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 18, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Repossessed Grade I listed Dorset mansion once worth circa £15 million for sale for £3 million; the catch? It’s burnt to the ground An “exceptionally important,” Grade I listed, 38,000 square foot, 16th century country house in Dorset with 131.6 acres for just £3 million is certainly something that sounds like a bargain. Sadly, … Continue reading “A Fire Sale”
December 20, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Ferne McCann shamelessly attempts to flog £12.95 lip plumping primer on Instagram just as the father of her child is jailed for an acid attack in London Just as her former boyfriend and father of her child, Arthur Collins, was deservedly jailed for 20 years with an extended licence of 5 years for throwing … Continue reading “Moron of the Moment – Ferne McCann”
June 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
As Kensington turns red, ‘The Steeple Times’ reflects on the defeat of a woman nicknamed ‘#LazyBorwick’ , a win by a hard-left Labour blogger and a need for an MP who’ll now represent all constituents Last night, in frankly the biggest shock of a shambolic and wholly unnecessary General Election, Kensington replaced one flame … Continue reading “The Peoples’ Republic of Kensington”
May 22, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Refurbished Surrey manor house with connections to Detmar Blow and Gertrude Jekyll for sale for £2.55 million Reduced in price by £200,000 since when it was previously on the market in June 2015, a Surrey manor house is again for sale – but this time for £2.55 million ($3.32 million, €2.96 million or درهم12.20 … Continue reading “Making a Manor”
May 13, 2017
by General
A “libertarian-left” Labour MP between 1997 and 2010, distinguished barrister and novelist Bob Marshall-Andrews defected to the Liberal Democrats in 2017. Described as “an irritant” to his former party whilst they were in government, multi-millionaire Marshall-Andrews built and owns “one of the most innovative houses of the 20th century – the famed ‘Teletubby House’ in … Continue reading “Bob Marshall-Andrews QC”
May 8, 2017
by General
Pearl clad pensioner ‘Brenda from Bristol’ became the Gillian Duffy of the 2017 General Election when she shared her views about politics with a BBC reporter. This 75-year old retired secretary spoke for the nation in remarking: “You’re joking? Not another one!” Oh for God’s sake, I can’t honestly… I can’t stand this. There’s too much … Continue reading “Brenda from Bristol”
May 1, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Scandal prone Tory activist turned Jared Kushner employed journalist Andre Walker claims Theresa May is fearful of electoral disaster due to MPs from her party likely being jailed A widely criticised one-time Tory activist turned journalist with links to the party’s dubious 2015 ‘battlebus scandal’ has claimed that “a criminal investigation is the real … Continue reading “Turncoat Tory Predicts Troubles for Theresa”
by Matthew Steeples
Conversion of “one of Europe’s first purpose-built office blocks” for sale; £3.5 million Grade II* listed Georgian house in Bath literally straddles a canal Some people dream of living beside a lake or a river, but a Grade II* listed detached property recently placed on the market in Bath gives anyone with £3.5 million … Continue reading “Domesticity Above A Canal”
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”
by Matthew Steeples
In April 2017, esteemed actress Miriam Margolyes described Theresa May as “that awful woman” and hinted that she had little-to-any enthusiasm for Jeremy Corbyn’s “hell of a mess” also. In the same interview, in her “distinctive voice”, she added: “It is the job of the arts to engage in life… That’s what I care about”. … Continue reading “Miriam Margolyes OBE”
by Matthew Steeples
Seriously expensive waterfront building plot goes on sale outside San Francisco; it comes with plans for the perfect home for a tech titan 14.5 acres of forested land with 2,000 feet of frontage to San Francisco Bay shoreline has gone on sale for what could be one of the highest prices ever for a … Continue reading “A Pointedly Pricey Plot”
April 29, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples celebrates getting blocked by Paul Nuttall on Twitter When someone blocks you on Twitter, you know you’ve won. In the past, I’ve been cut off by an array of ‘delights’ ranging from the sofa loving sad sack Sir Christopher Meyer to the foaming-at-the-mouth firebrand George Galloway. Others joining that list include the … Continue reading “Blocked by Nuttall”
by Matthew Steeples
Comedian Jan Ravens’ impersonation of Theresa May is utterly brilliant With the election campaign under way, a little humour is definitely required and a comical video shared on YouTube provides just such. Featuring the actress Jan Ravens’ take on Theresa May, the 2:45 minute clip has over attracted over 70,000 hits – and … Continue reading “Video of the Week – Mocking May”
April 28, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New York’s “last intact Gilded Age mansion” for sale for £38.75 million; it comes with a room that cannot be wiretapped An Upper East Side “Beaux Arts palace on a small scale” described as “Manhattan’s last intact Gilded Age mansion” has gone on sale for £38.75 million ($50 million, €45.96 million or درهم183.65 million) … Continue reading “Gilded Glory”
