The Cannonballs of Prague’s Church
Of all the wars Prague was an active participant in, few leave their mark on the city today. One exception is on the church of Charlemagne in Prague's New Town - the Siege of Prague from 1757.
The Belgians know Tsar Peter’s secret
The National Park in Brussels, right in front of the Royal Palace, is a welcome touch of greenery in the city. But why would the Belgians commemorate the spot in the park where Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, felt violently sick?
Finding Prague’s lost Old Town fortifications
Tourists from the New World chuckle when they read that Prague's New Town dates back to the 14th century. The New World barely existed in those days. Prague's Old Town Fortifications have been lost but if you know where to look, you can rediscover the medieval limits of the Old Town of Prague.
Do you know when the Union Jack first flew over Malta?
Maltese history is a rich tapestry of events, influences and wars. The Maltese are proud of British heritage, but few seem to know where the British flag was first flown over the islands.
Loučeň Castle
Most stately homes and castles in Czechia close for the winter months. I suppose not many people enjoy traipsing around an unheated building when it’s -20 C outside. Loučeň castle is
The Scratching Fanny of Cock Lane
Nothing cheers up a good ghost story than a juicy double entendre. One of London’s most famous 18th century hauntings took place in the marvellously named Cock Lane.
The lost Royal Palace of Prague
Tourists mistake any old-looking structure as something which is ancient and "worthy of attention." Whether this is true or not, it's always worth looking into the detail of anything you see on your travels.
This article focuses on Prague's magnificent Municipal House.
Charles’ Crown Castle
As architectural designs go, insisting on a new castle that resembles a crown is quite original. Wanting this sort of thing to impress the king is less original, but that’s
The Brno Ossuary
An ossuary is a building where human remains are stored. To be precise, it’s considered to be a final resting place for human remains. In places where space is scarce,
The US Liberty Bell (and the Maltese Connection)
I had hoped I would have slept a little on the red-eye from San Francisco but I had not. This is why I was groggy on the corner of Market