The skeletons have been exposed for the first time since the 17th century. The Bedlam burial ground was in use from 1569 to at least 1738, spanning the start of the British Empire, the Civil War, the Restoration, Shakespeare’s plays, the Great Fire of London and numerous plague outbreaks.
Originally founded in 1247, the Bethlehem Hospital – now known as Bedlam - became notorious in later centuries for its grim treatment of what were inoffensive madmen and dangerous maniacs.
Currently a team of 60 archaeologists are working in shifts, six days a week to remove skeletons and carefully record evidence for what may prove to be, in archaeology terms, London’s most valuable 16th and 17th-century cemetery site. The excavation is being undertaken by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) on behalf of Crossrail. As the pit deepens and the emptying of the cemetery opens up earlier layers more treasures may yet lay in wait.
Later this year the site will close as building work will start on a new underground ticket offices for the Crossrail station so get yourself down to Liverpool Street station pronto. I am told the viewing gallery is open three lunchtimes a week: Wednesday – Friday from 1.00pm – 2.00pm.
More details: www.crossrail.co.uk
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- Published: 25 March 2015
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The regular diners will have taken themselves away from the House of Commons to focus on campaigning for the forthcoming General Election.
Diners will get a rare opportunity to experience the impressive surroundings, adorned with wooden sculptures, beautiful flock wallpaper and historic paintings. Previously intended as a conference room called the ‘Painted Chamber’, the Members’ Dining Room is an impressive dining space with an ornate Royal Coat of Arms sitting proudly above the entrance.
The House of Commons is the latest venue to join the Westminster Collection of prestigious and unique venues in Westminster. It offers a historical backdrop for corporate and charity events and the venue is available for hire during periods when the House is not sitting and on Saturdays.
Tours can be arranged as part of an event. These include Westminster Hall, St Stephen’s Lobby, Central Lobby and both the Commons and the Lords Chamber. They provide insight into the history of the building and the workings of the UK Parliament.
There are ten venues available to hire. They range from dining rooms with an historic Pugin design to the Terrace Pavilion, a purpose-built marquee with panoramic glass doors and views of the River Thames. The venues can accommodate between 10 and 200 guests.
Details: www.venues-london.co.uk
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- Published: 23 March 2015
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I
reland-based Jurys Inns mark St Patrick’s Day (17th March) with a guide to Ireland’s most mispronounced monikers. Jurys Inn has published a list of Ireland’s most frequently mispronounced names – an official guide for the visiting tourist and the sometimes baffled (but too embarrassed to ask) locals.
The list is based on feedback from hotel guests and Jurys Inn employees who have called out the names they believe cause most confusion. The pronunciation guide outlines 20 tongue twisting names in an effort to help tourists brush shoulders with the locals.
Suzanne Cannon, Group Marketing Manager for Jurys Inn commented, “With close to a million people staying in our Irish hotels every year, we witness first-hand the confusion sometimes faced by foreigners who simply can’t get to grips with our traditional Irish monikers! With Paddy’s Day just days away, we hope that this handy guide will help our guests in Galway, Cork, Dublin and Belfast avoid any embarrassing moments!”
Female Names:
Niamh: Nee-av not Ni-am
Caoimhe: Kwee-va not Kay-oy-mee
Méadhbh: Mave not Meed-huh
Siobhán: Sh–vawn not Cy-ob-han
Caoimhseach: Kweev-shock not Kay-im-seech
Saoirse: Seer-sha not Say-o-err-see
Caoilfhionn: Kee-lin not Kay-oil-fy-on
Sinéad: Shin-aid not Sign-eed
Gráinne: Grawn-ye not Grain-ee
Aoife: Ee-fa not Ay-oy-fee
Male Names:
Daithí: Dah-hee not Day-thigh
Tadhg: Tai-g not Tad-hug
Oisín: Osh-een not Oy-sin
Feardorcha: Far-dur-uh-ka not Feer-door-cha
Séamus: Shay-mus not See-mus
Eoin / Eoghan: Oh-un not Ee-oy-n or Ee-og-han
Pádraig / Pádraic: Paw-drig or Paw-rick not Pad-ray-g
Conchobhar: Kru-hur not Con-chob-har
Darragh: Da-ra not Dar-rag
Micheál: Mee-hawl not Mick-eel
Details: www.jurysinns.com
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- Published: 17 March 2015
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Corinthia Hotel London’s fourth annual Artist in Residence programme is opera. Also announced is the prestigious panel of judges who will choose a winning idea from a range of artist applications. The selected artist will then be awarded a month residency at the hotel, over which time they will develop and realise their vision.
The finished project will launch in September 2015. A selection of artists have been approached to submit ideas for the project, with one final ‘wild card’ position still remaining. Corinthia Hotel London’s General Manager Renaud Grégoire will select a final applicant from open submissions to join the other artists.
The Corinthia Hotel London Artist in Residence is an annual initiative championing British talent within different disciplines of the arts. Over the past four years Corinthia Hotel London has commissioned site specific pieces across theatre, film and visual art. Previous residencies saw winning commissions from aspiring filmmakers Zawe Ashton (best known for acting as Vod in Channel 4’s Fresh Meat), and David Petch (2014), immersive theatre company Look Left Look Right (2013) and photographic artist Noémie Goudal (2012).
Details: http://corinthia-air.com/
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- Published: 20 March 2015
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The new Holiday Inn Express bedrooms are equipped with a smart television enabling guests to stream their own media from a personal device. Wi-fi is included in the room price. Rooms also feature a flexible work/rest corner. The traditional desk has been removed and replaced with a comfortable chair and portable table with multiple USB ports. Bedrooms also have a larger bed with a padded, noise-reducing headboard.
Express Café & Bar is in the lobby and features a modern, continental-style café/bar serving an ‘Express Start’ breakfast and an all-day grab-and-go food option.
Mobile check-in is another enhancement, with IHG Rewards Club members able to check-in through the IHG App or online prior to arrival. When guests arrive they will be offered a choice of room when possible.
The new Holiday Inn Express concept will be launched in Europe and adopted for new-build hotels and properties undergoing renovation. IHG are aiming for at least one in every four of Holiday Inn Express properties to feature the ‘next-generation’ facilities within three years.
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- Published: 16 March 2015
- Hits: 4026
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