This next week marks a pretty momentous event in the old calendar, for the 8th September means it is precisely two years since Norton of Morton came to life. I do so enjoy reminiscing when I reach an important milestone. Take last year’s 1st birthday celebrations for instance, where I received a telegram from Her […]
Gadzooks! It’s been a while since I last featured the extraordinary military exploits of a serviceman. To make amends for this gross error of forgetfulness, I have two heroes to share with you today. Please step forward, Sergeant Peter King and Private Thomas Leslie Cuthbertson. Their remarkable story led to Raymond Foxall’s book, The Amateur Commandos […]
I love old things. If it has a story then I’m sold. I recently watched the 2015 film, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, which was enormous fun. I was intrigued by the watch worn by Illya Kuryakin, which he inherited from his father. It played a small role in the plot, which I enjoyed. As a […]
I do hope you had a super Christmas, chumrades. It’s been absolutely glorious to be away from the dreariness of office life for a few days. Santa, or rather my beloved, has been very kind this year and bestowed on me some wonderful presents. As we have two young and highly excitable children, it wasn’t […]
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 […]