The 19th Century

It seems so far away doesn’t it? Perhaps it really is that far, but it’s effects laid the foundations of the 20th, and that prepared the world for what it is today.

From the growth of the British Empire, to the rise of a unified Germany, this century gave life to horrific stories of brutality and delightful tales of whimsy that populate these pages.

All my 19th Century articles

1800 – 1809

• Charlemagne and St Martin August 5, 2026 - With an empire so vast it redefined Europe, Charlemagne found his heart anchored to a humble soldier who lived four centuries earlier. This is the little-known story of the visionary… Continue Reading
• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• The Fruttuaria Abbey March 7, 2026 - A King Died Here. Then the Church Buried It. Then a Plumber Found It Again. The Abbazia di Fruttuaria has been a monastery, a political pawn, a makeover project, and… Continue Reading
• Andorra January 21, 2026 - Microstates are fascinating. There’s always a story behind them, and their continued existence in today’s world for that matter. Andorra, sandwiched between Spain and France, is one such microstate. For… Continue Reading
• When Napoleon Conquered Malta in 72 Hours December 11, 2025 - Think the fall of powerful nations takes months? Napoleon Bonaparte dismantled 268 years of Knights' rule over Malta in three days. If you want to understand how empires truly fall, keep… Continue Reading
• Creating the Emirates June 5, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates exist because of a reaction to Britain's loss of power, post-Word War II. That power, in turn, came about because of geography, rather than outright politics.… Continue Reading
• The Abbey in Vendome July 16, 2024 - Legends underpin so many historical stories it's hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction. I've found a factual explanation for the legend behind the foundation of the… Continue Reading
• The RAF Vulcan crash in Malta April 15, 2023 - In 1975, a British RAF Vulcan bomber exploded as it approached the runway of Malta's airport. That few cilivians died is near-miraculous. This article describes what happened and the view… Continue Reading
• Learn how Portugal helped Malta in its time of need July 20, 2020 - If you ask people how Malta fought against French occupation, most will talk about how the British helped the Maltese out. Few know that the Portuguese navy played the decisive… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• The Battle of Ferozeshah April 20, 2020 - British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle… Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• Frydberk castle November 18, 2019 - The criminals who built Frydberk ? castle terrorised the Bohemian countryside in mediaeval times. Conquered, plundered, turned into a ? brewery and then the Church built a place of worship… Continue Reading
• The truth behind the Sudetenland November 4, 2019 - Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• The Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace August 19, 2019 - The old adage claims there are 356 chapels and churches in Malta, 1 for every day of the year! One tiny often neglected chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of… Continue Reading
• The hidden secret of the Leiden explosion December 3, 2018 - Standards around handling gunpowder were lax in the early 19th century. In the Netherlands this led to the Leiden explosion that rocked the city. The authorities immediately covered up the… Continue Reading
• Do you know about the explosion in Birgu? November 5, 2018 - One of Malta's worst peacetime disasters took place in 1806. A military gunpowder store exploded in Birgu, across the harbour from Valletta. Continue Reading
• How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
• St Valentine was not Irish – but he is now September 24, 2018 - I’ve written about relics of saints before. They exist because people believe proximity to part of a saint ?means  ‘something’ can rub off. Dublin has the remains of St Valentine… Continue Reading
• Do you know when the Union Jack first flew over Malta? December 4, 2017 - 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… Continue Reading
• Anti-Mafia dining in Rome December 29, 2014 - There are many considerations that come to mind when choosing a restaurant - location, style, quality, parking maybe - but I've never found myself in a situation where I said… Continue Reading

