I blogged this time last year about the snuff boxes made from salvaged wood from the old Palace which still occasionally turn up at antique dealers, and early in 2013 about the mysterious ornaments made from stonework of St Stephen’s for the delight of antiquaries. Now I’m thrilled to report that this week I acquired two pieces of fabric from […]
The 1834 Fire
Talking Books 2: How to be the Perfect Talk Host
I’ve been in two minds about whether to publish this post. You see, this one is about what makes a good experience for a speaker. Not what makes a good talk, but the view from the other side of the mike: what makes a good host. It may offend some people, but here goes, because […]
Happy Anniversary, Great Fire of Westminster!
Yes, it’s 179 years since the old Houses of Parliament burned down. Last year there was the very successful real-time tweet of the events of 16 October 1834 (you can still see the story as it unfolded on Twitter), and this year there are more treats to mark the anniversary. Firstly, there’s a brand new […]
One Year On…And the Search Continues
Today is the first anniversary of publication of the book. A lot’s happened. Many lovely people have got in touch to say how much they enjoyed it. New accounts and relics of the fire have come to light. The reviewers liked it. It was book of the week/year in some papers. And – ahem – it was nominated […]
Wyatt’s the Difference?
Lost buildings are always fascinating, and the old Palace of Westminster is no exception. When I come across a building which still stands relating to it, I find it hard to resist picturing it in my mind’s eye. There are parts of the precincts of Windsor Castle which must be very similar to the old Houses […]
My Hot Date with Mr Turner
I’m currently on a lecture tour for the Royal Oak Foundation (Americans in Alliance with the National Trust), and a few days ago I had the opportunity to visit one of the great Turner oils of the 1834 fire – which now hangs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. During the writing of The Day […]
