Bringing a little colour to your life each day - with six things that delight, inform and entertain.
In the labyrinth of narrow lanes behind the Strand, near Kings College London, there are a few discreet black signs for the National Trust's "Roman Bath" - which sounds pretty exciting. Is there really something like the Roman Baths of Bath hidden away off the Aldwych - perhaps overlooked in the guide books in favour of St Paul's Cathedral or the Tower of London?
Quixotic means someone or something that is romantic and unrealistic, or possessed by almost impossible hopes.
Sea kale, or crambe, is a species of halophytic (salt-tolerant) flowering plant in the genus Crambe of the family Brassicaceae. It grows wild along the coasts of mainland Europe and the British Isles. It is that giant cabbage-type plant commonly seen on stable shingle beaches.
The Spanish Armada set sail in July 1588, with the mission of overthrowing the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I, and restoring Catholic rule over England. Over 100 ships were gathered with around 30,000 men onboard. The English fleet, commanded by Sir Francis Drake, was prepared to meet the attack and eventually saw off the invasion with the loss of many Spanish vessels.
The name 'Charing Cross' in London derives from a medieval monument that was erected there to mark the loss of an English queen. The symbol was a medieval expression of love and grief, and in fact is one of 12 such crosses that commemorated Eleanor of Castile, the wife of King Edward I.
An iconic symbol of northern pride since 1998, Anthony Gormley's iconic 20-metre high sculpture in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, is influenced and inspired by the experience of the Coalminers - who worked in pits beneath the site. It was constructed from 1994-1998, and is made from steel and its creation is regarded as a significant engineering achievement. It has a dominant presence for those travelling on the A1.
Six things to delight and entertain you every day.