Glen Blackwell - History Through Today's Eyes
@gblackwellbooks.bsky.social
Children's author of The Blitz Bus, The Titanic Tunnel and The Disappearing Diamond. Also hosts History Through Today's Eyes podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6jUOr55S8tCzxMPkh7bubb
www.glenblackwell.com
www.glenblackwell.com
This gas lamp is powered by.... farts!
Sited in Carting Lane, just off the Strand, it is London's last surviving sewer gas lamp - designed to burn off excess methane built up in the Victorian sewer system. These days though, it burns biogas from a sewage treatment works instead.
Sited in Carting Lane, just off the Strand, it is London's last surviving sewer gas lamp - designed to burn off excess methane built up in the Victorian sewer system. These days though, it burns biogas from a sewage treatment works instead.
November 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
This gas lamp is powered by.... farts!
Sited in Carting Lane, just off the Strand, it is London's last surviving sewer gas lamp - designed to burn off excess methane built up in the Victorian sewer system. These days though, it burns biogas from a sewage treatment works instead.
Sited in Carting Lane, just off the Strand, it is London's last surviving sewer gas lamp - designed to burn off excess methane built up in the Victorian sewer system. These days though, it burns biogas from a sewage treatment works instead.
Educating our children today on the decisions and consequences of the past is the best way ensure all those who suffered are not forgotten. We can then hope this leads to a better tomorrow.
Here are some favourite books which I feel give a rounded view on WW2.
#RemembranceSunday
Here are some favourite books which I feel give a rounded view on WW2.
#RemembranceSunday
November 9, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Educating our children today on the decisions and consequences of the past is the best way ensure all those who suffered are not forgotten. We can then hope this leads to a better tomorrow.
Here are some favourite books which I feel give a rounded view on WW2.
#RemembranceSunday
Here are some favourite books which I feel give a rounded view on WW2.
#RemembranceSunday
Fancy a hotel with a sea view?
For German pilots shot down over the Channel during WW2, this rescue buoy would have been a welcome sight. Equipped with 4 bunks, rations and electric light, it could provide safe accommodation until a seaplane or rescue launch... 🧵1/2
For German pilots shot down over the Channel during WW2, this rescue buoy would have been a welcome sight. Equipped with 4 bunks, rations and electric light, it could provide safe accommodation until a seaplane or rescue launch... 🧵1/2
October 31, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Fancy a hotel with a sea view?
For German pilots shot down over the Channel during WW2, this rescue buoy would have been a welcome sight. Equipped with 4 bunks, rations and electric light, it could provide safe accommodation until a seaplane or rescue launch... 🧵1/2
For German pilots shot down over the Channel during WW2, this rescue buoy would have been a welcome sight. Equipped with 4 bunks, rations and electric light, it could provide safe accommodation until a seaplane or rescue launch... 🧵1/2
Looking for a new half term read??? The Disappearing Diamond is a classic Victorian adventure but with a twist - Jack and Emmie are from the present day! How will they navigate 1850's London to find the stolen diamond and get home again???
October 30, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Looking for a new half term read??? The Disappearing Diamond is a classic Victorian adventure but with a twist - Jack and Emmie are from the present day! How will they navigate 1850's London to find the stolen diamond and get home again???
What's unusual about these houses in Bayswater, London??? Well, they're just a facade - literally!
23-24 Leinster Gardens, not far from Bayswater tube station, were demolished in the 1860's so the Metropolitan line could be built - using the shallow cut and cover technique. 🧵1/3
23-24 Leinster Gardens, not far from Bayswater tube station, were demolished in the 1860's so the Metropolitan line could be built - using the shallow cut and cover technique. 🧵1/3
October 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
What's unusual about these houses in Bayswater, London??? Well, they're just a facade - literally!
23-24 Leinster Gardens, not far from Bayswater tube station, were demolished in the 1860's so the Metropolitan line could be built - using the shallow cut and cover technique. 🧵1/3
23-24 Leinster Gardens, not far from Bayswater tube station, were demolished in the 1860's so the Metropolitan line could be built - using the shallow cut and cover technique. 🧵1/3
Imagine a gun so powerful it could shell London from 100+ miles away. Germany built it during WWII. Meet the terrifying V-3 supergun. It used multiple sequential charges along the barrel to boost projectile speed - a giant, experimental cannon. 🧵1/2
October 5, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Imagine a gun so powerful it could shell London from 100+ miles away. Germany built it during WWII. Meet the terrifying V-3 supergun. It used multiple sequential charges along the barrel to boost projectile speed - a giant, experimental cannon. 🧵1/2
For anyone teaching WW2 this term, History Through Today's Eyes has a number of bite-sized 10 minute episodes on topics like the Battle of Britain, the Blitz and how WW2 started. Available in all the usual places - let me know if you have any requests for future episodes too. 🎙️
October 5, 2025 at 4:39 PM
For anyone teaching WW2 this term, History Through Today's Eyes has a number of bite-sized 10 minute episodes on topics like the Battle of Britain, the Blitz and how WW2 started. Available in all the usual places - let me know if you have any requests for future episodes too. 🎙️
📚Teachers - fancy a free virtual author visit to support your WW2 topic?
