- Medieval Studies, Old English Poetry, Medieval London, London Writing, History Of London, East End of London, and 21 moreEarly Modern London theatre, Post Medieval London, Old English Literature, Old English Language, Old English Language and Literature, Old English, Middle English, Middle English literature and culture, Middle English texts especially Arthurian Literature, Old and Middle English Literature (Especially Chaucer), Middle English Literature, Middle English Romances, Christianity, Early Christianity, History of Christianity, Origins of Christianity, New Testament and Christian Origins, Peter Ackroyd, Nigel Williams, Robert Rankin, and Arthur Machenedit
- A medievalist by training (MA Medieval Studies; PhD 'The Role of Evil in Old English Narrative Verse'), I have been c... moreA medievalist by training (MA Medieval Studies; PhD 'The Role of Evil in Old English Narrative Verse'), I have been concentrating more in recent years on the portrayal of London in literature, primarily fiction.
As an independent London guide, and guiding tutor, academic writing has had to take a low priority. However I keep my hand in with blog items, as well as expanding my repertoire of tours to explore history on the streets. A speciality of mine is literary tours with site-specific readings.
To date, I have published two collections of short stories through Lulu ('Death and the City' and 'Behind the Curtains'), and 'The Dark Side of East London' was published by Pen and Sword in September 2016.edit
Reflections on being recorded for Dan Snow's History Hit podcast
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Reflections on Broadway Buildings as the model for Universal Exports in Ian Fleming's James Bond stories.
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A reflection on the loss of William and Edward Shakespeare's loss of sons in the light of Lady Constance's lament in The Life and Death of King John.
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This item, from the Footprints of London Blog, considers how tangible links to the Ripper murders and the British Union of Fascists have been lost to the East End through development.
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A review of Petr Chalupský's study of how the London evoked in Peter Ackroyd's novels embodies Ackroyd's transcendent view of time. Chalupský espouses a reading which is sensitive to Ackroyd's individual style in order to get the clearest... more
A review of Petr Chalupský's study of how the London evoked in Peter Ackroyd's novels embodies Ackroyd's transcendent view of time. Chalupský espouses a reading which is sensitive to Ackroyd's individual style in order to get the clearest appreciation of what he has achieved.
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The story behind the East India Company's almshouses and chapel on Poplar High Street, one of fraud and feud.
Research Interests: Maritime History, British Empire, History of the British Empire, Docklands, East India Company, and 11 moreAlmshouses, East End of London, East London, Almshouse, British Indian Empire, London Docklands, British East India Company, Maritime trade, English east india company, History of London's East End, and 18th century British culture and empire
The background to El Vino, Fleet Street, the wine bar which gave John Mortimer the model for Pommeroy's Wine Bar, frequented by Horace Rumpole.
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This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2016, considers the issue of cultural and religious allegiance as portrayed in two novels by Nigel Williams: 'Star Turn' and 'East of Wimbledon'.
Research Interests: Cultural Studies, Suburban Studies, Cultural Identity, Suburban literature, London Writing, and 9 moreLondon, Integration, Religion in Literature, Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy and Religion in Literature, Wimbledon, Suburbia in Literature and Popular Culture, Religion in Literarure, Cultural Integration, and Nigel Williams
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2015, compares the portrayal of love and sex in Williams' 'Witchcraft' and Ackroyd's 'The House of Doctor Dee'. In different ways, both depict love as a redeeming force in... more
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2015, compares the portrayal of love and sex in Williams' 'Witchcraft' and Ackroyd's 'The House of Doctor Dee'. In different ways, both depict love as a redeeming force in the face of the dangers of sex.
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This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2014, considers Peter Ackroyd's representation of London as a perpetual city. It focuses on 'The House of Doctor Dee' and 'The Plato Papers', especially the depiction of... more
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2014, considers Peter Ackroyd's representation of London as a perpetual city. It focuses on 'The House of Doctor Dee' and 'The Plato Papers', especially the depiction of subterranean London.
