Monday Miscellanea

This Week In London’s History

Monday - 18th May 1593: A warrant is issued for the arrest of Christopher Marlowe following allegations of heresy. Less than two weeks later, he would be murdered in Deptford, South East London.

Tuesday - 19th May 2004: Security at the House of Commons is breached, as two protesters from the ‘Fathers 4 Justice’ campaign group throw condoms filled with purple flour at Prime Minister Tony Blair as he addresses the House. Wednesday - 20th May 1609: London publisher Thomas Thorpe publishes Shakespeare’s Sonnets for the first time, possibly without The Bard’s permission. Thursday - 21st May 1853: The ‘Aquatic Vivarium’, the world’s first public aquarium, is opened in Regent’s Park. Friday - 22nd May 1897: The Blackwall Tunnel is officially opened by the Prince of Wales, becoming the longest underwater tunnel in the world (at the time). The original tunnel now forms the western (northbound) carriageway - the adjacent tunnel that houses the eastern (southbound) carriageway was opened in 1967.

Random London Quote Of The Week

London, you know, has a great Belly, but no palate, nor taste of right or wrong.

Thomas Hobbes, Behemoth

One Thing You Must Do In London This Week

The ‘London Stone’ has been the subject of much speculation over the years. As we’ve mentioned previously, it has been claimed to have been put in place by the Romans during the City’s foundation, associated with druidic ceremonies, believed to mark a special point on ley lines and treated as an important symbol of authority. So what’s the truth behind this seemingly incongruous lump of limestone? Well if you take a late lunch on Wednesday you can pop along to the Guildhall Library and find out more in a lecture by John Clarke, a Senior Curator of London, from 2-3pm. Entrance is free, but you’ll need to book in advance.