As an aspiring English gentleman, not only is it important to look and behave impeccably, it is also vital to be a fragrant fellow too. Athletic odour should be avoided at all costs. As part of one’s grooming ritual and sitting proudly in any self-respecting chap’s medicine cabinet is a trusty bottle of aftershave. Sat […]
As a keen sock lover, I was overjoyed to be sent a rather splendid pair of socks for review by Marko John’s. If you’re not familiar with Marko John’s, they’ve been making socks in Blighty since 1895. A dashed long time, I’m sure you’ll agree! Gift box They make a fine selection of brightly […]
You may not be aware, dear reader, but as I have no inheritance to squander, I work the old nine to five, chained to a desk made of that pretend wood. You know the stuff, with the wood veneer masking its true shoddy self. Three or four weeks ago (I do forget the small details […]
For gentlemen searching for the perfect shave, the straight (or cut-throat) razor is undoubtedly the best option available. Especially if you’re looking to introduce a touch of danger into your morning routine. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter However, for the vast majority of traditional wet shavers who don’t want to bother with the […]
In which G.M. Norton idly ponders whether Jerome K. Jerome would approve. Well, it’s officially summer. And by a strange coincidence (it’s as if it was planned), the summer issue of In Retrospect is out now and available to get your filthy hands on. Issue 07 is a real humdinger, chums. We have the best writers […]
I like to describe Norton of Morton as ‘an analogue periodical in a digital age’. As the jolly throwback that I am, I love to dress in a manner befitting of a gentleman and aspire to behave in such a way. Impeccable manners, courtesy and respect all form part of the moral compass that guides […]
I first came across Shaun Gordon on Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer’s Twittering page. He had attended the launch for a new tie collection by an immaculately-dressed gentleman described as “not your average tie-maker”. Aware of Mr. B’s commendable taste in neckwear (have you seen the Gentleman Rhymer’s own range of Partridge-esque club ties?), I […]
A lovely lady from Scaramanga sent me an electronic telegram to ask if I would be interested in one of their leather bags. Seeing it as my duty to review one for you, I agreed without hesitation. You need to be assured of their quality, after all. Sharing a name with my favourite ever […]
So far, we’ve looked at two eccentric military heroes as part of the Mad Dogs and Servicemen series. First of all, there was “Mad Jack” Churchill who went World War Two armed with a sword and a bow and arrow. Then there’s the splendidly named Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. Known as ‘the unkillable soldier’, […]
With Christmas almost upon us like an eagle hovering over a startled lamb, I’d like us to raise our collective glasses to toast the gentlemen of Christmas past, present and future. Christmas past – the Christmas Star and the Three Wise Men As we all know, Bing Crosby was the Star of Christmas, single-handedly revolutionising […]
Your favourite protagonist hasn’t always followed a gentlemanly path. In my pre-Norton of Morton days, I favoured a retro t-shirt and jeans look, with a messy mass of hair. We were going through some old photographs this week and came across some from 12 years ago. Here I was 24 years old, my beloved was […]
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 […]
Can you believe it? Today, this electronic periodical turns the grand old age of six years old. In blogging years, that’s quite something. I must be honest and confess that when I revealed my battle with depression last year, I wasn’t sure how long Norton of Morton would continue for. I decided that I would […]
Not only is tomorrow Easter Sunday, but it also happens to be my birthday. 35 years old. Thank you, that’s very sweet of you. Yes, I do look young. And yes, sometimes I do get challenged for ID when buying alcohol. Okay, that last bit isn’t true, at least since I’ve been sporting face whiskers. […]