Sterling Librae

The pound is one of the oldest currencies around, although the decimal system was only adopted in 1971. It was then that the pound was divided into 100 pence (not pences, if you please). One pound in money used to be equivalent to one pound / lb (453g) of silver. This was then divided into 20 shillings (the shilling was originally the value of a cow, in Kent), the shilling was then subdivided into 12 pennies, the penny was further subdivided into two halfpennies (or four farthings). A pound was therefore worth 240 pennies ! The symbol £ comes from the Latin librae, for weight and the basis of Sterling is open to debate. Not sure that anyone does want to call the British currency "Sterling Librae" but if they do, what can I do ?

The Good Old Ones

The old London buses had an air of charm and history,of the London I imagined. The new ones have a driver in a booth,just waiting for someone to be in the middle of the stairs before abruptly stopping. Speakers announce the name of each stop loudly, as it approaches and the windows are ridiculous. The buses are full of "modern people" using their mobile phones, as if shouting to a friend across the street. Damn shopping bags are left on the seat next to some people, as if this were more important, than allowing someone else to sit down. I think I'm getting grumpy, help !

The Heroes Of Calais

At the start of the Hundred Years War, the port of Calais was essential, to English plans. After a conventional invasion failed, King Edward III planned to win the battle by intercepting all provisions going to the French port. This worked so well a proposal was made to save the lives of the people of Calais. Six of the most important people in the city surrendered, wearing only robes, with ropes around their neck for hanging them, carrying the keys to the city. Queen Philippa, in tears, asked the king to save the lives of these people and Edward, probably fearing his wife would experience headaches at night, accepted the request. Auguste Rodin was given the task of creating a monument to these brave souls and in 1895 the fantastic sculpture "Les Bourgeois De Calais" was given to the city. A copy of this is in Victoria Tower Gardens, a small park behind the parliament building, in London. Was the site chosen as a form of apology ?

The Friendly Bomb

The major London theatre, The Royal Drury Lane, had it's first show in 1663. Only nine years later it was destroyed by fire. It was later rebuilt and lasted for 120 years of audience applause, before being demolished and replaced with a bigger building. This was subsequently destroyed by fire as well. The "modern" Drury Lane was opened in 1812 and still stands today. This is despite a nasty Nazi pilot, who in 1940, dropped a bomb into the middle of the building. Fortunately the bomb did not explode and now (safely) resides in one of the central aisles, of the theatre, as monument to this fortune.

Just a thought

Why is most of the news, published in Brazil, from the source newspaper The Sun? I can't believe that this tabloid,with naked women on page three (which changes its name to News Of The World,on Sundays) has the privilege.

Small souls instead

Opened in 1930, the Astoria was one of the largest cinemas, in the world, with 3,040 seats. Later it was renamed the Rainbow Theatre and was home to musical performances. The Rolling Stones, Beatles and Beach Boys all played there. It was also where Jimi Hendrix burnt his fingers when he set fire to his Fender guitar, at the beginning of a show. It has now become headquarters to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of Edir (a rich Brazilian shepherd). A fake religion...

Where's the dragon?

Scotland, England and Northern Ireland are represented on the flag of the United kingdom.The green and the dragon of Wales are not.When the British flag was created,Wales was already part of England.

Why the Welsh people are not happy with this?

Banned little song

In 1972 Sir Paul McCartney was in trouble. His solo song "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" was banned and boycotted. Oversimplifying a complex problem, to give Northern Ireland to the Irish was an absurd idea to some people. Almost no-one knows this song in England and whether it was a success in America. I think it is naive...

The Great Clock of Westminster

Big Ben was originally the nickname given to the huge bell. The tower with the enormous clock has another name. If you don't know and are curious, Google it.

The right side is the left one

In trying to find out why the English drive on the left hand side I found this...Centuries ago British troops held the reins of their horses in their left hand so they could hold their swords in their right. Also Napoleon was left-handed and decided to change the direction of the traffic.

For those who think driving on the left is rare, surprise ! There are forty-three countries in the world doing this, watch out !

Dialect

Whenever I'm trying to pay for the things I've picked, in my local shop, the owner gives me a big smile and calls me "Coach." He then always says, "Anything else, Bus ?" He means to say boss but because of his accent...

The fake clouds

The famous "pea souper" London fogs ended in the early 1960's. Coal fires were banned and replaced by electric or gas heating, which was very important in the looong and cooold Winters. The fog was actually pollution produced by thousands of chimneys. There were serious problems with being able to breathe,when walking the streets and deaths from respiratory problems were frequent.

Is it true?

On November 5th, it's "Guy Fawkes Day", fireworks are let off all day and night.For political / religious reasons this "Guy" and a few colleagues tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament, to kill King James I. He was unsuccessful though, being arrested, tortured and subsequently reduced to pieces, like Jack the Ripper did later with his victims. The event happened in 1605 and is happily commemorated. I think that some people celebrate what this guy did as a protest to the government,others because the plan did not succeed and maybe a lot of people do not have the slightest idea who Guy Fawkes was. Interesting to know that the real name of Guy was Guido and maybe the english word "Guy" began with this history.