Another massive thank you to the legends who turned up for my last Limehouse tour. It's such a pleasure to meet new faces and welcome the return customers I'm so lucky to have. Thank you all so much for the custom and support. On to the next one. @PubHistoryTours @LGeorgeENG, @Cal_III, @ChelseaDan5, @Britains___Pubs

Among the few traces of the old buildings we have left in the docklands along the stretch of North Woolwich road sits this old 'J & J Downey Ltd' ghost sign on Boxley Street, E16. It rests on one of the last surviving rows of 19th-century terrace housing. J & J Downey Ltd was a private limited building and construction company based in Silvertown, East London. Now, it sits as a ghostly entity that was once a fundamental part of Londoners' lives. It's tempting to write a lengthy description, but I feel that the image tells the story. The view of the docklands today is endless rows of newbuilds that heavily contract this lovely little street. If you're ever travelling through the region on the DLR, you'll see just how massive the contrast is between (rare) streets like this and the rest of the area. When roaming London (especially in its old working class/poor areas), keep your eyes peeled for ghost signs that would have been seen by many of our ancestors. 🤝⏳️

Upcoming Pub/History walking tours 🚶‍♂️ @PubHistoryTours Hammersmith 📅 24th October 👥 William Morris (Weatherspoons) Pub - 2-4 Kins Street, W6 🕦 11 AM Millbank / Westminster 📅 31st October 👥 Pimlico Station (On Victoria Line) 🕦 11 AM Please share and make others aware. Each tour will last between 3/4 hours and will end in a pub. Join our upcoming tour in Hammersmith, a Thames-side area which is one of West London's most defining attractions. The quaint region offers a tranquil, picturesque escape that contrasts sharply with the busy commercial center nearby. Running primarily along the north bank of the River Thames, this stretch is famous for its rich history, scenic views, and vibrant riverside culture. Prices: £20 per person (for over 18s), 16-18: £10 Under 16s: Free (May only attend accompanied by a paying adult) Dogs Welcome 🐕 Thank you all so much for your custom and support

In 1936, not too long after the horrors of WW1, and a mere three years before WW2, Clarence Daniel Batchelor created a cartoon named "War." It depicts a skull-faced prostitute luring a young man with the words, "Come on in, I'll treat you right. I used to know your daddy." It's quite clear that the words “Any European Youth” written on the young man's back are an indicator of the unnecessary tragedy brought about by human conflict. It isn't that we, as civilians, haven't learnt our lesson. But those in "charge" know exactly what they're doing. ⏳️

Behold this fantastic footage of master trampolinist Ernie Dillon using the trampoline to gather apples in 1960s Shepperton, Surrey. That trampoline looks a bit thin for my liking. ⏳️

The footbridge above Richmond lock is what the average bridge in Britain should look like. It opened on the 19th May, 1894 and is owned and catered to by the Port of London Authority. Compare this beautiful structure to the blandness of the current day "London Bridge" and it becomes all too clear which one looks better. The structure consists of two parallel cast iron multi-arched bridges supported by stone piers, with matching brick and stone lock houses (where the ticket offices and former lock-keeper accommodations are integrated). This handsome creation is thanks to the engineer Francis Goold Morony Stoney (F.G.M. Stoney). During our time in the area for @PubHistoryTours, everyone unanimously agreed that it would be lovely to see this standard as the precedent for bridge building in England. Of course, I only mean bridges made of Iron. There's always room for more of the wonderful stone bridges that served us for centuries. ⏳️

The imposing 'Ghost King' that appears in the 1948 version of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' was voiced by the films director, Laurence Olivier. He received no screen credit for the role. Playwrights and actors should learn from, and improve upon the brilliance of bygone Britain.