It has become a tradition to publish this story at Christmas each year.

This extract is from ‘Aunt Louisa’s Keepsake’ published by Frederick Warne which was given to me by Libby Hall. The copy is inscribed ‘Christmas 1896’ inside the front cover.

Threw forth a cheerful light. Within the fire’s light. A most enchanting sight. But he is almost starved, poor bird! Within these walls to try. Some hand should bread crumbs strew. Should all be spent ...

Carnivorous readers will be delighting to learn that – despite the announcement of closure – the traditional Smithfield Christmas Eve meat auction runs this year hosted by G Lawrence & Co on Grand ...

Rodney Archer gives his rendition of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’… ...

If you fancy a bracing walk as a respite from the forthcoming festivities, tickets are available for THE GENTLE AUTHOR’S TOUR OF SPITALFIELDS on New Year’s Day.

As we brace ourselves for the forthcoming festive season, let us contemplate George Cruikshank‘s illustrations of yuletide in London 1838-53 from his Comic Almanack which remind us how much has ...

If you fancy a walk as a respite from the forthcoming festivities, tickets are available for THE GENTLE AUTHOR’S TOUR OF SPITALFIELDS on New Year’s Day.

The late Rodney Archer was a close friend of Dennis and, in this extract from Volume One of his Diary This Strange Re-collection of People (1980-88), Rodney spills the beans. Illustrated with archive ...