These stories first appeared as magazine articles before the First World War. During the previous century travel had become the great occupation. Whether a Grand Tour of Europe's finest cities or a mere train journey out of London to the coast of Kent, it was now possible for everyone and a plethora of guide books appeared. However they all concentrated on the places and not the people. Author John O'London recognised that nowhere is anywhere without the people who lived there and the extraordinary happenings, traditions and curiosities that coloured their lives. He introduces the reader to the Duke of Wellington's outspoken boot maker, the 'apple woman' who annexed Hyde Park and the recluse who weighed the world. Read of the curious wanderings of Cromwell's head, the semaphore system which sent signals from the Admiralty to Deal in less than a minute, the fatal duel fought in Kensington for the most absurd reason. Read of a fire at Drury Lane Theatre, military executions in Hyde Park, visit Dr Johnson's favourite pub and read a letter to 'The Times' that prompted the building of Nelson's column.
This book is a cornucopia of anecdotal gems that allow the reader to wander though the past and meet some of the people who helped define one of the greatest cities in the world.
See More History & the past: general interest
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