Steve Plumb
@squaremileguide.bsky.social
An accredited Tour Guide providing tours of London by licensed taxi; also bespoke walking tours in the City of London. Liveryman & Past Master Parish Clerk.
Bow Lane in the City of London.
Edward Clark 1946.
Edward Clark 1946.
November 21, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Bow Lane in the City of London.
Edward Clark 1946.
Edward Clark 1946.
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social We were at Lothers last evening for the retirement party of our verger and buildings manager of thirty-three years (!!!), Cliff Radmore. As we walked past Founders' Court, this dropped into my head :)
November 20, 2025 at 11:34 AM
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social We were at Lothers last evening for the retirement party of our verger and buildings manager of thirty-three years (!!!), Cliff Radmore. As we walked past Founders' Court, this dropped into my head :)
Last evening at Cadogan Hall, which is in Chelsea SW3.
Leatherjackets, with the extraordinary Kurt Elling, playing the music of Weather Report. Several boxes ticked, here.
An outstanding evening.
Leatherjackets, with the extraordinary Kurt Elling, playing the music of Weather Report. Several boxes ticked, here.
An outstanding evening.
November 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Last evening at Cadogan Hall, which is in Chelsea SW3.
Leatherjackets, with the extraordinary Kurt Elling, playing the music of Weather Report. Several boxes ticked, here.
An outstanding evening.
Leatherjackets, with the extraordinary Kurt Elling, playing the music of Weather Report. Several boxes ticked, here.
An outstanding evening.
The eve of St Martin's Day.
Here is one of the lampposts on the Strand WC2 in central London, showing the Roman centurion, Martin of Tours giving his cloak to the poor beggar.
Here is one of the lampposts on the Strand WC2 in central London, showing the Roman centurion, Martin of Tours giving his cloak to the poor beggar.
November 10, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The eve of St Martin's Day.
Here is one of the lampposts on the Strand WC2 in central London, showing the Roman centurion, Martin of Tours giving his cloak to the poor beggar.
Here is one of the lampposts on the Strand WC2 in central London, showing the Roman centurion, Martin of Tours giving his cloak to the poor beggar.
A great article this morning on BBC Radio 4's Sunday Programme re the late Sir Bernard Lovell; astronomer and... Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He was still on the Court when I joined the Company thirty-one years ago.
A superb church organist.
A superb church organist.
November 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM
A great article this morning on BBC Radio 4's Sunday Programme re the late Sir Bernard Lovell; astronomer and... Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He was still on the Court when I joined the Company thirty-one years ago.
A superb church organist.
A superb church organist.
I was never really into so-called "Pop", but at the time I was given a record voucher which I used at a record shop on London Street by Fenchurch St Station (I kid you not) - they sold Disco 12"s to the Essex boys. I bought Dare on cassette. It still is an outstanding album. I must get it on CD.
November 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I was never really into so-called "Pop", but at the time I was given a record voucher which I used at a record shop on London Street by Fenchurch St Station (I kid you not) - they sold Disco 12"s to the Essex boys. I bought Dare on cassette. It still is an outstanding album. I must get it on CD.
The Lady Mayor's Show will soon be upon us. As will my Birthday. This is "my" time of year.
Might this be too warm for the show ? I'm tempted :)
Might this be too warm for the show ? I'm tempted :)
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The Lady Mayor's Show will soon be upon us. As will my Birthday. This is "my" time of year.
Might this be too warm for the show ? I'm tempted :)
Might this be too warm for the show ? I'm tempted :)
Last evening's book-launch at Stationers' Hall by Profile Books of 'The City Unlocked: London Livery Companies from wool to digital'. Presentations by authors Helen Esmonde and Margaret Willes.
It was great to bump into a few familiar faces.
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social
It was great to bump into a few familiar faces.
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social
October 28, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Last evening's book-launch at Stationers' Hall by Profile Books of 'The City Unlocked: London Livery Companies from wool to digital'. Presentations by authors Helen Esmonde and Margaret Willes.
It was great to bump into a few familiar faces.
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social
It was great to bump into a few familiar faces.
@tracelarkhall.bsky.social
Well on the way to having bookcases installed. Will save so much space. Not cheap, but I'm excited already.
October 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Well on the way to having bookcases installed. Will save so much space. Not cheap, but I'm excited already.
Me twelve years ago. I was playing in a house trio in Finchley, North London. Had coffee with the Pianist this morning. I'm not at all sure whether I will get back to the drums. Never say never ...
