10 London Duels

1.Sir George Wharton v. Sir James Stuart,
Both .men were leading figures at the court court of James. I but both had a reputation for violence and dissipation. A quarrel between Wharton and the Earl of Pembroke over cards had nearly finished duel and only the intervention of the king had prevented it. In l'609, another argument at the gaming table, this time between Wharton and Sir James Stuart resulted in a duel which the king was unable to' stop fighting with rapier and dagger in fields at Canonbury, the two men both died. 'At the first thrust each of them killed the other,' according to a contemporary report, 'and they fell dead in each Other's
2The Field of the
The name was given to an area behind the British Museum, long covered over by Montague Street. The name came from a story, probably apocryphal, of two brothers who fought a duel over a woman on the site at the time of the Duke of Monmouth-s rebellion in 1685. Both were killed and the forty impressions of their feet, made on the ground as they paced away from One another before firing their pistols, remained there for many-years afterwards.
3.Lord Mohun and Duke of Hamilton, 1712
The fourth Baron Mohun was an inveterate dueller who had twice been charged and twice acquitted of murder but he made a fatal mistake when, aggravated by a long dispute between the two men Over a property in the north of England, he challenged the Duke of Hamilton to cross swords with him. When they met in Hyde Park, the Duke ran Mohun through and then moved to his side to offer assistance. Mohun, gentlemanly to the last, stabbed him in the stomach. Both men died. There is a fictional account of the duel in Thackeray's novel, The History of Henry Esmond.
4.William Byron v. William Chaworth, Star and Garter Inn, 1765
William Byron, 5th Baron Byron was the great-uncle of the poet and already had a reputation for violence and villainy before a tavern quarrel with his kinsman, William Chaworth, supposedly over the best way to hang game, ended in a duel. The fight took place in a back room of the Star and Garter Inn in Pall Mall and, in the dimly lit space, Byron stabbed Chaworth in the stomach. Chaworth lived on for a day, complaining only about the fact that he had been stupid enough to fight in a room where the light was too poor for him to see his opponent properly. Byron, soon to be known as the 'Wicked Lord', was tried by his peers in the House of Lords and, found guilty of manslaughter, was fined. The sword he had used to kill Chaworth was given pride of place on the wall of his bedroom at the family estate at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire.
5.Charles Edward Fox v. William Adam, 1779
Fox was a scathing critic of Lord North's policies in America and the duel was fought against one of North's supporters whom he had denounced. It was suggested by his second that Fox, a large man, should stand sideways to minimise the chances of being hit. Fox refused, remarking, 'I'm as thick one way as the other!'
6.Lady Almeria Braddock v. Mrs Elphinstone, Hyde Park, 1792
The so-called 'petticoat duel' resulted from a heated discussion between the two women about Lady Braddock's true age. Pistol shots were exchanged, one of which blew off Lady Braddock's hat, and the two women then crossed swords and fenced until Mrs Elphinstone was wounded slightly in the arm. Wisely, she then chose to apologise to her opponent for doubting her word about her age and the duel came to an end.
7.Humphrey Howarth MP v. Lord Barrymore, 1806
Howarth stripped naked before the duel because, he claimed, he didn't want to run the risk that pieces of his clothing might enter any wounds he might receive and infect them. Acutely aware of the absurdity of exchanging pistol shots with a nude man, Barrymore withdrew from the. encounter.
8.Castlereagh v. Canning, Putney Heath, 1809
One of the few occasions when two Cabinet ministers have tried to solve their differences with a pistol fight, the duel between George Canning, then Foreign Secretary, arid Lord Castlereagh, Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, took place at the height of the war against Napoleon. The two men had quarrelled over the deployment of troops in Europe and Castlereagh, discovering what he believed to be a plot between Canning and the Prime Minister to oust him from office, challenged his rival to a duel. The duel took place on Putney Heath on 21 September 1809. Canning, who had never fired a pistol in his life, unsurprisingly missed his opponent. Castlereagh, more expert, shot Canning in the thigh. Both men lost office later in the same year, although not as a direct consequence of trying to kill one another.
9.John Scott v. JH Christie, Chalk Farm, 1821
A literary quarrel that escalated into violence, the argument between John Scott, the editor of the London Magazine and another journalist, JH Christie, began with debate about the merits of writers like Keats and Hazlitt and ended in a moonlit duel at Chalk Farm. Christie fired in the air, after Scott had missed, but Scott's second refused to accept that honour had been satisfied and demanded that another exchange of shots should be made. Scott again missed but Christie, firing this time towards his opponent, shot him through the hips and the intestine.
Scott died ten days later.
10. Duke of Wellington v. Lord Winchilsea, Battersea Fields, 1829
When Wellington-became prime minister, one of his first acts - although it was one that was forced on him and he was unwilling to do it - was to give Roman Catholics a greater role in public life. According to a backwoods peer called Lord Winchilsea, in allowing the Catholic Emancipation Act to pass, the duke had 'treacherously plotted the destruction of the Protestant constitution'. Wellington responded to the criticism by challenging Winchilsea to a duel. When the two men met at Battersea Fields on 21 March, they both deliberately fired to miss. Honour having been satisfied, Winchilsea apologised for his remarks. This is the last occasion in which a British PM fought a duel.