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This is a paper delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2013, which considers resistance to monstrous dangers in Robert Rankin's 'Brentford Trilogy'. By thwarting catastrophic threats to Brentford, Pooley and Omally... more
This is a paper delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2013, which considers resistance to monstrous dangers in Robert Rankin's 'Brentford Trilogy'. By thwarting catastrophic threats to Brentford, Pooley and Omally represent the triumph of place over time which is at the heart of much London fiction.
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This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2012, juxtaposes ceremonial moments described by Peter Ackroyd and Nigel Williams. It considers how the ceremonies illustrate each author's presentation of cultural... more
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2012, juxtaposes ceremonial moments described by Peter Ackroyd and Nigel Williams. It considers how the ceremonies illustrate each author's presentation of cultural affiliation.
Research Interests: Religion, Comparative Religion, Diversity, Suburban Studies, Twentieth Century Literature, and 10 moreCultural Diversity, London Writing, Suburbia, Wimbledon, Urban Writing, Peter Ackroyd, Suburbia in Literature and Popular Culture, Urban Writers, Twentieth Century English Literature, and Nigel Williams
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2011, is a reflection on the importance of immediacy, and particularly walking, for Peter Ackroyd's portrayal of London. It was reworked as 'The Trope of the Tramp' for... more
This paper, delivered to the Literary London Society conference in 2011, is a reflection on the importance of immediacy, and particularly walking, for Peter Ackroyd's portrayal of London. It was reworked as 'The Trope of the Tramp' for the Literary London Society's Journal (see separate upload).
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This reflection on the loneliness of Ebenezer Scrooge's lodgings puts them in the context of office accommodation at the time. Such an angle restores to the arrival of Marley's ghost an appreciation of the horror of the moment.... more
This reflection on the loneliness of Ebenezer Scrooge's lodgings puts them in the context of office accommodation at the time. Such an angle restores to the arrival of Marley's ghost an appreciation of the horror of the moment.
http://footprintsoflondon.com/2017/09/scrooges-lonely-rooms/
http://footprintsoflondon.com/2017/09/scrooges-lonely-rooms/
Research Interests: English Literature, Victorian Studies, Victorian Literature, Victorian cultural studies, Victorian studies (Literature), and 12 moreCharles Dickens, Dickens, Victorian Literature and Culture, A Christmas Carol, City of London, Office buildings, Victorian London, History of the Office, The City of London, Office History, History of the City of London, and Christmas in Literature
The ornate Queen Adelaide's Dispensary in Bethnal Green is a witness to the ravages of cholera, as well as the need for healthcare met by philanthropists ahead of the authorities. The former dispensary features on my philanthropic tour... more
The ornate Queen Adelaide's Dispensary in Bethnal Green is a witness to the ravages of cholera, as well as the need for healthcare met by philanthropists ahead of the authorities. The former dispensary features on my philanthropic tour 'The Battle for Bethnal Green'.
Research Interests: History of Public Health, Public Health Policy, History Of London, Environmental Sanitation, Public Health, and 15 moreHealth Care Management, History of Hospitals, Healthcare, History of Healthcare Policy, Water and Sanitation, Health and Social Care, Hospital, East End of London, Cholera, History of Medicine, History of Hospitals, History of Healthcare, Public Health Issues (communicable as Well as Non-Communicable Diseases, Health System Issues, Etc), Victorian London, History of London's East End, and Bethnal Green
An item from the Footprints of London blog which explores moments in 1538, the crisis year in Henry VIII's break with Rome. This item brings together moments in my guided tour 'A Question of Supremacy'.
