One of the treasures of the British Museum, this 4th century mosaic found in present-day Dorset in the south of England is the earliest known representation of Christ from Britain or the Roman Empire.

The mosaic – only the central roundel is on display in the museum although the floors from two rooms exist – was found in 1963 when a post hole was being dug by local blacksmith Walter White.

It is identified as Christ because of the ‘Chi Rho’ symbol behind the head (the elongated ‘P’ and ‘X’ shape) and because of the pomegranates to either side. These were an ancient symbol of immortality. Christianity became the official state religion in 312 CE under Constantine, but non-Christian gods were still worshipped for some time.

Interestingly, the mosaic in the room next to this one had a pagan image of Bellerophon killing the chimaera – perhaps the owner of the villa where it was built was hedging his bets with both Christian and pagan symbols.

It is a unique survival because in 427CE the emperor specifically banned the making of mosaic floors with the image of Christ and ordered existing ones to be removed – because Roman rule had ended in Britain (the common date given is 410CE) this survived that edict.

‘All the world’s a stage & all the men and women simply players …’  from ‘As You Like It’ is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous speeches. It is unexpected however to find a 20’ totem pole with the whole speech engraved upon it and the seven ages of man from birth to senility cut into its aluminium structure. In 1980 British Telecom commissioned this sculpture to be erected outside Baynard House, one of their brutalist London headquarters, and it’s a good thing that they did!

 Take a look at Tim describing this extraordinary (and frankly, slightly weird) monument to Shakespeare’s work. (Tim’s Shakespeare’s Life and Times tour is on 31 July – details here.)

During WW2 certain foods (as well as fuel and clothing) were rationed. One of the main privations – given the British love of tea – was sugar; everyone was restricted to 8oz (half a pound, about 230gms) of the white stuff each week.

When the Imperial War Museum took over the War Rooms in the 1980s, they went through one of the desks in the Map Room and found an envelope with the name ‘John Heagarty’ on it. And inside the envelope – presumably kept in the drawer away from colleagues who might ‘borrow’ sugar for their tea – were these sugar cubes. They’d lain there untouched for nearly 40 years – an example of how the Churchill War Rooms are a wonderful time capsule.

Heagarty – or Wing Commander John Heagerty RAF to give him his full rank – manned the Map Room Air Desk for more than five years co-ordinating information about air operations. A veteran of the first World War, he was shot down over enemy lines in 1917 by the fabled German Ace, Manfred von Richtofen (‘ the ‘Red Baron’).

You can hear more stories of the ‘Churchill War Rooms’ in Don’s virtual tour. Check our events listings for forthcoming tours, or sign up for our newsletter to be informed of new dates.

Tim Barron draws our attention to a cataclysmic event that happened in the most unlikely of places

The date, 30^th January  1969

The place, a roof top in Saville Row central London

 The event, The Beatles last gig

The result, Screaming fans, traffic chaos and then the Police arrive.

Just one of the many stories to be shared on The UKToursonline Rock ‘n’ Roll stroll (next stroll on Sunday 24 July).

From the 50s to today, London has been the place for the greatest rock and pop talents to;  perform, record, pose, misbehave, get clothed and hang out.

We visit the Bag O’ Nails where Jimi Hendrix played one of his first London sets, Ziggy’s photo shoot, The Sex Pistol’s abode, the studios where ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘All Right Now’ were recorded, plus the offices where ‘Your Song’  was written. Spot the pub where the Stones met up and the basement studio where they made their early  recordings. We end up in Tin Pan Alley were Adele first played. Come join Tim for a Rock ‘n’ Roll Stroll on Sunday 24 July.

Some feedback from our first wave of virtual tours – we’re glad you’re liking what we’re doing! See the events page for our latest dates for these walks and talks.

Welcome to Bath

• Rachel was great… very knowledgeable and interesting tour. I learned a lot and can’t wait to visit Bath IRL
• I grew up in Bath and Know it well but Rachel told gave me new information about the city. It was really interesting.

The London Rock and Roll Stroll

• Fantastic! Tim is knowledgable, enthusiastic and did a great job with the virtual tour. I’m even more excited for the real thing now (whenever that will be!)
• Its as though Tim was there when it happened! Great insights.
• Tim’s talk was logical/anecdotal and witty: the best kind
• Excellent. And engaging.

Churchill in London

• Don always does a great job. I look forward to his next presentation.

Archaeology in the City of London

• Leo was fabulous. Extremely knowledgeable and engaging.
• A wonderful introduction to some of the hidden archaeology underneath modern London, giving an enthusiastic overview of some very interesting spots. Thoroughly enjoyable.
• Leo Heaton is an exceptional guide; great sense of humour, well prepared and is someone who can make any topic interesting!
• Leo was so knowledgeable and engaging and full of interesting facts.

Emma Matthews – former barrister and Government lawyer – shows you the self-contained world of ‘legal London’ in her talk on 24 June. Here’s a taster below – to find out more go to our ‘forthcoming tours‘ page.

The first dates are in the calendar, and we’re open for bookings!

Even though travel is much restricted, we plan to bring you the very best of London and the UK direct to your home via our online tours. We have history, culture, art, music, people, pageantry – all in 60 minute ‘zoom’ packages.

Book yourself on one of our tours today and start travelling from home.