1810 – 1819

• Creating the Emirates June 5, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates exist because of a reaction to Britain's loss of power, post-Word War II. That power, in turn, came about because of geography, rather than outright politics.… Continue Reading
• The Maltese chapel of bones March 1, 2021 - I’ve written about Czech ossuaries before, and I’ve visited the one in Paris, but few know there is a Maltese chapel of bones. Well, there used to be one anyway. Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• Frydberk castle November 18, 2019 - The criminals who built Frydberk ? castle terrorised the Bohemian countryside in mediaeval times. Conquered, plundered, turned into a ? brewery and then the Church built a place of worship… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• Do you know about the explosion in Birgu? November 5, 2018 - One of Malta's worst peacetime disasters took place in 1806. A military gunpowder store exploded in Birgu, across the harbour from Valletta. Continue Reading
• How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
• The Unexpectedly Polish National Library of Malta May 21, 2018 - Valletta is an ornate and Baroque city built by the Knights of Malta. One of it’s most famous historical buildings is neo-classical which contrasts with the rest of the city.… Continue Reading
• St Christopher and the Alchemist December 18, 2017 - On Prague’s Charles Bridge, statues watch tourists cross this city's ancient route. One of the statues, that of St Christopher, doesn't. He's walking towards the left bank - something no… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Powder Tower: The Full History May 18, 2015 - Tourists crowd around the Powder Tower for selfies and videos and who can blame them? The city is photogenic; this tower is one of the iconic scenes people have in… Continue Reading

1820 -1829

• Creating the Emirates June 5, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates exist because of a reaction to Britain's loss of power, post-Word War II. That power, in turn, came about because of geography, rather than outright politics.… Continue Reading
• Learn all about Malta’s lost Orsi Tower September 7, 2020 - We are so focused on preserving historical buildings that we often don’t realise how many already disappeared for one reason or another. Orsi tower used to stand guard at the… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• The Battle of Ferozeshah April 20, 2020 - British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle… Continue Reading
• Italian political prisoners in Czechia March 30, 2020 - One of the most dangerous secret societies in 19th century Italy was the Carbonari. Fighting for a united Italy, many across Europe feared them and what they represented. This article… Continue Reading
• Every parents’ worst nightmare: The carnival deaths February 24, 2020 - In the 19th century, the monks at the convent annexed to the Ta' Giezu church in Valletta would help young boys stay out of mischief during carnival. They would pray… Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• The death of Tycho Brahe September 30, 2019 - One of the many illustrious people who lived in Prague was the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. He came for the mysteries of alchemy, and he died in Prague because he… Continue Reading
• The Possessed Fairy Tale Farmhouse February 12, 2018 - If a building is abandoned for a long enough time, it doesn't take long before stories about hauntings begin to emerge. In Czechia, the Fairy Tale Farmhouse has attracted a few… Continue Reading
• The Headless Templar of Prague August 21, 2017 - Close to the Old Town Square, between midnight and 1:00 am, you may witness the Headless Templar of Prague riding past. Or maybe you won't. When tourists leave the Charles Bridge… Continue Reading
• Ggantija – The Giant’s Tower in Gozo August 15, 2016 - On the island of Gozo, in the middle of the Mediterranean, you can find one of the oldest man-made structures. Older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids, this is Ggantija -… Continue Reading
• This Golden Angel Hides a Mystical Prague Secret June 29, 2015 - Stand beneath the gilded figure on Celetná Street and you'll discover more than just beautiful baroque art. You'll be at the threshold of one of Europe's most intriguing alchemical mysteries… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Powder Tower: The Full History May 18, 2015 - Tourists crowd around the Powder Tower for selfies and videos and who can blame them? The city is photogenic; this tower is one of the iconic scenes people have in… Continue Reading

1830 – 1839

• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• When Napoleon Conquered Malta in 72 Hours December 11, 2025 - Think the fall of powerful nations takes months? Napoleon Bonaparte dismantled 268 years of Knights' rule over Malta in three days. If you want to understand how empires truly fall, keep… Continue Reading
• The Temple of Proserpina June 29, 2020 - There are few Roman remains on the island of Malta. Not far from Rabat in the village of Mtarfa, the Romans had built the now-lost Temple of Proserpina. Continue Reading
• The Battle of Ferozeshah April 20, 2020 - British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle… Continue Reading
• In exile in Malta November 11, 2019 - The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk… Continue Reading
• The hidden secret of the Leiden explosion December 3, 2018 - Standards around handling gunpowder were lax in the early 19th century. In the Netherlands this led to the Leiden explosion that rocked the city. The authorities immediately covered up the… Continue Reading
• The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town October 15, 2018 - I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications… Continue Reading
• St Valentine was not Irish – but he is now September 24, 2018 - I’ve written about relics of saints before. They exist because people believe proximity to part of a saint ?means  ‘something’ can rub off. Dublin has the remains of St Valentine… Continue Reading
• From death to delight – Msida, Malta July 3, 2018 - Towns evolve for various reasons and we often marvel at how different things were in the past. It doesn't take too long for some stories to fade into obscurity which… Continue Reading
• St Christopher and the Alchemist December 18, 2017 - On Prague’s Charles Bridge, statues watch tourists cross this city's ancient route. One of the statues, that of St Christopher, doesn't. He's walking towards the left bank - something no… Continue Reading
• The Curious Story of the Slave and the Baker February 2, 2015 - Imagine what life must have been like in Ancient Rome. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis of the city-state that ruled the known world must have been awe-inspiring to… Continue Reading
• Anti-Mafia dining in Rome December 29, 2014 - There are many considerations that come to mind when choosing a restaurant - location, style, quality, parking maybe - but I've never found myself in a situation where I said… Continue Reading
• Belgian Beers – A Sampling August 12, 2013 - While at the Duvel Brewery a few weeks' ago, I was fortunate enough to sample a few of the other Belgian beers that are available, apart from Duvel. The brewery… Continue Reading

