Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
December 16, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Brexiteers in yellow vests shockingly take pride in blocking an ambulance from Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital on Westminster Bridge Yesterday, Leave.EU’s official Twitter account proudly shared a video of Brexiteers in yellow vests blocking the road on Westminster Bridge. Aside from declaring that “this is what happens when the establishment ignores the … Continue reading “Leave Ambulances Alone”
February 26, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Left-wing firebrand Polly Toynbee does an about turn and brands government in Britain today worse than under her arch-enemy Thatcher in the 1980s Polly Toynbee was always amongst the loudest voices of the left in Britain. She has been known to rant and rave in support of atheism, the SDP and unilateral nuclear disarmament … Continue reading “Toynbee Turns”
December 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
James Stunt offers a £50,000 reward via ‘The Steeple Times’ for information leading to the conviction of the abductors of Martin Allen Fifteen year old Martin Allen disappeared on 5th November 1979. He was allegedly last seen at Gloucester Road underground station but no body has ever been found. His parents, Tom and Eileen, … Continue reading “Reward Offered – Martin Allen”
November 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Neglected Georgian mansion that has been home to Sir Dirk Bogarde, Basil Dearden, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Matt Aitken and Robert Kilroy-Silk for sale for 39% less than it sold for in 2014 A dilapidated Grade II* listed country house whose extensive roster of owners numbers aristocrats, rock and film stars and politicians is … Continue reading “The Stars of Beel”
November 18, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Holmby Hills estate owned variously by Sonny and Cher and Tony Curtis for sale for double what it sold for in 2016 A 12,201 square foot mansion on 10.1 acres in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles is on sale for £136 million or double the sum it sold for just a year ago. Featuring … Continue reading “Double Cher”
November 11, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
“One of Britain’s finest 20th-century country houses” has been placed for sale for £20 million; it comes with 530 acres and was built by the late businessman Sebastian de Ferranti in the 1980s One could imagine being in the early 18th century or in Italy even on first taking a look at the Palladian … Continue reading “A Modern Beauty”
October 24, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Reliant Regal 3-wheeler used in the BBC’s ‘Only Fools and Horses’ in Monaco in 2002 to be offered for sale at auction A 1968 Reliant Regal 3-wheeler used in the 2002 ‘If only they could see us now’ episode of the hit BBC comedy series Only Fools and Horses is to be sold at … Continue reading “Tax in Post”
October 16, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Belgravia apartment for sale for £27.5 million in spite of being a 1980s timewarp; the Sloaney home forms part of a building at one-time home the residence of one half of Gilbert and Sullivan A penthouse on the “favoured northern side” of Belgravia’s Eaton Square is on sale for £27.5 million ($36.6 million, €31 … Continue reading “A Sloane Home”
August 27, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
“Ultra-rare” 1951 Invicta Black Prince to be auctioned; here is a truly astounding shooting brake complete with an incredible mascot An ultimate example of 1950s luxury, a 1951 Invicta Black Prince shooting brake with coachwork by Associated Coachbuilders – that cost £3,820 new (the equivalent of £110,000, $142,000, €119,000 or درهم521,000 today) – is … Continue reading “The Black Prince”
July 4, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Former Liberal Democrats headquarters for sale for somewhat reduced but still anything but liberal sum of £36 million (to include a Rodin) A building that was originally the London office of the North Eastern Railway Company and the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party and then their successors, the Liberal Democrats, between 1982 and … Continue reading “Anything But Liberal”
May 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
As convicted paedo Rolf Harris walks free from court and his nutty supporters once again reveal themselves, it must be remembered he is still a convicted abuser of girls as young as eight Rolf Harris might well have walked free from court on Monday after a jury failed to reach a verdict on historical … Continue reading “Rotten Rolf”
May 27, 2017
by General
The Tories may have a former member of the IRA as a councillor in Croydon in the form of Maria Gatland, but Labour proudly feature a convicted racist jailbird and hunt saboteur on one of their party’s websites. Elected as a councillor in Milton Keynes in 2012 in spite of having previously dressed in Nazi-style … Continue reading “Margaret Burke”
by Matthew Steeples
‘Refinished’ 1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands for sale for a sum that will wow; it’s affectionately known as ‘Oscar’ The car of choice of boy racers, the Ford Capri was dubbed ‘The Pratmobile’ by Rodney after Del Boy bought one in the BBC series Only Fools and Horses. Those that kept such vehicles, unlike … Continue reading “A Costly Capri”
May 16, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Wacky Leeds born actor Geoffrey Bayldon was best known for playing Catweazle in the 1970s series of the same name as the Crowman in Worzel Gummidge. Bayldon also played ‘Q’ in Casino Royale in 1967, was gay, turned down the role of Dr Who twice thinking the series “too long” and enjoyed collecting watercolour paintings, … Continue reading “Geoffrey Bayldon (1924 – 2017)”
