The City Remembrancer, a role dating from 1571, is just one of the curious officials employed by the City of London Corporation. I walk the tightrope of political impartiality to explain what he does.
A 19th century riverside development opportunity close to Parliament would see a political club, unfinished opera house & the iconic New Scotland Yard.
For my second look at unusual gentlemen's clubs in London, I examine the Bath, a club so exalted that kings and their children swam and played squash there, yet forward-thinking enough to admit women from the outset.
It started as an attempt at the 'moral elevation' of the people and ended as an amusement palace. The story of the Royal Aquarium is full of curious tales and eccentric people.
... at least for the observant historian. Oscar Wilde once said 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' Sometimes, it pays to look more thoroughly at the gutter.