1840 – 1849

• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• The Fruttuaria Abbey March 7, 2026 - A King Died Here. Then the Church Buried It. Then a Plumber Found It Again. The Abbazia di Fruttuaria has been a monastery, a political pawn, a makeover project, and… Continue Reading
• Creating the Emirates June 5, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates exist because of a reaction to Britain's loss of power, post-Word War II. That power, in turn, came about because of geography, rather than outright politics.… Continue Reading
• A church for a cousin January 20, 2025 - In the 11th century the Duke of Aquitaine built an abbey in exchange for permission to marry a relative of his. It sounds like the ultimate form of privilege but… Continue Reading
• The Hilsner Affair December 5, 2023 - Anti-Jewish sentiment has long been a problem - even before the Nazis. This article describes the infamous Hilsner affair from Bohemia. Continue Reading
• Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• The Battle of Ferozeshah April 20, 2020 - British forces fought wars all over India in the 18th and 19th century. Between tribal feuds, and the British, there were many sources of conflict. This article describes the Battle… Continue Reading
• St Martin’s rotunda April 13, 2020 - I'm fascinated by the rotundas in Prague. This city has more of them than I'd ever seen in my life. St Martin's rotunda sits inside the Vyšehrad castle complex and… Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• Frydberk castle November 18, 2019 - The criminals who built Frydberk ? castle terrorised the Bohemian countryside in mediaeval times. Conquered, plundered, turned into a ? brewery and then the Church built a place of worship… Continue Reading
• In exile in Malta November 11, 2019 - The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk… Continue Reading
• The truth behind the Sudetenland November 4, 2019 - Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• Prague’s pentecostal uprising September 9, 2019 - In 1848, Prague citizens rebelled against their Austro-Hungarian rulers. Was this similar to the French revolution, also in 1848? Or was it a sign of something deeper than that? ?My… Continue Reading
• Český Šternberk Castle August 26, 2019 - It’s not everyday you find castles still owned by the original family. Czechia's Český Šternberk ? towers over the town of the same name, and is one of the few… Continue Reading
• The Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace August 19, 2019 - The old adage claims there are 356 chapels and churches in Malta, 1 for every day of the year! One tiny often neglected chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of… Continue Reading
• The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town October 15, 2018 - I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications… Continue Reading
• Finding Prague’s lost Old Town fortifications January 22, 2018 - 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… Continue Reading
• St Christopher and the Alchemist December 18, 2017 - On Prague’s Charles Bridge, statues watch tourists cross this city's ancient route. One of the statues, that of St Christopher, doesn't. He's walking towards the left bank - something no… Continue Reading
• Konopiště Castle and World War I September 25, 2017 - No more than a 30-minute train ride south of Prague you can visit Konopiště castle. This is where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand travelled from when he went to Sarajevo and… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Marian Column August 7, 2017 - Prague’s Old Town Square used to contain one of the largest sundials I’ve ever heard of. Judging by reports in the local news, it just might be rebuilt too. And… Continue Reading
• The Bridges of Prague October 10, 2016 - Prague's lengthy promenades along the river Vltava are one of the most underrated features of the city. Walking along them using the bridges as stepping stones provides you with a great… Continue Reading