Blurred and out of focus. Standard :)
Blurred and out of focus. Standard :)
October 20, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Me twelve years ago. I was playing in a house trio in Finchley, North London. Had coffee with the Pianist this morning. I'm not at all sure whether I will get back to the drums. Never say never ...
Blurred and out of focus. Standard :)
Blurred and out of focus. Standard :)
I meet old friends about twice per year for Dinner. This time we will be at some sort of steak restaurant in the City. I am anticipating way too much noise for my liking, PLUS the ubiquitous muzak, which no-one listens to.
I am intrigued by the map which the restaurant has on its website. I like ..
I am intrigued by the map which the restaurant has on its website. I like ..
October 19, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I meet old friends about twice per year for Dinner. This time we will be at some sort of steak restaurant in the City. I am anticipating way too much noise for my liking, PLUS the ubiquitous muzak, which no-one listens to.
I am intrigued by the map which the restaurant has on its website. I like ..
I am intrigued by the map which the restaurant has on its website. I like ..
As bought by my late brother in 1966. I have the book here.
I might have a reel-to-reel tape recording of a BBC radio Home Service dramatised documentary on the Norman Conquest, somewhere. The BBC at its finest.
I might have a reel-to-reel tape recording of a BBC radio Home Service dramatised documentary on the Norman Conquest, somewhere. The BBC at its finest.
October 14, 2025 at 10:28 AM
As bought by my late brother in 1966. I have the book here.
I might have a reel-to-reel tape recording of a BBC radio Home Service dramatised documentary on the Norman Conquest, somewhere. The BBC at its finest.
I might have a reel-to-reel tape recording of a BBC radio Home Service dramatised documentary on the Norman Conquest, somewhere. The BBC at its finest.
A question for Westminster experts: This painted, iron mark is on the first floor l/h side of Hatchard’s on Piccadilly. Any ideas of what the coat of arms signifies? Fire insurance mark is an insufficient answer 😀 genuine Q, though.
Thanks.
@westminsterwalks.bsky.social
Thanks.
@westminsterwalks.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 7:39 PM
A question for Westminster experts: This painted, iron mark is on the first floor l/h side of Hatchard’s on Piccadilly. Any ideas of what the coat of arms signifies? Fire insurance mark is an insufficient answer 😀 genuine Q, though.
Thanks.
@westminsterwalks.bsky.social
Thanks.
@westminsterwalks.bsky.social
Last evening I was in the West End with sixteen other old-Young Freemen of the City. We each are near the end of our working lives (do people actually retire these days ?). Some are high-achievers; some are not. However, at the table, we are all the same.
I'm a little fragile this morning ...
I'm a little fragile this morning ...
October 8, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Last evening I was in the West End with sixteen other old-Young Freemen of the City. We each are near the end of our working lives (do people actually retire these days ?). Some are high-achievers; some are not. However, at the table, we are all the same.
I'm a little fragile this morning ...
I'm a little fragile this morning ...
This evening, I am meeting with sixteen other not-so-Young Freemen in a French bar/restaurant off of Charing Cross Road.
I expect some challenging behaviour.
I expect some challenging behaviour.
October 7, 2025 at 3:11 PM
This evening, I am meeting with sixteen other not-so-Young Freemen in a French bar/restaurant off of Charing Cross Road.
I expect some challenging behaviour.
I expect some challenging behaviour.
My Local in New Barnet. Simpson's of Baldock were taken over by GK in the late 1940s; making the Builders' Arms possibly and allegedly the closest GK pub to London until the 1970/80s massive expansion of GK's reach.
The Pub is actually two houses knocked together.
The Pub is actually two houses knocked together.
October 6, 2025 at 8:50 AM
My Local in New Barnet. Simpson's of Baldock were taken over by GK in the late 1940s; making the Builders' Arms possibly and allegedly the closest GK pub to London until the 1970/80s massive expansion of GK's reach.
The Pub is actually two houses knocked together.
The Pub is actually two houses knocked together.
Such a beautiful morning, here on the far edges of North London. Very windy, of course.
Have just listened to Brahms' symphony number one. It's been years since I dug into Brahms. = chocolate, the colour brown and cigars; or so they say.
The writing is simply HUGE !
Have just listened to Brahms' symphony number one. It's been years since I dug into Brahms. = chocolate, the colour brown and cigars; or so they say.
The writing is simply HUGE !
October 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Such a beautiful morning, here on the far edges of North London. Very windy, of course.
Have just listened to Brahms' symphony number one. It's been years since I dug into Brahms. = chocolate, the colour brown and cigars; or so they say.
The writing is simply HUGE !
Have just listened to Brahms' symphony number one. It's been years since I dug into Brahms. = chocolate, the colour brown and cigars; or so they say.
