I think I have just been black-balled….
You know what a sucker I am for Georgian bits and bobs so it will come as no surprize that for today’s blog I am… Read More »I think I have just been black-balled….
October 2013
A gruesome anniversary – the burning to death of Isabella Condon, 1779.
On 27th October 1779 a woman emerged from Newgate prison, attached to a hurdle dragged behind a cart. Thus she was taken to Tyburn (near… Read More »A gruesome anniversary – the burning to death of Isabella Condon, 1779.
26th October 1776: disorderly conduct amongst the lower orders.
I came across this newspaper cutting from 1776 and thought how little has changed over the ensuing centuries: So, I think we can take it… Read More »26th October 1776: disorderly conduct amongst the lower orders.
A Georgian knife box atop a Sheraton sideboard… dream on, sunshine!
I have always assumed that antique Knife Boxes were designed to hold …. knives! So I was delighted to come across a fine looking knife box on… Read More »A Georgian knife box atop a Sheraton sideboard… dream on, sunshine!
Sixteen String Jack – the making of a hero (John Rann).
I am not quite clear why some villains manage to capture the public’s imagination as heroes, while others are treated as a thieving menace. Take highway… Read More »Sixteen String Jack – the making of a hero (John Rann).
The rise and rise, and the decline and fall, of Bagnigge Wells…
I find it intriguing the way places and districts come in and out of fashion. Take Bagnigge Wells ( pronounced ‘bag-nidge’). Once, it was the… Read More »The rise and rise, and the decline and fall, of Bagnigge Wells…
Coalition governments – old hat if you ask me.
With a year and a bit to go before the next general election, and with Bonkers Cable already suggesting that the coalition might not last the… Read More »Coalition governments – old hat if you ask me.
Anyone for slickenstones? A pressing story….
Richard Hall owned a splendid forerunner of the Rough Guide to Paris, dating from the 1750s, explaining the perils of travel in 18th Century France.… Read More »Anyone for slickenstones? A pressing story….