1850 – 1859

• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• Creating the Emirates June 5, 2025 - The United Arab Emirates exist because of a reaction to Britain's loss of power, post-Word War II. That power, in turn, came about because of geography, rather than outright politics.… Continue Reading
• St Clements in Pořiči March 26, 2025 - Near Prague's city centre, but not quite close enough, St Clement's church is possibly one of the oldest religious structures in the city. It is more than 1000 years' old. Continue Reading
• The fake ruins of Baba July 20, 2022 - Europe is full of ruins that paint a delightful picture of its turbulent past. It's not every day you can see ruins that are as artificial as a fast food… Continue Reading
• The Maltese chapel of bones March 1, 2021 - I’ve written about Czech ossuaries before, and I’ve visited the one in Paris, but few know there is a Maltese chapel of bones. Well, there used to be one anyway. Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• In exile in Malta November 11, 2019 - The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• Prague’s pentecostal uprising September 9, 2019 - In 1848, Prague citizens rebelled against their Austro-Hungarian rulers. Was this similar to the French revolution, also in 1848? Or was it a sign of something deeper than that? ?My… Continue Reading
• The Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace August 19, 2019 - The old adage claims there are 356 chapels and churches in Malta, 1 for every day of the year! One tiny often neglected chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of… Continue Reading
• St Christopher and the Alchemist December 18, 2017 - On Prague’s Charles Bridge, statues watch tourists cross this city's ancient route. One of the statues, that of St Christopher, doesn't. He's walking towards the left bank - something no… Continue Reading
• The Knights of St Lazarus August 14, 2017 - The Knights of Malta (to give them their full name, the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta) are certainly familiar to followers of this site. I was… Continue Reading
• How to Celebrate a Failed Assassination March 30, 2015 - As you head north-by-north-west from the city centre of Vienna, the old centre of the Austro-Hungarian empire, it won't be long before you reach the Ringstrasse that marks the old… Continue Reading
• Spanish Practices November 5, 2009 - At home this week.  The Grand Place, Brussels' main square is alive with the sound of camera shutters, eager talk and the noise made by a dozen or so rowdy… Continue Reading

1860 – 1869

• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• Andorra January 21, 2026 - Microstates are fascinating. There’s always a story behind them, and their continued existence in today’s world for that matter. Andorra, sandwiched between Spain and France, is one such microstate. For… Continue Reading
• Double agent Colonel Alfred Redl February 22, 2023 - Colonel Alfred Redl was chief of intelligence for Austro-Hungary at the beginning of the 20th century. He also was a double-agent for Russia, France and Italy. There is a direct… Continue Reading
• The Rotunda of the finding of the Holy Cross July 13, 2020 - Prague's early chapels and churches seem to all have been rotundas. At least, that's all we seem to have left. Close to the Vltava river, almost overshadowed by newer buildings,… Continue Reading
• Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• Every parents’ worst nightmare: The carnival deaths February 24, 2020 - In the 19th century, the monks at the convent annexed to the Ta' Giezu church in Valletta would help young boys stay out of mischief during carnival. They would pray… Continue Reading
• The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry December 2, 2019 - There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened,… Continue Reading
• Frydberk castle November 18, 2019 - The criminals who built Frydberk ? castle terrorised the Bohemian countryside in mediaeval times. Conquered, plundered, turned into a ? brewery and then the Church built a place of worship… Continue Reading
• In exile in Malta November 11, 2019 - The town of Sliema, Malta, is marked with high-rise apartment blocks and frustrating traffic. It was not always so and people have fond memories of days gone by. Few talk… Continue Reading
• The truth behind the Sudetenland November 4, 2019 - Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• Puck’s castle February 26, 2018 - It was late morning when Francois, Helene and I, after visiting two other historical places around Dublin, stopped to take a look at the rundown Puck's Castle. There is not much left… Continue Reading
• Finding Prague’s lost Old Town fortifications January 22, 2018 - 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… Continue Reading
• Egypt and Malta – Unusual Historical Connections March 20, 2017 - Ask anyone in Malta to direct you to the Mosta Dome and you'll get immediate directions. Not all churches on the island are as well-known as this one is. Not… Continue Reading
• Slapping a French Empress in Turkey February 15, 2016 - Once you cross the Bosphorus Straits from Europe to Asia, one of the first places you can visit is Beylerbeyi Palace. This is where you would slap a French Empress… Continue Reading
• This Golden Angel Hides a Mystical Prague Secret June 29, 2015 - Stand beneath the gilded figure on Celetná Street and you'll discover more than just beautiful baroque art. You'll be at the threshold of one of Europe's most intriguing alchemical mysteries… Continue Reading
• Apero O’Clock December 23, 2013 - There is a slight, imperceptible shift in the air. It is barely noticeable, and many of the Milanese in the Piazza Del Duomo around me continue with their lives. And… Continue Reading

