London’s historical hidden gems
Often in London and its history, things are not quite as they seem. Tucked down a secluded lane between the busy Strand and the Embankment, you will find the Strand Lane ‘Roman Bath’. It is, however, neither Roman, nor originally a bath. I recently managed to visit this particular spot when they had a free […]
The Strand Lane Roman Bath: A history Read More »
Nestled in the Chess Valley in Buckinghamshire, not far from Chalfont and Latimer Metropolitan Line station, is an attractive red-brick, neo-Tudor mansion. Called Latimer House, the site has a history stretching back centuries as an aristocratic manor house. It also has an extraordinary World War Two story, when it was used to house, and extract
When The Walls Had Ears: The Secret history Of Latimer House Read More »
London has had many world firsts in its history, perhaps most notably, it was the first city in the world to develop an underground railway. A lesser-known ‘first’ however, is that it also had the world’s first tunnel under a navigable river. The Thames Tunnel, that runs from Rotherhithe to Wapping, was designed by Marc Brunel
‘The Eighth Wonder Of The World’: A Visit To The Brunel Museum Read More »
Spitalfields, I think, is one of London’s best areas for an aimless wander. It is steeped in history, each building stuffed with, often, centuries worth of stories. I spot new details on the facades of the old 18th century townhouses every time I walk the atmospheric backstreets: door knockers, drain pipes, doorcases. A recent open
Hidden Oases: A Sneak Peek At Five Spitalfields Gardens Read More »
The Crystal Palace Subway is somewhere that I have had on my list to visit for a good few years now. I was therefore delighted to have recently been given access by the team at the Crystal Park Palace Trust. Designed by Charles Barry Junior, the Crystal Palace Subway was originally constructed as the first
The Crystal Palace Subway: A True Hidden Gem Read More »