Anton Black
Bio
I write about politics, society and the city where I live: London in the UK.
Stories (65/0)
6 Myths and Misconceptions about London debunked
"There's nowhere like London." Indeed, London is many things: it is history and culture, it is dynamic and diverse, and it can be damp and dusty. But mostly London is larger than life, and so are the myths about the capital.
By Anton Black3 years ago in Wander
What is living in London really like?
When you first move to London, Ignorance is bliss. Living in London is a blast. You've made some new friends at work, you now know the area where you live, and you spend most weekends out with your camera, exploring all the hidden London treasures that you didn't even know existed. London nightlife is great (at least before the pandemic). What shocks you is the numbers on the receipts that come out of your pockets in the next morning.
By Anton Black3 years ago in Wander
Great London Parks You Need to Visit in Autumn
When it comes to urban green spaces, Londoners are spoilt for options. Of course, there are the royal parks that do need to be enjoyed, from Kensington Gardens to Primrose Hill. Then there is Hampstead Heath, whose idyllic Ladies' Swimming Pond has inspired full-blown essays collections; Kew Gardens, beloved by Virginia Woolf's; Hampton Court Palace, designed by Henry VIII... The list goes on. However, many places are stunning in autumn, when summer blooms give way to autumn fruits, and the trees start to change. As the temperature falls, let's round-up some great lesser-known places to go get a nature recharge in London.
By Anton Black3 years ago in Wander
This is not good news
Last March the UK was put in coronavirus lockdown for 100 days. 100 days. But, it felt like forever. It felt like forever since we last had our hair cut since we had a chilled pint at our favourite pub since we wrapped our arms around our (still vulnerable) parents. For 100 days we couldn't go to the theatre or cinema. It was only March when Boris Johnson announced that Covid-19 posed a genuine risk to the UK and that we must "stay home, protect the NHS and save lives."
By Anton Black3 years ago in The Swamp
Why did London become the Capital of England?
Technically, "London" didn't become the capital until after the 16th century. What we now call "the City of London" was an entity of its own, the ancient square mile Rome founded. And it still is in many ways. It was a power and money centre, even before the Norman Conquest.
By Anton Black3 years ago in The Swamp
This is the home of the ruling powers
For centuries, London has been the home of ruling powers. Many palaces and once royal residences can be discovered in around the capital, although many of them are currently unused except as museums for their former owners. Various members of the Royal Family still occupy five. While some will be familiar, others are less known to the public.
By Anton Black3 years ago in Wander
Inside London Airbnb Flats Used For Illegal Raves
It was before midnight on July 25. Deafening noise and people everywhere. The party was in full swing on Carlisle Street in Soho. The short-term rental property hosting the party had been transformed into a pop-up nightclub: used disposable cups, nitrous oxide canisters and opened bottles of bubbles left everywhere.
By Anton Black4 years ago in Wander
This is Streatham Common Carefully Hidden Secret
London is a city of over nine million people—with 14,000 residents per square mile—is packed with wildlife. Almost 15,000 species live here. There are nearly as many trees in London as people, and almost half of its urban areas are either green or blue region, showing rivers, canals, and reservoirs.
By Anton Black4 years ago in Wander