Category: History

Look at Glaxo

There are two ways of looking at GSK (Glaxo Smith Kline) shares. If you are a glass-half-empty type you lament that the price has been going sideways between £12 and £16 for the last ten years. On the other hand …

Henry Percy-Pole

Outside Masterpiece 2018 yesterday I met Henry M Percy-Pole whose exceptional life story and achievements I will relate to you (in his own words) today. Of course younger sons carry a bit of a chip and like to feel that they are nearly as good as their brothers but Henry’s treatment as an eldest son… Continue reading Henry Percy-Pole

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Categorised as History

Tapestry & Tide

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: every time I go on a familiar walk I see something new. Friday should have been an exception as I was with two friends and the chat level was dangerously high, as is the case when W is around.

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Categorised as History

145 Hammersmith Road

I often walk past this building on the corner of Hammersmith Road and Edith Road and thought it very shabby. Now it’s had a lick of paint and now I know its story, thanks to this website and Peter Bird.

Thames Talk

Yesterday I walked a short stretch (4 miles) of the Thames Path for the first time. I took the tube to Canary Wharf and felt as if I’d landed in a N American city.

Match Point

The EU Withdrawal Bill is proving a contentious piece of legislation. The Peers are flexing their pecs, making amendments to give the Commons a greater say on the outcome of the negotiations with the EU. The Bill shuttles between the two Chambers in a process known as Parliamentary ping-pong.

Tunbridge Wells

Last year this mural was installed on Platform 2 at Tunbridge Wells station. The jovial fellow in yellow leaping in 1606 is Lord North.

Royal Mausolea

There are a few things that can only be done at restricted times. One is visiting the Mansion House. I had hoped to advise you to turn up on any Tuesday afternoon for an hour long tour but these jaunts have now been cancelled until further notice.

The Loriners’ Company’s Annual Banquet

On Friday evening I was invited to dine at the Mansion House as a guest of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Loriners. I had previously only been to one livery company dinner (farriers) and had never dined at the Mansion House before so it was a big night out for me.

Semper Opera House

A good game is to name structures called after their architects. Let me get you started in Paris with Charles Garnier’s opera house and Gustave Eiffel’s tower and in Vicenza, the Basilica Palladiana by Andrea Palladio.