Archive for February, 2009
![[Ask]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/ask.png)
![[del.icio.us]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
![[Digg]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[dzone]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/dzone.png)
![[Facebook]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[Furl]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/furl.png)
![[Google]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png)
![[linkaGoGo]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/linkagogo.png)
![[LinkedIn]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/linkedin.png)
![[MyWeb]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myweb.png)
![[Netvouz]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/netvouz.png)
![[Reddit]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/reddit.png)
![[Simpy]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/simpy.png)
![[Squidoo]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/squidoo.png)
![[StumbleUpon]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/stumbleupon.png)
![[Technorati]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png)
![[Twitter]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Yahoo!]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/yahoo.png)
![[Email]](http://www.londonrevolution.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
I’m “On the Wagon”…?
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009How often have we all declared ourselves to be ‘on the wagon’ - implying a period of self-imposed abstinence from alcohol? The English language is peppered with such phrases whose origins seem obscured, or are simply never considered. One explanation offered up for this phrase is as follows: (more…)
Literary London: Wood Street
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009When need to some more wood for your woodpile in medieval London, you’d head to the sellers of Wood Street - just off Cheapside in the City of London. The street today bears little resemblance to its earlier incarnation; having been almost totally destroyed during the blitz very little of its’ pre-1940 heritage now remains. But it would be a mistake to see this as ‘new’ part of London, as it has its place in history and particularly in literature. (more…)
London Facts Part II
Monday, February 23rd, 2009Suicides at St Paul’s Cathedral, London
When Wren built St Paul’s Cathedral, he created the huge dome as a religious icon, something to inspire awe in the congregation below. What he may have failed to foresee is that the height of the whispering gallery (a drop of 100 foot) made it feasible for people to commit suicide there. (more…)
The City Livery Companies
Friday, February 20th, 2009Throughout history, men within a particular trade would band together to form a group that allowed them to regulate certain facets within their trade. London’s companies (or ‘guilds’) are particularly well known, partly due to the practice they had of wearing a distinctive livery (uniform) and due to the fact that they still maintain an active role in the government of the City of London. For example, it is the liverymen who vote in the Lord Mayor of London (not to be confused with the Mayor of London) and the Sheriffs of London. (more…)
Trafalgar Square and the Battle of the Pigeons
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Image © Will Pearson
Trafalgar Square is world-renowned, in a large part for its pigeons, and people came from all over the world to feed them, and be photographed covered in these feathered Londoners. An idyllic scene, but one that the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone was determined to eradicate. (more…)
London Facts Part I
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009London’s Squares - Oases in the City
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009
Image © Will Pearson 2009
Asked to name a famous London Square and Trafalgar Square is likely to be the first to anyone’s lips. However, starting in the 17th century going right through to the mid 19th century, Londoners went mad for squares.
(more…)
London’s Ugliest Buildings…?
Monday, February 9th, 2009
Arthur “Bomber” Harris and Bomber Command
Friday, February 6th, 2009We’ve got a new virtual tour on the site of the St Clement Danes Church in the Strand. Outside the church stands one of London’s most controversial statues - to Arthur Harris.
Arthur Harris was in charge of RAF Bomber Command during World War II (after 1941). He, along with many other high-ranking air commanders believed that a heavy, sustained bombing campaign over German cities would demoralise the Germans and force them into surrender.
(more…)