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples reports that Jeremy Corbyn’s attempt to enthuse a child in Harlow didn’t go down well; children and politicians should never mix Yesterday, Jeremy Corbyn headed to Harlow, Essex. He gave a speech to an assembled audience – including a woman with an upside down Labour poster – and then picked up a … Continue reading “Another Corbyn Calamity”
April 27, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Attractive Grade II listed riverside residence at Marlow goes on sale A charming Grade II listed 19th century riverside townhouse at Marlow in Buckinghamshire has been put on the market just before the 162nd annual Marlow Regatta. The Lodge on St Peter Street boasts what selling agents Hamptons refer to as “one of … Continue reading “A River Runs Through It”
April 26, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Cadogan Square flat for sale for a sum that, if achieved, could make it the most expensive subterranean home in London; it is offered at a price that equates to £2,130 per square foot Created from the merger of two flats, one of which was marketed for £3 million ($3.8 million, €3.5 million or … Continue reading “A Big Priced Basement”
April 25, 2017
by General
The co-owner of the right-wing Westmonster website terms his ethnicity “milk bottle white” and claims there are “tons of burkas” on the streets of East London. Naturally a fan of Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump and of the belief that England is the land of “soft justice”, Michael Heaver loathes what he describes as … Continue reading “Michael Heaver”
by Matthew Steeples
‘The Steeple Times’ urges readers in Kensington to vote tactically to unseat Victoria Borwick Victoria Borwick, in spite of representing a constituency that was home to a greater proportion of EU nationals than any other London borough in 2016, was a firm advocate of Brexit. In the months since the disastrous vote, she has … Continue reading “Beating Borwick”
by Matthew Steeples
Actor Michael Caine claims to be “a socialist” in spite of having been involved in a tax avoidance scheme and previously leaving Britain to avoid the top rate of tax in the 1970s Sir Michael Caine, CBE is a man who flip-flops like no other and whose political views are best described as “chaotic”. … Continue reading “Wally of the Week – Sir Michael Caine”
by Matthew Steeples
1996 Subaru Impreza – chassis 001 – to be auctioned with an estimate of £175,000 to £200,000; it was driven by amongst others the late Colin McRae “One of the most important rally cars ever made” – according to Octane magazine – is to be sold at auction this June. The Subaru Impreza … Continue reading “A Star Subaru”
April 24, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Scott’s in Mayfair to reopen after closing due to a mice infestation; Montpeliano remains open in spite of receiving a Food Standards Agency rating of zero out of five Today, Scott’s restaurant in Mount Street, Mayfair reopens after having been closed for six days for what they called “a spring clean and revamp”. … Continue reading “Marked by Mice”
by Matthew Steeples
South Kensington flat with ‘summer house’ shed for sale for £3.25 million An apartment in Malvern Court, SW7 has gone on the market for £3.25 million ($4.2 million, €3.9 million or درهم15.3 million). It comes with an extra one wouldn’t expect to find with a pre-war mansion block flat just by South Kensington Underground … Continue reading “A Serious Shed”
April 23, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New Jersey mansion, complete with 58 rooms, for sale for equivalent sum to what it cost to build in 1909; the £37 million house’s original owner was a man whose extravagance knew absolutely no bounds George Crocker (1856 – 1909) makes F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby seem like an amateur. Born in Sacramento and … Continue reading “Living Large”
April 21, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Loudmouth champagne swiller Dawn Ward once again fails to get permission to turn her vulgar home into a wedding venue Marketing material for Dawn Ward’s tastelessly decorated home, Warford Hall, near Alderley Edge in Cheshire, boldly describes it as “the finest entertaining house ever conceived”. She’s failed to generate any interest in it since … Continue reading “(Not) Wedded by Ward”
by Matthew Steeples
1996 Aston Martin shooting brake complete with humidor to be sold at auction One of just three 1996 Aston Martin V8 coupé shooting brake conversions is to be offered for sale at auction by Bonhams in May. The left hand drive, automatic 1996 Aston Martin V8 Sportsman estate offered is presented in … Continue reading “A Smoking Aston”
by Matthew Steeples
Hidden house in Knightsbridge for sale for £1.595 million; it might suit those with an aspiration to live like Julian Assange A cleverly refurbished ‘hidden house’ behind 163 Pavilion Road in Knightsbridge has been brought to the market by Savills. 699 square foot Hans Cottage has its own private front door, a patio … Continue reading “Hidden in Hans”
by Matthew Steeples
Herefordshire fruit farm for sale for £2.25 million A 47.6 acre organic Herefordshire fruit farm is for sale for £2.25 million ($2.88 million, €2.69 million or درهم10.58 million). Situated in the Malvern Hills, Hermitage Court at Canon Pyon, near Hereford has fruit orchards and a walnut grove and also comes with grazing land, … Continue reading “Finding Fruit”