April 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
One-of-one left-hand drive 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage convertible in ‘Fury Yellow’ to be sold; it is a prime example of 1980s excess and a car you will either love or loathe A 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Zagato that was the only left-hand drive example produced is to be sold by auction … Continue reading “A Marmite Aston”
April 20, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Britain’s smallest castle is for sale; it comes with 10 acres, a 44 million gallon moat and a narrow boat Last marketed in 2003 for £1 million (the equivalent of £1.45 million, $1.86 million, €1.73 million or درهم6.83 million today), what is allegedly Britain’s smallest castle is back for sale for the slightly higher … Continue reading “A Homely Castle”
April 6, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Historic Battersea mansion for sale for the same sum it was marketed for in 2011; it has been mostly empty throughout the intervening period and was renovated by the late billionaire Malcolm Forbes Billionaire publisher Malcolm Forbes was a man who liked to live large. He had a huge yacht named The Highlander, threw … Continue reading “Billionaire Battersea”
March 27, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Rare 1938 Austin taxi to be auctioned; it is one of just four known to survive On 29th March, the very day Theresa May taxis towards Brexit and triggers Article 50, H&H Classics will auction a 1938 Austin 12/4 Heavy Low Loader Taxicab with coachwork by J. & H. Ricketts at their Imperial War … Continue reading “Taxi!”
March 25, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples extols the relevance of the Donmar Warehouse’s ‘Limehouse’ to Britain’s contemporary political climate At a time when Brexit has divided Britain and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour continues to provide little-to-no opposition to Theresa May’s somewhat unfocused, unelected government, the relevance of a play named Limehouse is especially poignant. Based around the formation … Continue reading “Limehouse”
March 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Rolls-Royce previously owned by musicians Kenney Jones and Vangelis to be auctioned A 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III drophead coupé complete with ‘Chinese Eyes’ quad headlights that was owned by the drummer Kenney Jones and the electronic musician Vangelis is to be sold at auction next week. The mid-metallic blue with beige hide … Continue reading “A Musical Roller”
March 7, 2017
by General
Penzance born actress Jan Harvey is married to her Howards’ Way co-star Stephen Yardley. She played Jan Howard in the popular series that depicted Thatcherite, nouveau riche excess from 1985 to 1990, has also appeared in Inspector Morse and Lovejoy and was pushed off a balcony to her death in Eastenders in 2016. In 2013, … Continue reading “Jan Harvey”
December 3, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Oxfordshire country house that has appeared in many films for sale for £10 million in spite of needing some renovation Launched to the market in June for £10 million ($12.7 million or €11.9 million or درهم46.7 million) in June 2016 as a while or £7.75 million ($9.9 million or €9.2 million or درهم36.2 million) … Continue reading “A £10m Doer-Upper”
October 26, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Clangers overheard and snippets spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Begging a feast In Gloucester Road, a beggar was overheard talking to an American old lady. He said: “I’m trying to get myself a feast”. She curtly answered: “Who do you think you are? Elizabeth I? Go to the park and kill a … Continue reading “Overheard – 26th October”
May 11, 2016
March 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Investigation into VIP abuse must continue suggests Matthew Steeples
March 5, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times selects five of the best cars on offer at the 6th March Silverstone Auctions’ Restoration Show Sale at the NEC in Birmingham
January 30, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
One of America’s naffest houses returns to the market at a much reduced price of £11.9 million (down from £17.6 million) and with the neighbouring £5.6 million house thrown in as an extra
January 19, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Shropshire cottage with a most unusual secret for sale for just shy of £200,000
December 20, 2015
by General
Ambitious and hardworking to her core, North London born Karren Brady likes to describe herself as a “working mum”.
December 10, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
“Supremely rare” 1959 BMW 507 roadster to be auctioned in New York on 10th December 2015
November 6, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
After Cliff Richard was re-interviewed by police this week, what did he do? He headed off for a curry and said he would be returning to South Yorkshire again
August 13, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
It is entirely right that Lord Janner be forced to face the charges against him
May 17, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Houston home of the “ageless wife” of the once jailed Texan oil baron Oscar Wyatt became known as the “Wyatt Hyatt” after becoming a “home away from home” for everyone from Mick Jagger to Princess Margaret
April 26, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
It is time that the Labour politician Keith Vaz asked himself some questions about his role in protecting the alleged paedophile Lord Janner
April 2, 2015
by General
With a self-professed desire to be “a female Harry Helmsley”, Debrah Lee Charatan was destined for a successful career in real estate in New York in the 1980s.
