David C. Ramzan – författare

From a low road bridge crossing the Fosse Way near Trewsbury Mead to the towering Queen Elizabeth Bridge linking Kent to Essex, the River Thames is crossed by over 200 bridges, some simple wooden or stonework structures, others magnificent architectural constructions.Stretching across the southern counties of England, starting as a trickle in a Gloucestershire meadow to the vast expanse of tidal water leading into the North Sea, the course of the River Thames defined local kingdoms, tribal lands and later the counties situated to the north and south of the river.Throughout this time, although London Bridge was the first permanent structure to traverse the river in London, other bridges crossed the Thames further upstream, first simple structures erected for moving livestock and carts from one field to another, where the waterway dividing farmland and pasture was too wide or too strong to cross by fording, then new building techniques made it possible for carpenters and stonemasons to construct permanent structures to link communities, hamlets, villages and towns.Of the 200 bridges many have fascinating stories to tell, of their construction and historical events which surround them, from prehistory and Roman times up to the twenty-first century. In this book author David C. Ramzan explores the economic and social history of these Thames bridges, some unassuming, but no less important, while others are unique in design and construction.

In March 2020, London, along with the rest of Britain, entered a lockdown designed to protect the community against the Covid-19 virus. The teeming metropolis became devoid of people and traffic; places normally crowded with people were suddenly empty. In this book author David C. Ramzan explores how London changed in this period through the evolving measures in the pandemic from 2020, and gives the history behind the scenes he captures, covering topics such as the Black Death, Great Fire of London, the Second World War and the Blitz.London in Lockdown is a poignant reminder of the devastating changes to people’s lives in the capital during this period.

The history of Greenwich is inseparable from its maritime history and royal palace. In later years, industries also built up along the River Thames’ frontage, including the massive power station that powered London’s tram and Underground systems. Today, the old industrial area on the peninsula in East Greenwich is home to the O2 dome. Greenwich’s pubs reflect the town’s history, from the Georgian Cutty Sark and Trafalgar Tavern on the river, to pubs serving the market, cinemagoers and residents. It is also the home of the Meantime Brewery, which acknowledges the Meridian Line centred on Greenwich.In Greenwich Pubs, author David C. Ramzan takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the area’s watering holes, many of which have retained features and traditions of previous ages. Brimming with quirky tales and fascinating facts, this carefully crafted guide initiates readers into the fascinating history of Greenwich’s pubs.

London theatres have hosted thousands of performances of plays and musicals, from ancient Greek tragedies to modern artistic dance. In this book author David C. Ramzan takes a look at the history of theatres located throughout the city. London’s first flourishing of its theatres took place during the Elizabethan and Jacobean period, when Shakespeare, Marlowe, Johnson and a host of other playwrights entertained audiences with a never-ending cavalcade of players and touring companies. Little is left of those days, apart from the reconstructed Globe Theatre on the South Bank, after many of the Tudor and Jacobean playhouses had been pulled down or had fallen into ruin under parliamentary rule after the English Civil War. London’s theatreland truly evolved during the early eighteenth century into today’s live entertainment industry, many performances taking place from a variety of historical buildings.London’s Theatrical Heritage takes a nostalgic look back at the capital’s theatreland and present-day locations, from the smallest of intimate venues to the largest of the West End’s playhouses. The story of theatre in London will delight and enthral anyone interested in the stage, plays and players, and the theatres where they perform. This book is accompanied by contemporary photographs, archive images, illustrations and theatre ephemera.

Once a small village on the south bank of the River Thames, for over a thousand years Greenwich has been associated with all three of Britain’s military services: the navy, army and air force. As Greenwich grew, it encompassed the townships of nearby Deptford, Woolwich, Blackheath, Kidbrooke and Eltham, becoming a London borough in 1965. Greenwich was home to the Royal Naval College, and the Royal Dockyards of Deptford and Woolwich built vessels for the Royal Navy, with armaments factories and army training establishments also in Woolwich. During the First World War the Royal Flying Corps opened a station in Kidbrooke which remained an RAF station until 1965. Although Britain’s armed forces have moved out of many of these locations today, the heritage remains. Greenwich’s Military Heritage will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about the area’s remarkable military history.