I'm taking bookings for this term and the visit is totally free when you buy 4 books from me (£7.99 each plus P&P).
Please DM me for further details/to book, or have a look at www.glenblackwell.com/schoolvisits/
I'm taking bookings for this term and the visit is totally free when you buy 4 books from me (£7.99 each plus P&P).
Please DM me for further details/to book, or have a look at www.glenblackwell.com/schoolvisits/
September 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
📚Teachers - fancy a free virtual author visit to support your WW2 topic?
I'm taking bookings for this term and the visit is totally free when you buy 4 books from me (£7.99 each plus P&P).
Please DM me for further details/to book, or have a look at www.glenblackwell.com/schoolvisits/
I'm taking bookings for this term and the visit is totally free when you buy 4 books from me (£7.99 each plus P&P).
Please DM me for further details/to book, or have a look at www.glenblackwell.com/schoolvisits/
Teaching the Maya this term? History Through Today's Eyes has a new episode cramming in loads of content about the ancient civilisation in just 10 minutes. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/02z8...
#edusky
#edusky
September 7, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Teaching the Maya this term? History Through Today's Eyes has a new episode cramming in loads of content about the ancient civilisation in just 10 minutes. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/02z8...
#edusky
#edusky
Did you know Japan once tried to bomb the USA using balloons? It sounds wild, but it really happened during WWII. Japan launched over 9,000 hydrogen-filled balloons called Fu-Go, each carrying explosives. 🧵1/3
September 6, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Did you know Japan once tried to bomb the USA using balloons? It sounds wild, but it really happened during WWII. Japan launched over 9,000 hydrogen-filled balloons called Fu-Go, each carrying explosives. 🧵1/3
On 1st Sept 1939, as Germany invaded Poland and war became a reality around them, the last group of children left Berlin on the Kindertransport, bound for Britain. Over 10,000 children had been brought to safety via this route in the lead up to WW2.
September 1, 2025 at 2:14 PM
On 1st Sept 1939, as Germany invaded Poland and war became a reality around them, the last group of children left Berlin on the Kindertransport, bound for Britain. Over 10,000 children had been brought to safety via this route in the lead up to WW2.
Teachers - do you have a reading corner/wall in your classroom? Very happy to send a personalised letter encouraging reading to your class if you DM me the class name and an email address. Perfect if you are teaching WW2 this term too 📚
#edusky
#edusky
August 27, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Teachers - do you have a reading corner/wall in your classroom? Very happy to send a personalised letter encouraging reading to your class if you DM me the class name and an email address. Perfect if you are teaching WW2 this term too 📚
#edusky
#edusky
If you are teaching WW2 this coming term, these are some of my favourite books arranged by theme. Some will be on every class bookshelf and others are a bit less well-known. I've enjoyed them all 📚
August 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM
If you are teaching WW2 this coming term, these are some of my favourite books arranged by theme. Some will be on every class bookshelf and others are a bit less well-known. I've enjoyed them all 📚
Reposted by Glen Blackwell - History Through Today's Eyes
If you would like your pupils to come back to school to a letter from an author about the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure, just email or DM me.
August 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
If you would like your pupils to come back to school to a letter from an author about the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure, just email or DM me.
Did you know this Japanese soldier kept fighting for 29 years after the end of WW2???
With the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, this story takes on a special significance. Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda refused to believe the war had ended in 1945 and went into hiding... 🧵1/3
With the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, this story takes on a special significance. Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda refused to believe the war had ended in 1945 and went into hiding... 🧵1/3
August 16, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Did you know this Japanese soldier kept fighting for 29 years after the end of WW2???
With the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, this story takes on a special significance. Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda refused to believe the war had ended in 1945 and went into hiding... 🧵1/3
With the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, this story takes on a special significance. Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda refused to believe the war had ended in 1945 and went into hiding... 🧵1/3
If you're looking for a new summer read for the 8-12 year old in your life, look no further 😊
August 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM
If you're looking for a new summer read for the 8-12 year old in your life, look no further 😊
These fences aren't quite what they seem...
During WW2, a lot of railings around the UK were cut down so the metal could be used for the war effort. You can often see the stumps of railings in front of older houses on the top of low walls... 🧵1/2
During WW2, a lot of railings around the UK were cut down so the metal could be used for the war effort. You can often see the stumps of railings in front of older houses on the top of low walls... 🧵1/2
August 2, 2025 at 5:23 PM
These fences aren't quite what they seem...
During WW2, a lot of railings around the UK were cut down so the metal could be used for the war effort. You can often see the stumps of railings in front of older houses on the top of low walls... 🧵1/2
During WW2, a lot of railings around the UK were cut down so the metal could be used for the war effort. You can often see the stumps of railings in front of older houses on the top of low walls... 🧵1/2
A long-abandoned Tube station used by Churchill for meetings during WW2??? Tell me more...