1870 – 1879

• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• The Fruttuaria Abbey March 7, 2026 - A King Died Here. Then the Church Buried It. Then a Plumber Found It Again. The Abbazia di Fruttuaria has been a monastery, a political pawn, a makeover project, and… Continue Reading
• Macedonia and the Bulgarian Horrors September 3, 2025 - During my travels in North Macedonia, I was puzzled to see lots of references and mentioned to ex-UK Prime Minister William Gladstone. What would a 19th-century British statesman have in… Continue Reading
• St James’ Church, Valletta April 16, 2025 - St James' Church on Valletta's bustling Merchants' street never attracted my eye the same way the other churches in the city do. When I found out my ancestors married there… Continue Reading
• The lost cathedral of St Nicholas December 2, 2022 - In Famagusta, Cyprus, there is a building that used to be a cathedral dedicated to St Nicholas. It saw major events of the country's history and is now a mosque. Continue Reading
• Prague’s Invalidovna August 24, 2020 - If you ask many people in Prague about 'Invalidovna' they'd be more likely to direct you to the metro stop of that name. Few know of the magnificent Baroque building… Continue Reading
• Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be… Continue Reading
• St Martin’s rotunda April 13, 2020 - I'm fascinated by the rotundas in Prague. This city has more of them than I'd ever seen in my life. St Martin's rotunda sits inside the Vyšehrad castle complex and… Continue Reading
• The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria October 21, 2019 - The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria.… Continue Reading
• The Chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace August 19, 2019 - The old adage claims there are 356 chapels and churches in Malta, 1 for every day of the year! One tiny often neglected chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of… Continue Reading
• The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town October 15, 2018 - I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications… Continue Reading
• How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
• The superstition behind Charles Bridge May 7, 2018 - Every visitor to Prague ends up on the Charles Bridge. There is a magnificent view of the castle and the city from there, so it isn't surprising the bridge is… Continue Reading
• The Bridges of Prague October 10, 2016 - Prague's lengthy promenades along the river Vltava are one of the most underrated features of the city. Walking along them using the bridges as stepping stones provides you with a great… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Powder Tower: The Full History May 18, 2015 - Tourists crowd around the Powder Tower for selfies and videos and who can blame them? The city is photogenic; this tower is one of the iconic scenes people have in… Continue Reading
• Lost Prague – Tesnov Train Station April 20, 2015 - Like any city, Prague has lost certain elements of its past to the mists of time. Now, these items live on only as a name whose significance few understand. The lost train station… Continue Reading
• How to Celebrate a Failed Assassination March 30, 2015 - As you head north-by-north-west from the city centre of Vienna, the old centre of the Austro-Hungarian empire, it won't be long before you reach the Ringstrasse that marks the old… Continue Reading
• Tour the Duvel Brewery July 29, 2013 - The Duvel Brewery offers tours and beer tastings, a short bus ride north of Brussels. Continue Reading

