09 April 2015
£12.99
Paperback
New Holland
A London Peculiar
Rafe Heydel-Mankoo
A London Peculiar introduces the reader to a vast array of London’s most bizarre, curious and intriguing sights. These quirky peculiarities include buildings, objects, institutions and spaces. The history and reason for being of each is examined in detail and all are illustrated with contemporary images.
Entertaining and informative, A London Peculiar is arranged according to district and includes: Jeremy Bentham’s skeleton at University College, London; George Washington’s statue and his wish to never set foot on British soil; Postman’s Park and its memorials; Streets where one may drive on the right-hand side of the road (more than most people think); St. Clement Danes – The church that inspired the modern tiered wedding cake; The site of the legation of the Republic of Texas; London’s only ‘split’ pub, divided across two sides of an alley; The Duke of Wellington’s mounting stones; The fake houses of London; Queen Caroline’s bath; The Necropolis Railway (for coffins); A nightclub in a lavatory; and London’s smallest and narrowest houses among many others.
Rafe Heydel-Mankoo is a leading royal commentator and a popular choice with international media, providing expert analysis, interviews and commentary. An expert in monarchy, protocol, honours and traditions, Rafe is the former editor of the critically acclaimed Burke’s World Orders of Knighthood & Merit and has advised various governments on policy matters. He is a trustee of the Canadian Royal Heritage Trust and a Research Associate at the leading public policy think tank ResPublica.