Research Interests: Reformation History, Reformation Studies, English Reformation, Tudor England, Medieval Church History, and 20 morePapacy (Medieval Church History), Tudor History, Church History, Tudor Politics, Henry VIII, Church and State, City of London, Thomas Becket, English Church History, The Tudors, Henry VIII and the Church, Henry VIII and the Catholic Church, Thomas Cromwell, St Thomas Becket, The City of London, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Saint Thomas Becket, Henry VIII, Images of Power, Foreign Affairs, History of the City of London, and King Henry VIII of England
World theatre is nowadays taken for granted, but its post-War pioneer was the remarkable Peter Daubeny. This blog post reflects on Daubeny's achievement, particularly his World Theatre Seasons at the Aldwych Theatre. My tour Peter... more
World theatre is nowadays taken for granted, but its post-War pioneer was the remarkable Peter Daubeny. This blog post reflects on Daubeny's achievement, particularly his World Theatre Seasons at the Aldwych Theatre.
My tour Peter Daubeny's World of Theatre celebrates this achievement with readings from his memoirs 'My World of Theatre' given at some of the theatres he used, including the one where it all started in 1951.
http://charnowalks.co.uk/peter-daubeny-world-of-theatre/
My tour Peter Daubeny's World of Theatre celebrates this achievement with readings from his memoirs 'My World of Theatre' given at some of the theatres he used, including the one where it all started in 1951.
http://charnowalks.co.uk/peter-daubeny-world-of-theatre/
Research Interests: Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, Theatre History, History Of London, London theatres and playhouses, and 13 moreTheatre, World Theatre / Welttheater, International Theatre, Theatre Arts and Events Management, Theatre Arts, London theatres, Theatre, international collaborations, THEATRE ARTS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION, History of theatre, History and Theory of the Theatre, Theatre In London, Theatre Management, and International Theatre Festivals
A reflection on heritage in the Borough area of Southwark which testifies to the importance locally of the hop trade. This is a taster for my tour 'Booze and the Borough', a celebration of aspects of the drinks trade in historic... more
A reflection on heritage in the Borough area of Southwark which testifies to the importance locally of the hop trade.
This is a taster for my tour 'Booze and the Borough', a celebration of aspects of the drinks trade in historic Southwark. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/booze-and-the-borough/
This is a taster for my tour 'Booze and the Borough', a celebration of aspects of the drinks trade in historic Southwark. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/booze-and-the-borough/
Research Interests: Cultural Heritage, Heritage Tourism, Heritage Conservation, History Of London, World War I, and 12 moreFirst World War, Architectural Heritage, London, Brewing, Wine Marketing, Southwark, Cultural history of beer, Beer and Brewery History, Brewing industry, History of brewing, The Hop Trade, and London trade history
A blog entry looking at George Orwell's 1931 experience in police cells in Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, and how it provided material for Nineteen Eighty-Four. This features on my literary tour of Bethnal Green 'Bethnal Green in So Many... more
A blog entry looking at George Orwell's 1931 experience in police cells in Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, and how it provided material for Nineteen Eighty-Four.
This features on my literary tour of Bethnal Green 'Bethnal Green in So Many Words', whic explores the area with site-specific readings from various authors. Details are here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/bgn-so-many-words/
This features on my literary tour of Bethnal Green 'Bethnal Green in So Many Words', whic explores the area with site-specific readings from various authors. Details are here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/bgn-so-many-words/
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An item published on the Footprints of London blog which considers the role of the goldsmith in City comedies, and in medieval London. It is based on a tour by the author called 'Much Ado About Trading' which celebrates, with... more
An item published on the Footprints of London blog which considers the role of the goldsmith in City comedies, and in medieval London.
