Johnson’s London Dictionary: British Museum
BRITISH MUSEUM (n.) A repository of historic memorabilia much frequented by Children carrying pencils and clipboards, each bearing a bored countenance
Dr. Johnson’s London Dictionary for publick consumption in the twenty-first century avail yourself on Twitter @JohnsonsLondon
The London Grill: Jennifer El Gammal
We challenge our contributors to reply to ten devilishly probing questions about their London and we don’t take “Sorry Gov” for an answer. Everyone sitting in the hot seat they will face the same questions ranging from their favourite way to spend a day out in the capital to their most hated building on London’s skyline to find out what Londoners really think about their city. The questions are the same but the answers vary wildly.
Jennifer is a musician, magician and award-winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. A bit dreamy, often happy, always hungry for new experiences, new encounters, new adventures… Originally from Belgium, she fell in love with London on her first visit at the age of 15 and never looked back! She designed the London Magic Tour (www.londonmagictour.com), a walk about the real history of magic from medieval witches and alchemists to tales of great illusionists past and present, interspersed with magic tricks. As a musician, she regularly performs with her duo “One Voice, One Cello & A Mad Belgian” (www.onevoiceonecelloandamadbelgian.com), where she sings and plays soprano saxophone and melodeon. You can contact her at her website (www.amadbelgian.org).
What’s your secret London tip?
Don’t be afraid of getting lost! London is wonderfully full of hidden gems, mysterious alleyways and secret courtyards only accessible to those who explore. So be curious and adventurous, and don’t be afraid to get lost: that’s when the interesting discoveries occur!
What’s your secret London place?
Temple, just off the Strand. It’s only a minute away from the hustle bustle of modern London but you feel transported in another world, beautiful, quiet and just mysterious enough. For a second, you can feel you’ve travelled in time!
What’s your biggest gripe about London?
There are too many cars! Despite the very efficient public transport system, too many people drive into town on their own, which creates traffic jam, pollution, accidents and makes life harder for pedestrians, cyclists, busses… and cab drivers!
What’s your favourite building?
The London Library, a stunning place made up of four separate buildings. Tucked away on the corner of St James’s square, with books from floor to ceiling and large desk spaces for members to work on, it is a place of inspiration and talent which never ceases to amaze me. It is full of interesting (and quirky) characters, too!
What’s your most hated building?
Centre Point, this tall tower that looms over Tottenham Court Road Station, creating wind tunnels and overpowering smaller nearby landmarks such as St Giles’s Church and Denmark Street.
What’s the best view in London?
The Thames at night, from a bridge or, even better, from a boat! Go through central London on the Thames Clipper at dusk, you will fall in love with it all over again.
What’s your personal London landmark?
The Houses of Parliament and its incredibly detailed and intricate Victorian Gothic architecture. The best way to admire it in full is from the other side of the river. I have known it for years yet I am still in awe each time I cycle past it — especially when it is beautifully lit at night.
What’s London’s best film, book or documentary?
John Lanchester’s Capital. A London-based novel that spans an incredibly large range of characters and gives a real sense of London seen from a multitude of different perspectives. Beautifully written, it shows the human side of London: a great read to accompany your discovery of its history and architecture!
What’s your favourite bar, pub or restaurant?
Bar Italia, in Soho. Just opposite the prestigious Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Bar Italia is a Soho institution, usually open until 5am. The best late-night coffee in town and a true part of London’s history, I love how unassuming it is, whilst still providing very high-quality coffee and Italian treats?
How would you spend your ideal day off in London?
Wandering around Soho, its hidden alleyways and ever-changing range of cafes and shops. Then I would pop by the Harp pub for a good beer and a chat with the regulars, before going to see a show, maybe a good old-fashioned musical with a lot of happy, cheesy songs and good tap. And I would end the night at the Phoenix Artists Club for good music and interesting encounters before cycling back home.
London in Quotations: David Thewlis
I walk to Oxford Street and climb on the number 8. It’s freezing and it starts to rain and it’s the ugliest bus I’ve ever seen, rattling down the ugliest streets, in the ugliest city, in the ugliest country, in the ugliest of all possible worlds.
David Thewlis (b.1963), The Late Hector Kipling
London Trivia: Spaghetti House seige
On 3 October 1975 the six remaining hostages, held at the Spaghetti House Restaurant, Knightsbridge were released after 5 days. Robbers had originally intended stealing the £13,000 week’s takings. One of the staff had escaped, alerting the police
On 3 October 1929 the Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road opened, it was a cinema within three years
In 1736 gravedigger Thomas Jenkins received 100 lashes for selling dead bodies from St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney High Street
Underneath the MI6 building is the overflow pipe for the River Effra, it’s just big enough to launch a mini-submarine from the orifice
Nell Gywnn, orange seller and mistress to Charles II was born in the Coal Yard, now Stukeley Street off Drury Lane in 1650
After his victory over England Hitler had a plan to dismantle Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and display it in Berlin
Only one house where Charles Dickens lived still stands 48 Doughty Street from 1837 to 1839 here he wrote Oliver Twist and The Pickwick Papers
The upper span of Tower Bridge was originally a walkway but it was closed in 1910 as it had become a haunt of prostitutes
One of the Scotland fans who invaded the pitch at Wembley in 1977 was Rod Stewart. In the commotion someone nicked his Cartier watch
In 1910 the London and North Western Railway offered its business passengers the on-board services of Miss Tarrant. (Typist)
In 2013 one ton of dust was removed from the attics at Kensington Palace, the first time since 1719 they had been cleaned
In the 1950s three members of the Attkins family were Highgate’s fishmonger, butcher and dentist – known as Fishkins, Porkins and Toothkins
Trivial Matter: London in 140 characters is taken from the daily Twitter feed @cabbieblog.
A guide to the symbols used here and source material can be found on the Trivial Matter page.
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