The Great Fire of London On the 2nd of September 1666, in the early hours of the morning, one of the greatest catastrophes would befall the mother of all cities: The Great Fire of London. Farriner’s Folly – the Baker who Ignited a City There has been much speculation about how the fire first started, but one of […]
The Incredible Life of Mary Anning (1799 – 1847) Are you familiar with the name ? Unless you are an historian, a palaeontologist or a geologist, or you live in Lyme Regis, on the south coast of England, why should you? Because despite her incredible contributions, Mary Anning’s name was largely forgotten, a mere footnote in the
What do a Royal Park, King Edward VII and a Tube Station have in Common? A Royal Park Whether you are a visitor in London or working in the neighbourhood, you cannot have missed noticing the beautiful, ornate blue gate to Green Park on Piccadilly, near Green Park Station. It’s never open, be it for
The Grand Opening of Tower Bridge On the 30th June 1894, London witnessed a momentous occasion – the grand opening of Tower Bridge. A Victorian Marvel of Engineering This iconic landmark wasn’t just a bridge; this marvel of Victorian engineering was a symbol of progress, innovation, and the city’s ever-growing stature. The story of Tower
London is home to many world-class museums, from the monumental British Museum to the historic Churchill War Rooms. But did you know the city also boasts a collection of quirky and unexpected museums, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the city’s rich history and culture. And since we seem to be entering
London’s Quirky Museums: Beyond the Usual Suspects Read More »
Towering over the city, Big Ben is a symbol of London, its deep chime a familiar sound echoing through history. Here is the fascinating story behind Big Ben’s journey toward its first iconic clang, but you will see, it wasn’t without hiccups. The tower was built in the 1840s and ’50s, and it took more
Mayfair is one of London’s poshest districts and near the heart of it lies Grosvenor Square, one of London’s largest garden squares. Flats here regularly change hands for around £20 million and one apartment here was sold for over £110 million in 2020. The square lies within the prestigious Grosvenor Estate owned by one of
April 1st, a day of playful pranks, hoaxes, and laughter (sometimes!) – that’s April Fool’s Day! While the exact origins of the tradition remain unclear, some theories trace it back to medieval Europe. There’s a possibility it’s linked to the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, where those who
The Royal Institution The formation of the Royal Institution On March 7, 1799, at a meeting in the Soho Square house of noted naturalist and botanist Sir Joseph Banks (who was president of the Royal Society at the time)*, a decision was made that still lies at the heart of science today. A group of
The days may still be dull, but amidst the dreary end-of-winter London weather, at Kew Gardens shines a beacon of lights and colours: the Orchid Festival. Set within the Princess of Wales Conservatory until the 3rd of March 2024, this year’s annual extravaganza transports visitors to the landscapes of Madagascar. Kew Work in Madagascar Madagascar