February 26, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples calls upon Theresa May to take allegations of abuse more seriously in the wake of further accusations against Sir Cliff Richard
February 20, 2015
by General
Tesco heiress Dame Shirley Porter joined Twitter in August 2014 and describes herself there as “an English philanthropist and former UK politician residing in Israel”.
February 15, 2015
by General
Born in Carpentersville, Illinois to an American Indian and a mother of Polish descent, Joyce Cohen’s tale takes in a journey from rags to riches to rags.
February 3, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Bristol Cars market a stunning 402 ‘Hollywood Special’ just as they prepare to move into a new showroom and launch their first new model since 2003
January 16, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
As alleged paedophile John Stingemore mysteriously dies, it is about time Theresa May finally acted over historic abuse allegations
January 15, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Cairness House, “Scotland’s most important Greek Revival house”, heads into its fourth year on the market
January 5, 2015
by General
The co-creator of the BBC sitcoms ‘Allo ‘Allo! and Are You Being Served?, Essex born Jeremy Lloyd began his career as a road digger, light-bulb inspector and paint salesman.
December 23, 2014
by General
This modest Mancunian actress is best known for having starred in the 1970s series Man About the House.
August 7, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Former residence of Leona Helmsley comes to the market Leona Helmsley didn’t do “little”. She lived by the belief that “only the little people pay taxes” and housed herself in a vast mansion on a 40-acre plot in Connecticut. Helmsley died at the house in 2007 and it is now once again for sale
July 29, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This Hampshire born actress, model and author embodied the spirit of a true trooper. Having starred in the 1980s drama series Howards’ Way, Farmiloe-Neville made her name organising fundraisers for both the Conservatives and charities and did so with a panache second to none. She did not allow an affair with Jeffrey Archer to shape … Continue reading “Sally Farmiloe-Neville (1954 – 2014)”
July 25, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Norah Docker’s yacht, Shemara, has found a saviour in Charles Dunstone When spendaholics Sir Bernard and Lady Docker took ownership of a 65-metre yacht, the Shemara, in the 1950s, little did they know that it would ultimately become part of their nemesis. The very same boat – after languishing for many years – has … Continue reading “From Docker to Dunstone”
July 13, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
‘Made in Chelsea’ tours and chain stores have taken the place of Led Zeppelin and Sloane Rangers on London’s Kings Road The Kings Road was famous as the centre of counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s. It subsequently became gentrified in the 1980s and 1990s but now is primarily dominated by the outlets of … Continue reading “Made in chains”
July 4, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman once owed by Communist Party commander Chen Yi goes to auction Communist and dictators are amongst the well-known to have purchased Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousines and one fine example is about to go to auction with Bonhams on 12th July
June 21, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Brooklyn’s largest and most expensive waterfront residence is anything but modest Built for a self-proclaimed “titan of the business world” named John Rosatti in 1989, 2458 National Drive in Brooklyn’s Mill Basin is a property with an equally large ego. Standing on a 60,000 square foot plot complete with two substantial residences with a … Continue reading “Living it large”
October 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Lady Gaga in £1.25 million bidding war for macabre Michael Jackson images An eight-page medical report on Michael Jackson’s hair-fire accident in the 1980s is not something most normal people would want. It’s for sale, however, according to The Mirror and Lady Gaga is supposedly after it. The price? £1.25 million.
by Matthew Steeples
This Scottish producer’s life was immortalised in the 2013 crowdfunded film, The Last Impresario. Jewish and educated at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, White moved from being a Wall Street runner in the 1950s to the pinnacles of showbusiness in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for working on projects as diverse as Monty Python, The Rocky … Continue reading “Michael “Chalky” White”
July 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with businessman, restaurateur and philanthropist Derek Taylor The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Never give up on your dreams. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Do as you would be done by.
