We’ve all seen the Beefeaters proudly parading at Royal ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament. But who are these men – and women – in the red and gold coats and the top hats with flowers round the brim? Why are they called Beefeaters? And why are...
The Coronation Chair – in which Kings and Queens have been crowned since 1399 – is one of Westminster Abbey’s greatest treasures. But did you know it was built specially around a 150 kg piece of ‘holy’ plundered stone? Or that over the...
Of course, you’ve heard of Lord Nelson, but did you know he joined the navy at the age of 12, hunted a polar bear, loved natural history, and suffered throughout his life from sea-sickness? Join my tour of Maritime Greenwich to hear all about this national hero,...
Did you know that before England became one country, it was made up of several Kingdoms, each with their own leader? The King of East Anglia was a rich and powerful man – and when he died in the early 600s, only a very special burial would be good enough. The...
The life of a mediaeval monk was a hard one! So how did a small piece of woodwork make it a little bit easier? As well as carrying out skilled tasks such as illuminating manuscripts, the monks’ main job was to pray in the Cathedral eight times a day. The first...
