Between the wars, the West End experienced a mini-boom of theatre openings, peaking in 1930. Four opening that year are still with us. The fifth turned into a cine-variety disaster. I’ll discuss that one.
In 1906-1907 two theatres opened, at either end of an island site on Shaftesbury Avenue. Built as near-identical twins, in 2026 one remains in all its Edwardian glory while the other .... well, oh dear.
A decrepit corner building bearing the name Plumage House stands on a quiet Hoxton street. Investigation reveals tales of riots, balloons, court cases, bankruptcy and murder.
In this modest post, I demolish some erroneous statements made on the internet regarding a small statue of King Henry VIII on the gatehouse of Bart's Hospital
The Egyptian Hall stood on Piccadilly from 1812 to 1905, an extraordinary piece of architecture of the 'sticks-out-like-a-sore-thumb' type. However, that was nothing compared to those involved in the displays and shows.
A 19th century riverside development opportunity close to Parliament would see a political club, unfinished opera house & the iconic New Scotland Yard.
