2009 March | London Revolution

Leadenhall Market

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Leadenhall Market is one of London’s oldest food markets, standing on the site of a 1st century Roman basilica (a Roman public building). There has been a market on this site since the 14th century, and people travelled from all over the neighbouring counties with their produce. (more…)

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Tags: city of london, city of london history, leadenhall, leadenhall market, leadenhall market photos, leadenhall market virtual tour, london history, London Markets, old tom
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London Facts Part IV

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

You’re never alone with a Strand…

In 1959, the Strand in London lent its’ name to a brand of cigarettes from W.D. & H.O. Wills (part of Imperial Tobacco). Strand Cigarettes were launched with a massive marketing campaign based around the line ‘You’re never alone with a strand’. (more…)

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Tags: imperial tobacco, lonely man theme, never alone with a strand, strand, strand cigarettes, strand tobacco, wills tobacco
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Plague!

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

A 17th century Londoner might one day notice a dark, gangrenous looking pustule on his leg which grew. It would soon be joined by black blotches all over the skin caused by haemorrhages underneath, and buboes - apple-sized swellings in his groin and armpits. He’d swiftly fall into a high fever and experience (more…)

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Tags: black death, London, london history, pepys, plague, rats, st olaves hart
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An intruder at the Palace

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

© Will Pearson 2008
(Note: Image shows Windsor Castle - Buckingham Palace image to follow)

In 1982, Queen Elizabeth II woke up to find an unemployed labourer with a bloodied hand and a broken glass ashtray sitting on her bed.

Michael Fagan was (according to his mother) inordinately fond of the Queen. Perhaps this is why he allegedly chose her bedroom as the place he would commit suicide, but apparently then decided that it wasn’t “a nice thing to do” once he arrived. It wasn’t his first break-in to Buckingham Palace - a month previously, (more…)

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Tags: Buckingham Palace, intruder, michael fagan, queen, queen elizabeth
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Hyde Park - but not as we know it…

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Duels in Hyde Park
Hyde Park has a long history as a duelling ground, and in the 18th century it saw plenty of bloodshed in the name of honour. Some of the better known conflicts resolved (after a fashion) in this famous Royal Park include: (more…)