Elections
The Knob, a caricature of a northerner
After a week of the Andy Burnham show what have we let ourselves in for or to be more precise what has the Labour Party let us in for. True to form Labour has done [more…]
The North
19th Century
The Realer World of Little Trains
Burnham, Starmer, by-elections, defence reviews, World Cups, wars and the cost of living? Meh. Never mind all of that, what’s happening in the realer world of little trains? I have an embarrassing gap on my [more…]
20th Century
Puffins, Plutocrats, Preston & Pakistanis
“Grim up north” reflects how Northern England is seen today —neglected after decades of decline. Previously, the region produced immense wealth through the likes of textiles, steel, coal, shipbuilding. Influential industrialists’ fortunes rivalled those elsewhere [more…]
19th Century
One Hundred Years Ago This Very Day
The ‘Grim up north’ trope reminds of Northern England’s story of endless decline. In reality, the region produced immense wealth through the likes of textiles, steel, coal and shipbuilding. Influential industrialists’ fortunes rivalled those in [more…]
Business
A Plutocrats’ Tour of The North
For generations, the phrase “grim up north” has lingered in the national imagination — conjuring images of soot-stained skylines, struggling towns, and industries long past their prime. It is a shorthand that flattens the region [more…]
19th Century
Lord Armstrong: The Victorian Musk
A solicitor-turned-engineer who built the world’s first smart home, sold weapons to everyone, championed solar power, and became the richest man in Britain. Sound familiar? If you pitched Lord Armstrong’s life story to a Hollywood [more…]
Culture
Profession? Northerner!
Last time we looked at the early career of Jimmy Tarbuck. We noted his success hinged upon – or was at least boosted by – a cheeky-chappy persona, quick wit, smart suits and a mop-top [more…]
20th Century
The Crime Reporter, Part 2
Another chapter from “Special Assignment” by my uncle John Alldridge (published in 1960 and now long out of print) When people think of the crime reporter they associate him inevitably with the hurly-burly of Fleet [more…]
Arts
The Swaling, Part Fifty Seven
In the Sleescale constituency office of Major Sir Fergus McDee MP, I have read out from my Royal and Industrial Insurance Company notebook a list of names inscribed on a nearby mining tragedy memorial. I [more…]