Few ways to avoid rental scams in London

In the last few years the market of rentals spot a huge growth not only in the fields of the long term rentals but also in the category of the vacation rentals, short term accommodations and business apartments. The the demand of this services and facilities increases the supply few times and buying a property for investment purpose become more attractive investment even after the reals estate market crash few years ago. As everything thing bringing more and more money it attracts more and more scams. Traveling abroad and deciding to choose as a stay place instead of a hotel can look more exiting and attractive but selection of the trusted and loyal companies offering such properties can be time consuming and cost you a lot of hours spend in reading the forums feedback and discount site's policy. Having in mind that the London is one of the most expensive cities in the world a lower price of the accommodation should ring your bell that something is wrong. When browsing to select your cheap holiday apartment in London there are few thing you may put more attention in order for you to avoid scams or other ways you may be cheated. You intuition is a good for the start but is absolutely not enough for you to be sure about your choice. It is not just recommenced but it can become a must for you not to pay for your booking by western union or other untraceable way to the unknown receiver. Also there are to two ways of payment of the price for the stay which more of the companies are practicing. You are either paying the whole amount together plus security deposit before your arrival or you can just pay a the part from the amount and the rest after your arrival in the apartment. Usually except the price it is required a security deposit which should be returned after the end of the stay period. Unfortunately this may turn into another reason for scams as there are becoming more often the cases when companies simply does not return this deposits or keep them with the explanation that there are additional charges applying or for cleaning etc. in case you are not able to visit company's office by your own check all their contact details as much they are as better for you. The trusted companies are publishing all types if contact details from email, phone, Skype, contact persons names and offices address. You can also find their partners published on their website which is not essential but may help you to feel better. Also the company should be able to provide you with the references of the previous users. Don't feel uncomfortable to ask questions as much you are asking as more things about the company, company's police and satisfaction from the services you will learn. At last just Google it as usually people said you can receive as much information as you can't even imaging: positive, negating neutral doesn't really matter if the company is real there should be all of these kinds.

Kensington Palace one of the marks of London

Kensington Palace is located in the Kensington Gardens and is considered as one of the marks of English capital. The gardens was part from the Hyde Park before they were officially divided and now for its beginning is considered western part from the park. In the far 1689 it was the royal residence of the King due to the fact that the air there helps him to improve his asthma condition. The palace was improved by Sir Christopher Wren and the way for carriages was made from the corner of the Hyde park to the residence. Later in the palace are was designed an Orangery for Queen Anne by Sir John Vanbrugh together with the magnificent garden. The general view of the Kensington Gardens was created by George II and remains till now when the park is used as a public area. The most famous and loved person from the not far past who lived in the palace was Princess Diana who moved there shortly after her marriage with Price Charles. The place was her residence after the divorce too, right to her dead. Now it is turned into a tourist attraction and is open for visitors who can walk trough all the rooms see the ceremonial dresses of some members of the royal family, participate some of the expositions held in. Another memorial of may be most loved royalty Prices Diana is her memorial Playground and her fountain. For the lovers of the tradition history and architecture a day spend in that place will be a celebration of all senses. You can enjoy e traditional English tea there to complete the remarkable experience. Good tip is to find yourself accommodation somewhere around so you can try the morning jogging or simple walk. In case the is no suitable hotel you can always count on the shot term apartments in London as an option for the good place to stay in.

Shopping in London

For shopaholics there are no specific time for shopping it should only fits to the shops opening time and closing time. They don't care about the weather forecast neither about the seasons what is important is when the new collection will arrive and one of the main reasons for them to live is word SALE, SALE and SALE again. Every addicted to shopping person knows that there are couple of top destinations for it and few times during the entire year when the best bargains can be done. One of these top destination is London which is the paradise for shopaholics especially before and after the Christmas holidays when the higher discounts are available. For all the lovers of designer shops the best places to go are Knightsbridge, New Bond Road and Sloane Square. Visiting them is a wonderful experience no matter that you won't buy anything you will be glad just to look around Another shop which worth is Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly where the Queen is known to shop. In case you take your kids to this shopping tour don’t forget to take them to Hamleys Toy Shop in Regent Street which is one of the best toy stores in the world. Your kid will fee like Alice in the Wonderland. Oxford Street is famous with its lovely shops which include Marks & Spencer, Topshop and other stylish outlets such as Mango, H & M and Zara. In the past Kings Road in Chelsea and Carnaby Street off Regent Street were main places to go shopping. Not far from there is Kingly Court with its many trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. After the exhausting shopping you can relax as a real English by having traditions English tea in one of numerous teashops. Everyone who come to London just for the shopping prefer to stay in some of the cheap holiday apartments in London so they can save more money which will be spent on shopping. Even though you are not one of those addicted to the shopping people you may enjoy the city and the coziest of some of those cheap holiday apartments in London which will make you feel like at home during your stay

