Even when temperatures plummet the Thames does not completely freeze over these days, as it did in the past during the so-called “little ice age”. Demolishing the old London Bridge in 1831 improved the flow of the river and following the construction of its replacement structure, with wider […]
On a weekday lunchtime the brightly coloured Central Saint Giles, to the east of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, is buzzing with activity. Workers pour out of their offices into the shops and restaurants set around a covered courtyard forming the heart of this £450 million development. […]
The re-development of Euston station is back on the agenda after George Osborne declared that the Sixties eyesore should be pulled down and rebuilt. Brand-new offices, apartments and a shopping centre could form part of the new plan, completed in time for arrival of High Speed 2. “I’m […]
Tucked away in Vauxhall down a poky alley behind the Zeitgeist at the Jolly Gardeners – London’s German pub – there are two small cottages that have stood the test of time. While much of Georgian heritage in the area has been swept away during the rapid urbanisation […]
The Crystal Palace was “the most remarkable work of its kind the world has ever witnessed, appealing to appreciation of the wonderful with a force unknown in this country, and unrivalled in any other,” noted Bradshaw’s guide to London. Officially opened by Queen Victoria in Penge Park, next […]
Islington on Arsenal match days becomes a chaotic place. Tube stations are closed, or at the very least passengers are shepherded by police out through specific exits. Supporters spill out of pubs onto the pavements and traditional cafés roll-out record numbers of full English breakfasts. Sadly, as recent […]
Approaching Convoys Wharf is like nearing many other sites prime for development along the Thames. Looking through the tall gates, there doesn’t appear to be very much on this brownfield land bar remnants of a few tatty industrial sheds in the distance. By the entrance, a security guard […]
Looking around jewellery shops is not something I find particularly exciting. The cabinets of watches, rings, necklaces and the like all merge into each other for me. So no sooner have I entered a jewellers than I’m looking for the exit. Given this, why would I be remotely […]
The stage was set, a swing band was playing and bar staff were ready to serve drinks. And with the much-predicted rain holding off, the setting by the wild reeds of the River Lea couldn’t be better. But one thing missing from the By the River festival this […]
On first impressions Stamford Hill seems like any other suburb of north London, with a busy high street offering the usual mix of grocery stores, coffee shops, dry cleaners, taxi offices and the like. But behind the scenes, battle lines are being drawn between two groups of residents […]
Past In The Present 