For fans of the legendary British actor Michael Caine, we’ve included a quick run down of some of the more important places both from his real life in London and some of the iconic films that made him such a household name.
Maurice Micklewhite as he was originally called was born on 14 Urlwin Street, just off Camberwell Road in South East London, an area which today would be described as “extremely impoverished”. He grew up in squalid conditions with shared accommodation and even a shared outside loo. In one of his many interviews, he said probably the first acting role he had was convincing the rent-man that his mother wasn’t in, as paying the rent was such a struggle for his family.
Moving on, Michael did quite well at the Wilson’s Grammar School located on Mollison Drive, Wallington, gaining a certificate in 6 subjects when he left school at 16.
Michael’s acting talent was first seen at the drama group run in the Walworth Methodist Church in 54 Camberwell Road (SE5 0EN). He played a robot to good reviews and thus a talent was born.
One of the early defining films for Michael was the 1966 classic, Alfie, which was set and filmed in London…where else. So we arrive at 22 St Stephen’s Gardens in Bayswater which was the home of the loveable rouge and rather promiscuous Alfie.
Another early film for Michael was the The Ipcress File which featured in various locations, but possibly the most well known was Harry Palmer’s flat which is located at 9 Stanlake Villas, Shepherd’s Bush.
Of course we couldn’t have a rundown of Michael Caine locations without mentioning the film which probably most people know and contains some of the most quoted lines in film history – The Italian Job. Much of this was filmed abroad, but Charlie’s flat was in London really located at 18 Denbigh Close in Notting Hill. For those who remember it, this is where Laura (Charlie’s real girlfriend) throws the clothes of his rather unofficial girlfriends out of the flat window.
That gives you a little bit of a rundown of how Michael Caine influenced and was influenced by London.
Brits have always had a reputation for being a little eccentric, but every now and then you find someone who took this to the extreme. One example of this was William Lyttle – aka the Moleman of Hackney – who spent around 40 years digging tunnels and shafts under his house in the London Borough.
If like me you were thought in geography that stalactite’s only form in deep dark caves over 1000’s years, then your geography teacher might be in for a surprise if they visit Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.
A new name has emerged in the UK budget hotel market in the form of Tune Hotels. The budget chain is mostly based in Indonesia and Malaysia, but their first London hotel opened recently in Westminster, Central London.
Discover hidden paths and tracks and learn all about the history of Guernsey with the help of accredited guides. Victor Hugo Trail for the hikers, St Peter Port Trail to visit the capital, Ruettes Tranquilles to see granite farmhouses and ancient churches, nature trails and coastal walks to experience Guernsey’s rugged coast line… Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival is held from Saturday 4th to Wednesday 15th September.
Like something off a chocolate box, the thatched cottage now generally known simply as “
As you walk through many parks in the country you’ll often come across park benches with a little plaque saying “In memory of [someone]“. However in Poet’s Corner of Richmond Park there’s a slightly different concept – the solar powered musical bench tribute to Ian Dury.
It might not be as famous as Hyde Park or Regents Park, but 
