When Peregrine met the Ghost of King Charles I
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About the Book
On a short visit to London a teenage boy meets the `ghost' of King Charles I who takes him on an exciting tour of Westminster. He tells him many interesting and informative facts about this great City and its development. They walk from Trafalgar Square; Strand and through Covent Garden and on to the Banqueting House, in The Palace of Whitehall. This is where King Charles was beheaded and his walk to the gallows is described. The location of his blood-stained shirt is also revealed. After a walk to the ancient Palace of Westminster the boy learns interesting facts about London's many bridges and why London Bridge went to America. He sees the place where the pelicans are fed at 3 o'clock in the Park and he is taken on to see the ancient site where all new English Monarchs are publically proclaimed. He is then given a description of the ancient and colourful Ceremony. This is followed by an interesting walk to Buckingham Palace and hearing about the Royal Garden Parties. After looking at great statues in and around Hyde Park they walk from No.1 London to Piccadilly Circus passing the World's first shopping Mall and other famous sites. The boy also learns what Eros (or Anteros, his twin brother) represents.
About the Author
This is the first book by Ian Fletcher who is a retired surgeon. He has had a life-long interest in London's historical past; particularly in its ancient buildings; many with royal connections. He reveals some little known facts such as why we still retain 6 bollards with William IV's monogram on them. Why the steeple of a famous church is surmounted by a crown. The smallest once-used Police Station and where vehicles have to drive on the right side of the road. He tells the reader what happened in London's tiniest Square and why stone pineapples are on Lambeth Bridge. He locates the road that still has pre-war tramlines set in cobble stones and says where one can still see the great iron buttresses that tethered the ships taking prisoners to Australia. Readers are told where in Westminster one can see the 18th Century Navy Commissioners' well-preserved colourful barge. The last Monarch to enter (and be ejected from) the House of Commons is revealed. The well-known front door with no keyhole is identified also the grave of a German Ambassador's dog!