 BC), as you might expect, but to honour Diocletian (284 – 305 AD). It stands at the eastern side of the temenos of the Serapeum of Alexandria, which is now in ruins. So you have two obscure… Continue reading Pompey

Empire

At least twenty years ago I found I was using my small television as an unplugged, sofa-side coffee table and paying for a TV licence. More recently I found I can watch television using an iPad (and I have a TV licence again).

Green Park

While it is correct to call it The Green Park it is pedantic and if the knowledgable Andrew Jones eschews the definite article so will I.