It is based on a tour by the author called 'Much Ado About Trading' which celebrates, with site-specific readings, how Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights put the trading City on the stage. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/much-ado-about-trading/
It is based on a tour by the author called 'Much Ado About Trading' which celebrates, with site-specific readings, how Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights put the trading City on the stage. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/much-ado-about-trading/
Research Interests: Shakespeare, History Of London, Shakespearean Drama, Thomas Middleton, City comedies, and 19 moreEarly Modern London, Ben Jonson, Trade, London Writing, London, George Chapman, Livery Companies, London Livery Companies, William Shakespeare, Medieval Goldsmith`s Art, Thomas Middleton, Renaissance Drama, City of London, Medieval Goldsmithery, The livery companies of the city of London, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque goldsmith's, Jewellery, Goldsmith, Silversmith, Gold, Silver, Craft Guilds, Commonaute, Or, Argent, The City of London, Shakespearean literature, and History of the City of London
An exploration of the Cnihtengild, the Guild of Knights which held powers of jurisdiction over a large area east of the City of London from the mid tenth century until the early twelfth. The story features on my tour 'In and Out of the... more
An exploration of the Cnihtengild, the Guild of Knights which held powers of jurisdiction over a large area east of the City of London from the mid tenth century until the early twelfth.
The story features on my tour 'In and Out of the Aldgate', celebrating the Ward of Portsoken in the east of the City of London. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/in-and-out-of-the-aldgate/
The story features on my tour 'In and Out of the Aldgate', celebrating the Ward of Portsoken in the east of the City of London. Details here:
http://charnowalks.co.uk/in-and-out-of-the-aldgate/
Research Interests: Medieval History, Anglo-Saxon Studies, Medieval Studies, Anglo-Saxon Studies (History), Chivalry (Chivalry), and 18 moreHistory Of London, Chivalry (Medieval Studies), Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, Medieval London, London, Anglo-Saxons, East End of London, East London, John Stow, City of London, Pre-Conquest England, Chivalry, Medieval Knights, Nobility and Chivalry, The City of London, History of London's East End, History of the City of London, and Wards of the City of London
An item for www.londonfictions.com which examines Ackroyd's warning of the dangers of not engaging with the historical continuum.
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An item for www.londonfictions.com which examines Williams's presentation of the realities of suburban life.
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A review of B Gürenci Saglam's monograph which addresses the question of how 'knowable' is the mystical London which Ackroyd portrays in his novels. The work, which is based on Gürenci Saglam's doctoral thesis, focuses on Ackroyd's... more
A review of B Gürenci Saglam's monograph which addresses the question of how 'knowable' is the mystical London which Ackroyd portrays in his novels. The work, which is based on Gürenci Saglam's doctoral thesis, focuses on Ackroyd's parodying of the literary genres of biography and detective fiction.
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An entry on the Electric Telegraph Company, focusing on Founders' Court, London, as published on the Footprints of London website. It is one of the stops on my guided tour looking at engineering ventures in the City of London:... more
An entry on the Electric Telegraph Company, focusing on Founders' Court, London, as published on the Footprints of London website. It is one of the stops on my guided tour looking at engineering ventures in the City of London: http://charnowalks.co.uk/venture-capital.
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For Peter Ackroyd, the dead are stakeholders in the community of the living, and he is at pains to stress the need for interaction between the two. Ackroyd’s revenants bring the living out of the dimension of time and into perpetuity,... more
For Peter Ackroyd, the dead are stakeholders in the community of the living, and he is at pains to stress the need for interaction between the two. Ackroyd’s revenants bring the living out of the dimension of time and into perpetuity, encouraging them to embrace the ongoing human continuum. This continuum is at the heart of Ackroyd's portrayal of the family, and is linked inextricably with the concept of place.
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The tramp, living on the city streets, is the ultimate expression of the motif of the urban walker, and embodies for Peter Ackroyd the relationship between London and its vulnerable citizens. However, the vagrant goes beyond the... more
The tramp, living on the city streets, is the ultimate expression of the motif of the urban walker, and embodies for Peter Ackroyd the relationship between London and its vulnerable citizens. However, the vagrant goes beyond the sufferings of the perpetual victim to embrace a mythic London where tramps are kings, and where refuge and closure are to be found.
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This paper shows that far from being a bathetic let-down, the ending of Peter Ackroyd's 'The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein' should in fact be seen as a stage in the author's development of the device of imaginative projection.