4 ISLANDS IN THE THAMES (AND I THAT ISN'T)

1. Eel Pie Island
Previously known as Twickenham Ait, it was re-named after a tavern, long demolished, which was famous for its eel pies. In Dickens's novel Nicholas Nickleby one of the characters visits Eel Pie Island, 'there to make merry upon a cold collation, bottled beer, shrub, and shrimps, and to dance in the open air to the music of a locomotive band, conveyed thither for the purpose'. Described recently by Simon Hoggart as 'a strange village marooned in the middle of the river, which looks as if it might float off towards Kent at any moment', Eel Pie Island is now best known for its rock music connections. The Eel Pie Hotel played host to dozens of famous names in the 1960s. The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Yardbirds, Long John Baldry, Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart all performed on the island between 1962 and 1967.
2.Oliver's Island, Kew
Facing Strand-on-the-Green, the island is allegedly named after Oliver Cromwell whose daughter Mary lived nearby.
3.Chiswick Eyot
This is the only island on the course of the Boat Race.
4.Trowlock Island, Teddington
Named after a type of Thames barge called a 'trow', the island is a third of a mile long and has a small population living in the two dozen bungalows that have been built on it. Access is by a hand-wound chain ferry.
+1. Isle of Dogs
Actually a peninsula, the Isle of Dogs was first named as such on a late sixteenth-century map and it's speculated that it took this name because Henry VIII kennelled his hunting dogs there. Pepys visited there and had a miserable time. 'So we were fain to stay there, in the unlucky Isle of Doggs,' he wrote in his diary in July 1665, 'in a chill place, the morning cool, and wind fresh, above two if not three hours to our great discontent'. The area only became economically significant with the building of the docks in the early nineteenth century. The West India Dock, built in 1802, was big enough to accommodate six hundred ships. The Isle of Dogs was suggested as a site for the Great Exhibition of 1851 but, probably wisely, the authorities decided that Hyde Park was a better place to stage it.
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7 CITY GATES LONDON

The seven city gates, most of them built in the first instance by I he Romans (although, like the Wall, they were regularly rebuilt and renovated through the centuries), were all demolished at the beginning of the 1760s. They were:
1. Aldersgate
First built by the Romans but named after an otherwise unknown Saxon called Ealdred, the gate stood opposite what is now 62 Aldersgate Street and led out into Watling Street, the Roman road to Dover. It was the gate through which James I, having journeyed from Scotland, first entered his new capital city in 1603.
2.  Aldgate
When he was appointed Controller of the Customs for hides, skins and wools in the port of London in 1374, Geoffrey Chaucer was granted a lease on a dwelling above Aldgate. The gate was demolished, along with the others, in the early 1760s, although it was briefly re-erected at Bethnal Green.
3. Bishopsgate
The gate takes its name from a seventh-century Bishop of London, Eorconweald, who had it rebuilt on its Roman foundations during his episcopacy. In the Middle Ages, the bishops of London made hinges for the gate and in return received one stick from every cart of wood that passed through it. The gate stood opposite where the NatWest Tower now stands.
4. Cripplegate
The derivation of its name - either from the cripples who gathered there to beg or from the fact that there was a hospital for cripples close to the site - would seem to be straightforward but scholars are not certain. It could derive from an Anglo-Saxon word 'crepel' meaning 'underground passage'. It was through Cripplegate that Elizabeth I rode into her capital for the first time as queen.
5. Ludgate
Traditionally supposed to have been built by the legendary King Lud in the first century bc, the gate was almost certainly, like most of the others, the work of the Romans. It stood opposite St Martin's Church on Ludgate Hill.
6. Moorgate
Not built until the fifteenth century, Moorgate led out of the City Wall into fields and fens beyond. Demolished in 1762, along with its older fellows, its stones were recycled and used to shore up London Bridge.
7. Newgate
As the name suggests, Newgate was built after the Romans had built many of the other city gates but it still dated back to at least the ninth century and possibly even earlier. The prison, for which it is best remembered, was in existence in the area by the twelfth century.
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I never knew that about London - Kensington

Kensington High Street
No Expense Spared
One of London's best-kept secrets can be found 100 ft (30 m) up on top of the old Derry & Toms building at 99 Kensington High Street. Laid out in 1938, the Kensington Roof Gardens cover 1V2 acres (0.6 ha) and form the biggest roof gardens in Europe. There are three different gardens, with 500 species of plants, fountains, a
stream, ducks, flamingos, a restaurant and a night-club. Since 1981 the gardens have been owned by Richard Branson's Virgin group and are used for functions and hospitality.
No. 18 Stafford Terrace was the home of Linley Sambourne, the Punch cartoonist. The house and contents have been preserved unchanged as an authen­tic Victorian experience and can be visited at weekends.
Kensington Palace Gardens, or 'Billionaire's Boulevard' which runs between Notting Hill Gate and Kens­ington High Street behind Kensington Palace, is regarded as London's most exclusive address. It is certainly London's most expensive address. In 2005 Britain's richest man, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, is thought to have paid Bernie Ecclestone £70 million for Nos. 18—19 Kensington Palace Gardens -making it, at the time, the most expen­sive house in the world.
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