Today marks the 65th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. I wouldn’t consider myself to be a staunch Union Flag waving royalist, but I’m not anti-royal either. I like having a monarch and the tradition and pomp and ceremony that goes with it. What is especially special about Her Majesty’s 1953 coronation all those years ago […]
We’re now in June, it would seem. Crikey, where has this year gone? Dressing well during the scorching heat can be a tricky task. This is one outfit I recently cobbled together, which I thought I would share with you. Now, here’s the thing so prepare yourself – not a single item was obtained second-hand, […]
These are troubling times, chumrades. Troubling times, indeed. I’m not referring to world atrocities, you understand. This periodical is a sanctuary to take your mind off truly serious matters. Today, I’m writing about the decline of red trousers, standard issue for the English country gentleman. Fabulous illustration courtesy of Country Life, with thanks It […]
Given the choice, a gentleman seldom rises before the clock has chimed six bells. Especially when the bed is so warm and there is still a dark hue to the morning October sky. It transpires that the chance to visit a signet ring workshop is enough motivation to get me jumping to my feet. Two […]
Following Mr. Ryan Pike’s summer guest spot on The Chap Olympiad, he has now filed his latest report. This time, it concerns The British Beard & Moustache Championships held last weekend. The Pike Report The city of Bath is well known for its magnificent architecture and culture, the Roman presence, the magnificent Abbey which marks […]
Valentine’s Day is a funny old thing. While some pull out all the stops with a dozen red roses, chocolates, poems, balloons and wining and dining, others refuse to even buy a card for their special someone. I have somewhat mixed feelings on something that feels forced, but this most romantic of days did get […]
In which G.M. Norton awards Keith Moon official bounder status. A little while ago, I penned the first ‘biography of a bounder’, featuring the one and only Oliver Reed. Contemplating a follow-up, who better than his drinking buddy, Mr Keith Moon? In case you’re not up on your British pop music culture, Keith Moon was a […]
Some people collect stamps, others collect die-cast toy model cars. Lately, your favourite protagonist has being collecting shoes. Not on purpose, you understand. In fact, one could argue that my collection has been amassed quite by accident. Or certainly by circumstance. A brief glimpse As regular readers of Norton of Morton will be aware, I […]
While I’m not a dedicated follower of fashion, I do look forward to seeing the autumn and winter offerings from the likes of Drake’s, Simon James Cathcart and Cravat Club. Whenever anybody asks me to recommend a good source for pocket squares or cravats (or ascots if you’re in America) then Cravat Club is the […]
Prepare yourself, dear reader, as I have news to impart. Are you ready? I’ve put aside my trusty razor and I’m once again cultivating a chin badger. I know that you’ll be sad to see the pencil moustache go but quite frankly, I get bored easily and fancy a change. For those that haven’t kept up with my […]
I have quite a soft spot for chocolate. Or most food stuff for that matter, if I’m completely honest. But I do have a sweet tooth. A few weeks ago, I was invited along to a chocolate masterclass by the kind people at Joe Blogs (not to be confused with the infamous Joe Bloggs). For […]
This is the second on a little mini-series celebrating classic items that are the best in class. If you missed the first on the Barbour jacket, do have a squint. This one concerns the gentleman’s pocket knife. In these modern times of gang warfare and knife crimes, the humble pocket knife has suffered. I look […]
In which G.M. Norton urges you to get the latest copy of In Retrospect magazine. As a keen writer, I feel fortunate to have written for four published magazines to date. It all began with Pretty Nostalgic, the beautifully crafted magazine-book. Sadly, after penning three gentleman’s guides, my involvement with them seems to have reached […]
Socks, the thoughtless yet practical Christmas gift for chaps who quite frankly, would still very much appreciate a train set. Due to such disappointing experiences, men have mastered the art of feigning gratitude for nondescript socks, probably purloined on a whim while stood in a department store queue. Such a sorry episode is doing the […]