Who Killed Alderman Sir Alfred Newton?

The circumstances surrounding the unexplained death from strychnine poisoning in 1921 of the former Lord Mayor of London, Sir Alfred Newton, are discussed and background on his life and civic career is given.  The financial scandal around the acquisition and management of the Industrial Contract Corporation in the late 19th century is put forward as a possible motive for the poisoning of Newton although the killer has not been identified and the mystery around his death remains unsolved.

Education, Education, Education: the launch of the City’s academies

This paper looks at the founding of the three City Academies in Southwark, Islington and Hackney from first discussions in 2000 to the realisation of the project with the opening of the first Academy in Southwark in 2003. The paper includes background on the government’s plans and policies on transforming Secondary Education and how the City of London responded to this challenge.

The Samuel Collection: materials and techniques

Guildhall Art Gallery Conservators Nancy Wade and Judith Wetherall discuss the Samuel collection of paintings which have been displayed at the Mansion House since they were bequeathed to the City Corporation in 1987. Nancy discusses artists’ studios and materials, including supports and paints while Judith speaks of the frames, referring to the styles and materials used in their preparation. This paper was presented at the Mansion House.

“Ripa Regina”: ‘Stoke’ and ‘Stew’

The history of Smithfield Market between 1837 (the date at which it was vividly described by Dickens in Oliver Twist as an overcrowded and poorly managed market) and 1868 (when William Davis’ peaceful and orderly depiction of the market was made).

Highland Chiefs at the Tower in 1745

This paper documents the fate of the Highland Chiefs, including the Earls of Cromarty and Kilmarnock and Lord Balmarino were tried at Westminster   following the battle of Culloden Moor. A detailed description of the trial of Simon Fraser, The Lord Lovat Head of the Clan Fraser, the last man to be beheaded at the Tower in included in the account.

Drapers’ Gardens – their significance in both ancient and modern times

A history of the Drapers’ Garden site from Roman times to the twenty first century. Of particular note is the sixteenth century ownership of the site by Thomas Cromwell, Chancellor and advisor to King Henry VIII.

The Houndsditch Murders: a miscarriage of justice that led to mass murder

Exactly 100 years ago this December three unarmed City of London policemen were murdered – literally gunned down in the street – by a gang trying to rob a jewellery shop in Houndsditch.

St Martin-le-Grand: collegiate church and den of iniquity

This paper investigates the evolving relationship between St Martin-le-Grand,  a distinct liberty subject to the city of Westminster and the City of London. St Martin-le-Grand claimed exemption from the jurisdiction of the City up to 1548 but by the fifteenth century, the City had become more conscious of itself as a corporate body, and less accommodating of those who, within the City claimed, exemption. Concerns focussed on the abuse of the right of sanctuary within the precinct and on fraudulent goldsmith’s work produced in St Martin-le-Grand in the form of chains, brooches, rings, cups and spoons, made of inferior metal gilded or silvered and intended to be sold as the real article.

Smithfield: The In-between Years

A history of Smithfield Market between 1837 and 1868.

Southward: London’s Second City?

This paper reviews the close links between Southwark and the City and the particular significance of the bridge which, from Roman times onwards, has linked the two areas.