Tag: 19th century

A map showing damage to houses according to a structural inspection, January 1807.

The hidden secret of the Leiden explosion

Standards around handling gunpowder were lax in the early 19th century. In the Netherlands this led to the Leiden explosion that rocked the city. The authorities immediately covered up the truth behind this catastrophe.
A photo of the National Museum - Prague, Czechia

The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town

I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications there was no need for the walls around the Old Town.
A copy of Maniac ravings or Little Boney in a strong fit by James Gillray

How did the British take control of Malta?

I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is not true, but few are aware of this part of our history.
A photo of the yacht marina - Msida, Malta

From death to delight – Msida, Malta

Towns evolve for various reasons and we often marvel at how different things were in the past. It doesn't take too long for some stories to fade into obscurity which makes rediscovering them all the more surprising. What I discovered about the central Maltese town of Msida is one of these stories.
A photo of the Charles Bridge (seen from the Old Town Tower) - Prague, Czechia

The superstition behind Charles Bridge

Every visitor to Prague ends up on the Charles Bridge. There is a magnificent view of the castle and the city from there, so it isn't surprising the bridge is packed all day long. Not many people traipsing across know about the superstition behind its construction.
Puck's Castle - Dublin, Ireland

Puck’s castle

It was late morning when Francois, Helene and I, after visiting two other historical places around Dublin, stopped to take a look at the rundown Puck’s Castle.
A photo of the plaque commemorating Peter the Great - Brussels, Belgium

The Belgians know Tsar Peter’s secret

The National Park in Brussels, right in front of the Royal Palace, is a welcome touch of greenery in the city. But why would the Belgians commemorate the spot in the park where Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, felt violently sick?