The heyday of real tennis was in the 16th and 17th centuries. I take a look at its physical history, and what there is of a physical present in London.
Nothing to do with fleas, nor even the plague. Instead, I describe another two of those administrative curiosities that London seems to specialise in - the Inner and Middle Temples.
Mainly through newspaper reports of the time, I tell the story of a vast canteen for the poor, born of philanthropic zeal at the turn of the 20th century.
Inquire within upon all, or at least some, things that link London and chocolate. From Samuel Pepys drinking the stuff to settle his stomach, to modern artisan chocolatiers and daring restaurants.
A post for devotees of municipal governance. Welcome to a world of Freemen, Liverymen, Councilmen, Aldermen, Sheriffs, Aldermanic Sheriffs and a Lord Mayor, in a city that is home to less than 10,000 people.