1880 – 1889

• Charlemagne and St Martin August 5, 2026 - With an empire so vast it redefined Europe, Charlemagne found his heart anchored to a humble soldier who lived four centuries earlier. This is the little-known story of the visionary… Continue Reading
• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• Macedonia and the Bulgarian Horrors September 3, 2025 - During my travels in North Macedonia, I was puzzled to see lots of references and mentioned to ex-UK Prime Minister William Gladstone. What would a 19th-century British statesman have in… Continue Reading
• The 1923 Spanish gambling ban January 4, 2024 - The town hall building in San Sebastian, built in the 1880s, has a rich history including the gambling ban in 1923. The ban led to the building's closure for almost… Continue Reading
• Sensational Egyptian imagery in a Catholic church May 28, 2022 - There is a Roman Catholic church in Prague which has Egyptian imagery on its walls. Since Catholicism tried to get rid of many pagan rituals, why would they represent Mary… Continue Reading
• The church that moved June 8, 2020 - We often hear of buildings being “in the way” of new developments. It’s a constant argument between conservationists and modernisers. Sometimes, ancient treasures are even lost in our quest to… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• A photographic ode to Holešovice November 25, 2019 - If there is one constant in life, it’s that things never remain the same. Like all neighbourhoods, the one I live in, Holešovice, changes too. This article is a photographic… Continue Reading
• The death of Tycho Brahe September 30, 2019 - One of the many illustrious people who lived in Prague was the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. He came for the mysteries of alchemy, and he died in Prague because he… Continue Reading
• Konopiště Castle and World War I September 25, 2017 - No more than a 30-minute train ride south of Prague you can visit Konopiště castle. This is where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand travelled from when he went to Sarajevo and… Continue Reading
• The Stone Lamb House May 29, 2017 - Right in the middle of Prague’s Old Town Square stands a house where scientists, musicians, and mystics once crossed paths. The portal of the Stone Lamb House contains symbols that… Continue Reading
• This Golden Angel Hides a Mystical Prague Secret June 29, 2015 - Stand beneath the gilded figure on Celetná Street and you'll discover more than just beautiful baroque art. You'll be at the threshold of one of Europe's most intriguing alchemical mysteries… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Powder Tower: The Full History May 18, 2015 - Tourists crowd around the Powder Tower for selfies and videos and who can blame them? The city is photogenic; this tower is one of the iconic scenes people have in… Continue Reading

1890 – 1899

• The lost church of St Philip and St Jacob May 27, 2026 - In the city of a hundred spires, it's hard to imagine that there were more belfries, towers and churches than there are today. The church of St Philip and St… Continue Reading
• The Lion in the Harbour: When Garibaldi Came to Malta April 15, 2026 - In 1864, the most famous man in the world spent 36 hours in Malta. In 1864, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped off in Malta on his way to England. He was limping… Continue Reading
• Macedonia and the Bulgarian Horrors September 3, 2025 - During my travels in North Macedonia, I was puzzled to see lots of references and mentioned to ex-UK Prime Minister William Gladstone. What would a 19th-century British statesman have in… Continue Reading
• HMS Orwell March 27, 2024 - In 1903, a British navy drill off Corfu ended disastrously when HMS Orwell collided with HMS Pioneer during a night exercise. Continue Reading
• The Hilsner Affair December 5, 2023 - Anti-Jewish sentiment has long been a problem - even before the Nazis. This article describes the infamous Hilsner affair from Bohemia. Continue Reading
• The Red Tower of Death September 5, 2022 - In western Czechia, there is a grim reminder of how the Communists treated prisoners. This article explains what the Red Tower of Death is, and why it exists. Continue Reading
• Sensational Egyptian imagery in a Catholic church May 28, 2022 - There is a Roman Catholic church in Prague which has Egyptian imagery on its walls. Since Catholicism tried to get rid of many pagan rituals, why would they represent Mary… Continue Reading
• Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be… Continue Reading
• The improvements to Bouzov castle May 11, 2020 - Many people marvel at European historical sites. Few realise that what we see today may be quite different from what was in use. People restored, rebuilt or enhanced many sites… Continue Reading
• The powerful Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Malta May 4, 2020 - In the 19th century an offshore British bank in Malta issued its own banknotes. It's unusual to think of a private company issuing banknotes, more so in a small country… Continue Reading
• The lost Royal Palace of Prague September 4, 2017 - 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… Continue Reading
• Prague’s Marian Column August 7, 2017 - Prague’s Old Town Square used to contain one of the largest sundials I’ve ever heard of. Judging by reports in the local news, it just might be rebuilt too. And… Continue Reading
• The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower April 17, 2017 - One of the smoothest con men who ever lived managed to fool people into buying France's Eiffel Tower from him. Twice. His name is Victor Lustig and he was Czech.… Continue Reading