June 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Bill Oddie defends Rolf Harris “Personalities” from the 1980s seem to like making odd statements about paedophilia and sexual abuse. First it was William Roache and then came Jim Davidson and Max Clifford. All three have since been arrested and more recently Jeremy Irons and now Bill Oddie have stuck their oars in too. … Continue reading “What an Oddjob”
May 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
As Operation Yewtree detectives announce they will investigate five more personalities, bizarre conspiracy theories suggesting a Conservative led conspiracy against Stuart Hall, William Roache and Owen Oyston emerge Last night, the Daily Mirror revealed that complaints about further personalities have been made to detectives from Operation Yewtree. On the list of additional individuals, whom … Continue reading “Yewtree’s net widens as bizarre theories of a Conservative conspiracy emerge”
May 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
As the BBC announce an investigation into the activities of Stuart Hall, he transfers his marital home solely into the name of his wife and his son states that his OBE should not be revoked You’d have thought that after Stuart Hall OBE’s barrister said “sorry for what he has done” last week, the … Continue reading “Putting it away”
May 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Stuart Hall admits 14 counts of indecent assault The former It’s A Knockout and BBC Five Live presenter (James) Stuart Hall OBE admitted to being a rapist and paedophile this morning.
May 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks actor John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in “Only Fools and Horses”: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Marlene is my guiding force at all times. Listen to your wife. She knows best. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, … Continue reading “John Challis: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
by Matthew Steeples
William Roache, better known as “Coronation Street’s” Ken Barlow is arrested over allegation of the rape of an under-age girl Recently, we reported on remarks given by Coronation Street actor William Roache MBE to a New Zealand television programme about people who have committed child sex crimes. Roache bizarrely said that the public should … Continue reading “‘Cock Roache’ arrested”
April 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Palm Beach based “Queen of Prep” was the daughter of a Standard Oil heiress who began her career selling orange juice on Worth Avenue. Customers loved Pulitzer’s bright dresses and seizing on this, she began to sell them. Soon, her creations became the favourites of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Caroline Kennedy and members of the … Continue reading “Lillian Pulitzer Rousseau (born Lillian Lee McKim; 1931 – 2013)”
March 30, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks thrice Ivor Novello Award winning songwriter Bill Martin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Sir Winston Churchill and all he stood for and to win an Oscar for the best “song” as a songwriter. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, … Continue reading “Bill Martin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Most recognised for having played Uncle Monty in Withnail and I and Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films, this Yorkshireman truly was a larger than life actor.
March 27, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a historic £22 million residence on London’s Cheyne Walk Cheyne Walk in Chelsea is amongst the addresses that an estate agent would describe as “the most sought after in London”. Up there in the company of the Bishops Avenue, Grosvenor Square and Cadogan Square, it has moved from having been home … Continue reading “Taking a view”
March 26, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The latest in a series of bizarre comments from actor William Roache William Roache MBE, who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, is no stranger to controversy. The grandson of a Freemason who was interested in hypnotism, theosophy and esotericism, Roache is a vegetarian and spiritualist who was photographed participating in Druid rituals … Continue reading “A cock-up by “Cock Roache””
March 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A self-made mogul and former champion boxer who cannot read or write fluently. He thinks “differently” and built a £400 million fortune by creating and then selling a buy-to-let empire of almost 6,000 rental properties. Panayiotou takes the view that it is “moral[ly]” right to pay taxes in Britain and of those who call Heath … Continue reading “Andreas Panayiotou”
March 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A modern day Robin Hood who claimed to have been “sent by God to take back some of the wealth that the outrageously rich had taken from the rest of us”. This Belfast born cat burglar was a meticulous planner whose roll call of marks numbered Sophia Loren, Zsa Zsa Gabor, John Aspinall and Maria … Continue reading “Peter Scott (born Peter Craig Gulston, 1931 – 2013)”
March 17, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This witty Northern comedian began his career as deputy headmaster at Caton Primary School in Lancashire. Best known as the host of Bullseye between 1981 and 1985, Bowen’s back in the limelight as many suggest he’s a lookalike of the new Pope. His BBC Radio Lancashire show was axed in 1999 after he referred to … Continue reading “Jim Bowen (born Peter Williams)”
March 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Wolfgang Puck’s CUT at 45 Park Lane Continuing our series of revisiting articles from the blog that preceded The Steeple Times, today we re-publish our review of CUT at 45 Park Lane. We’re delighted to report that it’s just as good today. Wolfgang Puck once commented that he “learned more … Continue reading “Magnificently CUT”
March 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Their story is a modern day equivalent of that of Romeo and Juliet and Vanity Fair chronicled their deaths as The Golden Suicides. “Handsome” Blake, a digital artist and painter who worked with Malcolm McLaren and Fox Searchlight, and “sexy” Duncan, a writer, game designer and filmmaker best known for the “girl-centric” game Chop Suey, … Continue reading “Jeremy Blake and Theresa Duncan (1971 – 2007 and 1966 – 2007)”
