Topped by what looks like a flaming Christmas pudding, this, the tallest isolated stone column in the world, stands 202ft high and although obscured by office buildings, the Shard being the latest, can still offer commanding views of The City. If you have the energy, and it must be said, the courage to ascend its 311 steps the view is spectacular from the top of London’s Monument. You climb up inside the co ...

It was in 1962 with the construction of the Post Office Tower that St. Paul’s Cathedral lost its claim to be London’s tallest building after dominating the City’s skyline for centuries. It then took nearly 20 years before the NatWest Tower laid claim to that crown, but it now seems for developers a race to the top. Socio economists are those people who, if you didn’t know - or care, study the social mood of ...

It is arguably Londoner’s favourite industrial building and best viewed when travelling along the road of the rich and famous – Cheyne Walk. There on the opposite bank of the Thames is “The Temple of Power” as it was then dubbed when constructed in the 1930s. Battersea Power Station, the largest brick built building in Europe - even if it does not have a roof - was constructed in two halves, both identical ...

By the end of next year the archetypal cabs both loved and loathed in equal measure by the drivers will not be seen plying for hire in London. The FX4 first appeared on London streets in 1959, its shape beloved of tourists, has sold more than 75,000 vehicles and was the first diesel cab with an automatic gearbox. Later rebranded the Fairway, along with Leyland’s original Mini has become the longest lived of ...

CAB is one of the many acronyms learnt on The Knowledge; this one is the aide memoire for three bridges spanning the Thames at its wealthiest location: Chelsea, Albert and Battersea, and one – Albert – is arguably London’s prettiest and most feminine. Except for Tower Bridge, built in 1894, Albert Bridge is the only Thames road bridge in central London never to have been replaced. Built by R. M.... ...

You are sitting in your deckchair enjoying the sun when from next door a ball is kicked into your garden. Annoying? Just think of what it must have been like for George Augustus Henry Cavendish, 1st Earl of Burlington – Lord George Cavendish to his friends – to have oyster shells (the takeaway food of the day) ...

Samuel Johnson’s friend James Boswell had an interesting experience on Westminster Bridge. He recalled: “I picked up a strong jolly young damsel and taking her under the arm I conducted her to Westminster Bridge, and there in amour complete did I engage up in this noble edifice. The whim of doing it there with the Thames rolling below us amused me much.” Boswell might not have had any trouble but for Big Be ...

Harrods cast it aside in 1928, Selfridges followed 17 years later, but by then Gordon Selfridge was too busy having his way with twin showgirls The Dolly Sisters, than worry too much about what went over the door of his emporium. Currys have dispensed with its services and Starbucks, well they are American, never used it in the first place. The apostrophe is going the same way as the double space after a fu ...

Watching the new series of Downton Abbey I was struck by the similarities with modern Britain, and more specifically the Edwardian characters’ complete lack of discretion when within earshot of their servants – much like ...

Now before you start reading today’s little missive I must add a cautionary note. If you haven’t reached your thirtieth birthday my words of wisdom will have no relevance in your life and I suggest you just chat amongst yourselves for the next five minutes. According to the latest research, no doubt funded by the insurance companies who stand to gain by its results, one in five of us currently living in Bri ...

It may not command the highest salary and the hours might be long and arduous - but jobseekers who want to work for a prestigious boss need look no further. ...

Pipe bands and tossing the caber, as the Queen and the Camerons visit the Highland Games at Braemar in Scotland. ...

Princess Anne's daughter told she can't take more than four items into changing room. ...

Duchess of Cambridge's sister comes under scrutiny of a parking warden. ...

A Queen's guard working at Windsor Castle and his wife have been charged with child sex offences, it has emerged. ...

Prince Harry gives a speech as patron of the Wellchild charity, congratulating the winners, the children and those involved in their care. Contains flash photography throughout. ...

Footage of Prince Harry diving fully-clothed into nightclub pool in Croatia. ...

A new BBC series follows Prince Harry and wounded servicemen on a mission to North Pole. ...

Duchess keen to be involved with helping people affected by rioting. ...

Windsor Castle's electricity is to be supplied by hydro-electric turbines on the River Thames, as the Royal family continues to go green. ...