London Peculiars: A Guide to the City's Offbeat Places

(Paperback)

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Description

A peculiar can be defined as something that 'has eccentric or individual variations to the general or predicted pattern'. And, as it turns out, London is overflowing with them. This pocket-sized book will accompany you around the capital, guiding you from the tent-shaped tomb designed for Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton by his widow, Isabel Arundel Gordon; to what may be the last surviving porter's rest in London; to a stone niche by a long-demolished foundling hospital where almost 15, 000 infants were discarded over the course of the 18th century. Sometimes heroic, sometimes tragic, often amusing and always unexpected, these so-called 'peculiars' bring colour to the fabric of London. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor passing through, London Peculiars is guaranteed to lead you on an adventure. AUTHOR: Peter Ashley is an aficionado of English culture, having collaborated, edited and written books such as English Allsorts, Railway Rhymes, and Unmitigated England. He spins historical fact into gripping stories, and his passion for the oddities that make this nation unique presents itself on every page. SELLING POINTS: . Secrets hidden in plain sight, windows into history and outright oddities from across the UK capital . Presents the potted history of each 'Peculiar' alongside photographs and locations so you can seek them out for yourself . Discover a London untouched by the mainstream travel guides, guaranteed to entertain tourists and residents alike 168 colour images

Reviews

'As I read London Peculiars, I was impressed by the author's eye for detail. Many of his "peculiars" are hidden in plain sight, visible to anyone who explores with an enquiring mind. And that is partly the point of the book. Peter Ashley ends his introduction by saying, "And, of course, hopefully you will find curiosities of your own". Be inspired by this book, then enjoy the hunt for your own peculiars.' - World Wide Writers: Travels Around the Globe. 'This is a fantastic guide to the more unique side of London and I love that it is a travel guide with a difference, showcasing the places that general London travel guides may forget to mention.'-www. ialwaysbelievedinfutures.com 2019. '"... a really interesting handbook for the offbeat explorers, armchair adventurers and admirers of the weird, mysterious, and fantastic. The author and photographer, Peter Ashley wrote this book after hearing about strange unheard places from random pub conversations and knowledgeable taxi drivers pointing him in Peculiar directions, discovering places within London, most of us would never know existed.' -- www.yeahlifestyle.com

Author Bio

Peter Ashley is an aficionado of English culture, having collaborated on, edited and written books such as English Allsorts, Railway Rhymes, and Unmitigated England. He spins historical fact into gripping stories, and his passion for the oddities that make this nation unique presents itself on every page.