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LATEST ARTICLES ( 790 )

• Ghost Signs (131): Venetian Mosaics

  

  There is limited scope for ghost signs on Venice's streets, simply because most streets are so narrow and their buildings are crammed in so tightly that... Read more

  Posted on 14 January 2018 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Ghost Signs (130): Pickering and Mayell

  

  In Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is a building full of fantastic historical features, not least the ghost signs painted along its front and side facades. Read more

  Posted on 06 January 2018 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Goodbye, 2017

  

  As another year ends and 2018 begins, here's my annual look back at the most popular posts. First, the top five of 2017:In fifth place are vintage street... Read more

  Posted on 31 December 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Clacquesin, a Taste of the Past

  

  In 1860, chemist Paul Clacquesin created a liqueur which blended Norwegian pine infusion and spices, intended to improve lung health and breathing. Read more

  Posted on 24 December 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Think This is Fun?

  

  There are many worrying food models, and a number have featured here - the self-saucing hot dog; the lolling-tongued chip; the impaled or cross-eyed doughnuts;... Read more

  Posted on 15 December 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Short Life of a Long-lived Station

  

  Blackfriars Station - now usually referred to as Blackfriars Road to avoid confusion - is still visible on Blackfriars Road. Restored in 2005, its emphatic blac... Read more

  Posted on 08 December 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• To the Trains!

  

  This rather nice sign with its guiding manicule is in Stepney Green underground station, directing passengers down the stairs to the platforms. It has been... Read more

  Posted on 01 December 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Tunnels Under Trafalgar Square

  

  With its plinths, fountains, the imposing facade of the National Gallery, and of course Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square looks solid and stately. However,... Read more

  Posted on 24 November 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Hidden Charing Cross Station

  

  In 1999, the Jubilee Line was extended to Stratford, via the soon-to-open Millennium Dome. However, south and east London's gain was Charing Cross's loss:... Read more

  Posted on 17 November 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Clerkenwell Old Sessions House

  

  In 1782, the Middlesex Quarter Sessions House on Clerkenwell Green opened. It replaced the courts' earlier home on St John Street, Hicks Hall, which had become... Read more

  Posted on 11 November 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Beer, Myths, and Fire Extinguishers

  

  Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham claims to be England's oldest pub, established in 1189AD. It's certainly an extraordinary one: built into Castle Rock,... Read more

  Posted on 06 October 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Ghost Signs (129): Nipples and Pin Points

  

  Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter was home to more industries than jewellery-making. Other metal products, from pen nibs to coffin fittings, were manufactured... Read more

  Posted on 30 September 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Rhinoceros, Rhinoceroses, Rhinoceri*

  

  Apothecaries' Hall is home to what must be London's largest rhinoceros collection! The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries doesn't have a menagerie, but it does... Read more

  Posted on 23 September 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Open House 2017: Ideas and Inspiration

  

  It's that happy time of year again: this weekend, all kinds of London buildings are open to the public and free. With over 800 to choose from, the Open House... Read more

  Posted on 15 September 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Below Bristol's Bridge

  

  Bristol's most famous sight, the Clifton Suspension Bridge hangs over the Avon Gorge. Brunel's suspension bridge floats from cables supported by two towers. Read more

  Posted on 14 September 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• All Change! Maintaining Trains at Old Oak Common

  

  When Old Oak Common traction maintenance depot held its open day, the amazing assortment of locomotives from all eras grabbed everyone's attention. Indeed, the... Read more

  Posted on 03 September 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Paris's Missing Museum

  

  There is no shortage of museums in Paris - from the great national institutions to the smaller, quirkier collections. However, one type of museum is perhaps... Read more

  Posted on 21 August 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Inside St Paul's Cathedral

  

  While its exterior is one of the most photographed in London, the interior of St Paul's is usually off-limits to cameras. It was a rare treat, then, to go into... Read more

  Posted on 17 August 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Aqua Horological Tintinnabulator

  

  The Victoria Centre clock is a Nottingham landmark, and has been since its installation in 1973. A kinetic sculpture as much as a timepiece, its central bronze... Read more

  Posted on 12 August 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY

• Sailors' Society, Limehouse

  

  This sign caught my eye while I was exploring Limehouse Town Hall. The jaunty red and navy blue, highlighted by the late afternoon sun, draw the attention. Read more

  Posted on 06 August 2017 CULTURE, DESTINATIONS, HISTORY