Down Street station closed in 1932 due to lack of use & proximity to Green Park & Hyde Park Corner stations. As Britain prepared for war, it was chosen as a secret bunker location... 🧵1/3
Down Street station closed in 1932 due to lack of use & proximity to Green Park & Hyde Park Corner stations. As Britain prepared for war, it was chosen as a secret bunker location... 🧵1/3
July 27, 2025 at 12:25 PM
A long-abandoned Tube station used by Churchill for meetings during WW2??? Tell me more...
Down Street station closed in 1932 due to lack of use & proximity to Green Park & Hyde Park Corner stations. As Britain prepared for war, it was chosen as a secret bunker location... 🧵1/3
Down Street station closed in 1932 due to lack of use & proximity to Green Park & Hyde Park Corner stations. As Britain prepared for war, it was chosen as a secret bunker location... 🧵1/3
Ever heard of a Stanton shelter? Thought not...
I found these WW2 relics on a local walk recently - they lie on land which was once a US bomber base. The Stanton shelter was an air-raid shelter typically made of 18 pre-cast concrete arches, bolted together at the top. 🧵1/2
I found these WW2 relics on a local walk recently - they lie on land which was once a US bomber base. The Stanton shelter was an air-raid shelter typically made of 18 pre-cast concrete arches, bolted together at the top. 🧵1/2
July 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Ever heard of a Stanton shelter? Thought not...
I found these WW2 relics on a local walk recently - they lie on land which was once a US bomber base. The Stanton shelter was an air-raid shelter typically made of 18 pre-cast concrete arches, bolted together at the top. 🧵1/2
I found these WW2 relics on a local walk recently - they lie on land which was once a US bomber base. The Stanton shelter was an air-raid shelter typically made of 18 pre-cast concrete arches, bolted together at the top. 🧵1/2
A secret underground factory in a Tube station???
When researching The Blitz Bus, I discovered that part of the Central line in London (between Leytonstone and Gants Hill) was turned into an electronics factory in WW2. That part of the Tube wasn't finished at the time... 🧵1/2
When researching The Blitz Bus, I discovered that part of the Central line in London (between Leytonstone and Gants Hill) was turned into an electronics factory in WW2. That part of the Tube wasn't finished at the time... 🧵1/2
July 20, 2025 at 8:47 AM
A secret underground factory in a Tube station???
When researching The Blitz Bus, I discovered that part of the Central line in London (between Leytonstone and Gants Hill) was turned into an electronics factory in WW2. That part of the Tube wasn't finished at the time... 🧵1/2
When researching The Blitz Bus, I discovered that part of the Central line in London (between Leytonstone and Gants Hill) was turned into an electronics factory in WW2. That part of the Tube wasn't finished at the time... 🧵1/2
Did you know... that Poland had a bear who officially served in the military in WW2?
In 1942, a group of Polish soldiers were evacuated from the Soviet Union and made their way to Iran. Along the way, they found and befriended a brown bear who they named Wojtek. 🧵1/2
In 1942, a group of Polish soldiers were evacuated from the Soviet Union and made their way to Iran. Along the way, they found and befriended a brown bear who they named Wojtek. 🧵1/2
July 19, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Did you know... that Poland had a bear who officially served in the military in WW2?
In 1942, a group of Polish soldiers were evacuated from the Soviet Union and made their way to Iran. Along the way, they found and befriended a brown bear who they named Wojtek. 🧵1/2
In 1942, a group of Polish soldiers were evacuated from the Soviet Union and made their way to Iran. Along the way, they found and befriended a brown bear who they named Wojtek. 🧵1/2
As we approach the summer holidays, here's a reminder of some excellent WW2 books for 9-12 year olds 📚
July 13, 2025 at 8:24 AM
As we approach the summer holidays, here's a reminder of some excellent WW2 books for 9-12 year olds 📚
Just finished this cracker from @claremulley.bsky.social. I thought I knew a bit about wartime Poland but nothing like the detail in here. Such an amazing story about a Polish heroine, but also a fascinating insight into Polish history over the past century.
July 12, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Just finished this cracker from @claremulley.bsky.social. I thought I knew a bit about wartime Poland but nothing like the detail in here. Such an amazing story about a Polish heroine, but also a fascinating insight into Polish history over the past century.
What does Fanta have to do with WW2, you might well ask? The answer is a curious story indeed...
Before WW2, Germany was a big market for Coca-Cola, but the entry of America into the war in 1941 meant that the availability of syrups stopped.
Before WW2, Germany was a big market for Coca-Cola, but the entry of America into the war in 1941 meant that the availability of syrups stopped.
July 6, 2025 at 8:38 AM
What does Fanta have to do with WW2, you might well ask? The answer is a curious story indeed...
Before WW2, Germany was a big market for Coca-Cola, but the entry of America into the war in 1941 meant that the availability of syrups stopped.
Before WW2, Germany was a big market for Coca-Cola, but the entry of America into the war in 1941 meant that the availability of syrups stopped.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there (and those of us just left with memories). Thanks for all the bedtime stories which hopefully inspire a lifetime love of reading 📚
June 15, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there (and those of us just left with memories). Thanks for all the bedtime stories which hopefully inspire a lifetime love of reading 📚