The writing is simply HUGE !
Not quite relevant to this SM feed, but very relevant to what I do (did) and who I am.
Taken from my FM 'memories' today from twelve years ago, when I was the drummer in the House Trio at the Griffin PH in Whetstone. The much-missed Nick Newall on Sax. Nick was a 60s colleague of Andy Summers !!
Taken from my FM 'memories' today from twelve years ago, when I was the drummer in the House Trio at the Griffin PH in Whetstone. The much-missed Nick Newall on Sax. Nick was a 60s colleague of Andy Summers !!
September 30, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Not quite relevant to this SM feed, but very relevant to what I do (did) and who I am.
Taken from my FM 'memories' today from twelve years ago, when I was the drummer in the House Trio at the Griffin PH in Whetstone. The much-missed Nick Newall on Sax. Nick was a 60s colleague of Andy Summers !!
Taken from my FM 'memories' today from twelve years ago, when I was the drummer in the House Trio at the Griffin PH in Whetstone. The much-missed Nick Newall on Sax. Nick was a 60s colleague of Andy Summers !!
I have never been a fan of Robert Elms. He means well, but I simply never enjoyed his BBC Radio London programme.
Congratulations to the man, however, for taking the Freedom of the City of London by dint of being an elector in the City of London. The small scribble in the top l/h corner tells all.
Congratulations to the man, however, for taking the Freedom of the City of London by dint of being an elector in the City of London. The small scribble in the top l/h corner tells all.
September 27, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I have never been a fan of Robert Elms. He means well, but I simply never enjoyed his BBC Radio London programme.
Congratulations to the man, however, for taking the Freedom of the City of London by dint of being an elector in the City of London. The small scribble in the top l/h corner tells all.
Congratulations to the man, however, for taking the Freedom of the City of London by dint of being an elector in the City of London. The small scribble in the top l/h corner tells all.
This morning I am heading into the City of London for the presentation of the shrieval chain and badge at the HAC to Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney (a Haberdasher). Having served his year as Sheriff, Rob will qualify for standing as Lord Mayor of London. Sadly Haberdashers' Hall is closed.
September 24, 2025 at 8:24 AM
This morning I am heading into the City of London for the presentation of the shrieval chain and badge at the HAC to Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney (a Haberdasher). Having served his year as Sheriff, Rob will qualify for standing as Lord Mayor of London. Sadly Haberdashers' Hall is closed.
There is a SM account which posts photos almost exclusively of country house libraries. I'm almost addicted to that feed.
BTW a couple of years ago I had two 'tweed' jackets made, except they are, I think technically worsted. I think that 'tweed' is open to definition.Whilst not unique, hand-picked
BTW a couple of years ago I had two 'tweed' jackets made, except they are, I think technically worsted. I think that 'tweed' is open to definition.Whilst not unique, hand-picked
September 23, 2025 at 12:45 PM
There is a SM account which posts photos almost exclusively of country house libraries. I'm almost addicted to that feed.
BTW a couple of years ago I had two 'tweed' jackets made, except they are, I think technically worsted. I think that 'tweed' is open to definition.Whilst not unique, hand-picked
BTW a couple of years ago I had two 'tweed' jackets made, except they are, I think technically worsted. I think that 'tweed' is open to definition.Whilst not unique, hand-picked
Today, I am heading-in to the City of London; specifically Fishmongers' Hall, for the presentation of a Shrieval Chain & Badge to Deputy Keith Bottomley, who will be admitted as Lay Sheriff in the next few days.
There will be drinks and speeches. Then back home to the enlist list of chores !
There will be drinks and speeches. Then back home to the enlist list of chores !
September 22, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Today, I am heading-in to the City of London; specifically Fishmongers' Hall, for the presentation of a Shrieval Chain & Badge to Deputy Keith Bottomley, who will be admitted as Lay Sheriff in the next few days.
There will be drinks and speeches. Then back home to the enlist list of chores !
There will be drinks and speeches. Then back home to the enlist list of chores !
The blank spot on the North of Fleet Street surrounding the Horn Tavern became the Harding bequest to the Goldsmiths' Company. Hence East & West Harding Street off New Fetter Lane. The Goldsmiths still own the freehold, which was substantially redeveloped about fifteen years ago. h/t Robin Ward
September 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The blank spot on the North of Fleet Street surrounding the Horn Tavern became the Harding bequest to the Goldsmiths' Company. Hence East & West Harding Street off New Fetter Lane. The Goldsmiths still own the freehold, which was substantially redeveloped about fifteen years ago. h/t Robin Ward