Available talks by Brian Cookson
Bloomsbury & Fitzrovia - Literary London
I talk about the architecture and history of these areas of London and the artists and writers who lived there, including Virginia Woolf, G B Shaw, W B Yeats and Charles Dickens among others.
London Thames Bridges
I cover the history and design of London's Thames Bridges from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge, based on my book 'Crossing the River' published by Mainstream.
Southwark - London's Historic Entertainment District
My Powerpoint presentation covers the area between The Monument and Tate Modern. We learn about Old and New London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, The George Inn, Shakespeare's Globe and meet famous people including Chaucer. Shakespeare, Dr Johnson, and John Harvard.
Hammersmith and Chiswick Riverside
We explore the Thames riverside from Hammersmith Bridge to St Nicholas Church, Chiswick, where we end with Hogarth's tomb. Other highlights include Kelmscott House, home of William Morris, The Dove Inn, Chiswick Eyot and grand houses with famous past owners overlooking the river.
Rebels, Radicals and Rough Justice - Historic Clerkenwell
First we see where the first London Underground of 1863 meets the latest - the Elizabeth Line. Then we discover the amazing radical history of the area, meeting Lenin across the road from the Middlesex Sessions House. Other highlights include Smithfield Market, St Bartholemews and Charterhouse.
The National Gallery Sainsbury Wing - Early Renaissance Art
The Sainsbury Wing reopened in 2025 after a £85 million restoration. We will tour the gallery rooms and learn about 23 of the most fascinating artworks such as the 14th Century Wilton Diptych, the 15th Century Battle of San Romano and the 16th Century Virgin on the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci.
Greenwich, Where time Begins
This talk takes you around Greenwich to learn about its history and architecture. We start with Canaletto's famous view of the Royal Naval Hospital (RNH), then see the Cutty Sark before further exploration of Wren's iconic RNH architecture. We end at the Royal Observatory with the Meridian Line.
Exploring Central London's Thames Tributaries
The Thames had many tributaries in London, all of which have been largely culverted. I will explore the routes and tell the story of the 3 central London hidden rivers - the Fleet, the Walbrook and the Tyburn. We will see what they used to look like and what remains today to remind us of their past.
The River Thames from Source to Teddington
This talk covers the Thames Path from its Source to Teddington where it becomes tidal. Highlights include the Source Memorial stone, Marlow suspension Bridge, Magdalen Bridge in Oxford, Windsor and Eton, Runneymeade, Hampton Court, Kingston and Tedddington Lock.
The History of the River Thames in London
London is here because of The Thames. The Romans founded the original City. Later the monarchs moved to the new City of Westminster. I will cover the massive changes along London's river from prehistoric times up to the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire, with many historic illustrations.