Tag Archives: British
It Took a Hundred Years for a New Wilde to be Born
Stephen Fry (August 24, 1957) It would have taken me a hundred years to link this man with the role he played in 1997: Oscar Wilde. David Lowe picked up the link instantly, yesterday afternoon, and commented on my post. … Continue reading
Dr John Dee and Elizabeth I are Connected Through Astrology
Coronation of Elizabeth I (January 15, 1559) According to reports, Elizabeth I asked John Dee to draw up a chart for the best time for her coronation. This isn’t as unusual as you might think, since most royals thought that … Continue reading
Did You Just Ask, “Sutton Who?”
The Dig (2021) Sometimes, you just have to ask yourself: how come I know about this, even though it happened in 1939? We watched The Dig last night on Netflix. The sense of deja vu was extreme, at least for … Continue reading
Henry II’s Favourite Son: Nicknamed John Lackland
King John of England (December 24, 1166 – October 19, 1216) I’ve written about King John before, but only in connection with the Magna Carta. It was my inspired thought this morning about the echo between John and Domitian that … Continue reading
Murder in the Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury This is one of my favourite cathedrals in all of England. I’ve been here many times. The very first time was in March 1985, with my Miller family, soon after moving to the UK. I’m partial to … Continue reading
Once Seen, Never Forgotten, Too
Hampton Court Palace My memory says that I, with my second family, visited this palace in the summer of 1986. My third wife, Susan, has photos of this palace in 1965, especially the gardens. I remember that I was surprised … Continue reading
A Giant of a Hero for the British Side in 1812
Sir Isaac Brock (October 6, 1769 – October 13, 1812) Standing at 6′ 2″, with a wide girth, Major-General Brock was an easy target for an American sniper that day at the battle of Queenston Heights in 1812. The shot … Continue reading
Was Fanny Price Jane Austen’s Stand-in?
Mansfield Park (1999) It’s common knowledge that Jane Austen lived her life vicariously through the heroines of her stories. That’s to be expected, of course: they gave her a voice on the world stage. But there’s something about Fanny Price‘s … Continue reading
