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The poem, “Steam versus Electricity”, long remained unknown because Christie, in her memoirs, made a slip and stated that she had been 11 when she wrote it, rather than 14. The poem is devoted to the breakdown of electric trains. In jocular form it describes how a steam locomotive comes
London · Science · People · Humour
There is a legend that in the eighteenth century one of Isaac Newton's teeth was sold in London for several hundred pounds, in those days the price of a decent house. At some point, it is said, the owner of the relic had the tooth set in a
Faith · London · Society
The Anglican Church of Nigeria, the largest Anglican community in the world with more than 18 million worshippers, has declared its "spiritual independence" and severed ties with the Church of England. The decision stems from its disagreement with the liberal reforms being pursued by the centre. In an
London · Monarchies · Museums · Society
The Trump administration approached the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, on the matter. Among other things, the institution's collection holds a sword presented to Eisenhower in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. The library, however, declined to hand over this or any other original
Faith · London · Monarchies · Society · People
A historic event took place in Great Britain today: for the first time in the 1,400-year history of the Anglican Church, a woman has been appointed Archbishop of Canterbury: Sarah Mullally. Her candidacy was approved by King Charles III, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially announced the decision.
Faith · Art · London · Monarchies · Museums
otherwise known as the Wilton Diptych, made of two small panels joined by hinges and painted on both sides. On the front, at left, we see the young King Richard II kneeling, accompanied by two saintly kings of England, Edward the Confessor (eleventh century) with the ring intended for John
London · Monarchies · Society
King Charles III received Trump at Windsor Castle during his state visit to Britain. The presidential aircraft, moreover, landed literally in the garden of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The presidential couple were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales; Trump then
NB! · Art · London · Heritage · Humour
London · Museums · Society
The Museums Association of Great Britain has proposed a new code of ethics. Museums are now advised to refuse sponsorship from organisations that damage the environment or violate human rights, and to seek funding from "ethical sources". Institutions are also urged to consider the climate and social consequences
Art · London · Society · Humour
The fairest court in the world: a judge bludgeons a peaceful protester with a gavel. A new Banksy mural with precisely this subject has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice in London. A few hours later the image was hidden beneath a sheet of corrugated metal. Constables were posted
Faith · London · Observations · New York · Society
Remember the episode of "The Simpsons" in which Homer and Bart become Catholics, and Marge frets that they will make merry in the Catholic heaven with Jesus while she is bored on the cricket pitch of the Protestant one, and Bart retorts: "Sorry, Mum, this is the
NB! · Aristocracy · In the Press · London · Monarchies · Mores · People
The dashing equerry who captured the Queen's heart: the English press tells of Elizabeth II's secret "beloved", Patrick Plunket, Baron Plunket. He served the Queen for 25 years and kept the secret of their "love" to the end of his life