April 20, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Gina Miller achieves 1,000% of target in less than 24 hours in crowdfunding drive to fund tactical voting initiative against hard Brexit On Wednesday, businesswoman and philanthropist Gina Miller launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £10,000 to “support the country’s biggest tactical voting drive ever and stop extreme Brexit”. Within twenty-four hours, that target … Continue reading “Backing Best for Britain”
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”
by General
A 20-question interview with self-made businessman and star of ‘My Fat Gypsy Fortune’ Alfie Best The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? For a man to know where he is going, he must remember where he is from. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a … Continue reading “Alfie Best – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Witty Fort Lauderdale based philanthropist Michael Bienes passes away Philanthropist Michael Bienes sadly died of cancer on 5th April according to the Sun Sentinel. New York born Mr Bienes, a multi-millionaire many times over until falling prey to Bernard Madoff’s crooked Ponzi scheme, was known for hosting lavish parties and supported everything from … Continue reading “Remembering Michael Bienes”
by Matthew Steeples
Theresa May’s gamble to go to the country will likely pay off, but is it good for Britain? Theresa May supposedly decided to go call a snap election after a trip to church and a walking holiday with her garden gnome-like husband, Philip, in Wales over Easter. She has taken a gamble but given … Continue reading “Mugged by May”
by Matthew Steeples
Twenty-four hours ago Arthur Collins was the toast of OK! magazine; he’s now on the run and a wanted man Twenty-four hours ago, the Mail Online gushed about Ferne McCann and Arthur Collins, a couple most of our readers will never have heard of. Now, that article is gone and instead the press are … Continue reading “What a Difference a Day Makes”
April 17, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Party-loving David Pun finds fame in Queensway’s Food Basics Oriental Superstore for all the wrong reasons; for him, it’s a far cry from Harvey Nicks David Pun is well known on London’s party scene and for the claims he makes about his connections to the families that own Harvey Nichols and The Peninsula Hotels. … Continue reading “Shopping with Pun”
by Matthew Steeples
“Penthouse to rival any other penthouse in the world” in converted brewery next to Tower Bridge for sale for £12.5 million Described as “a penthouse to rival any other penthouse in the world” despite its somewhat pedestrian decoration, a £12.5 million ($15.7 million, €14.7 million or درهم57.6 million) five floor apartment next to Tower … Continue reading “High & Low”
by Matthew Steeples
Custard yellow Rolls-Royce complete with ‘0800’ numberplate takes to the streets of Knightsbridge Each year a bevvy of Arab and Russian owned supercars arrives in London and each year they get more outlandish. An especially fine example has just descended in the form of a bright yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom coupé complete with the registration … Continue reading “0800 Rolls”
by General
A 20-question interview with Paris based fashion designer Martin Raffa The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? The search beauty and harmony. From an early age, I understood the importance of both in my entourage. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s … Continue reading “Martin Raffa – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
by Matthew Steeples
Purpose-built Upper East Side, NYC Beaux Arts garage reduced in price by 41%; it will still cost around £40 million to buy and turn into a vast single family residence Purpose built in 1906 to house the cars of wealthy (but not quite so wealthy enough to have their own carriage houses) Upper Eastsiders, … Continue reading “Gone is the Garage”
by Matthew Steeples
Former Lancashire farmhouse for sale for £1.69 million complete with giant chessboard Until recently used as a holiday cottage rental, Low House at Eskrigge in Lancashire is described by selling agents Matthews Benjamin as “a joy to behold”. Dating to the late 17th century and originally a farmhouse and barn, this 4,490 … Continue reading “Checkmate”
April 16, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Northumbria revealed to be the county with the highest number of fines for women being drunk and disorderly for second year in a row On Sunday, the Daily Star revealed “Northumbria has the highest number of women getting police penalties for their out-of-control behaviour”. In an article by the paper’s Matthew Davis, it … Continue reading “Boozy Birds”
by Matthew Steeples
Whilst Theresa May’s Easter message is nothing but a damp squib, Jeremy Corbyn’s response is as much use as a chocolate teapot “Let us come together… Let us build a stronger, fairer Britain that works for everyone”, clucked Theresa May on Sunday in a 3:10 minute Easter message posted on YouTube. Mixing her … Continue reading “Failing to Come Together”
by Matthew Steeples
Federal-style New York townhouse for sale for £3.982 million; the West Village was previously the Home of the Sons and Daughters of Israel A 2,212 square foot townhouse dating to 1833 on sale in New York comes with quite a history. Built in the Federal-style by a cartman named John C. Blauvelt, the property … Continue reading “A Federal Find”
April 15, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Picturesque watermill used in ‘The Witchfinder General’ and ‘Dad’s Army’ for sale Witches and water don’t have an affinity – with dunking being a common form of punishment for suspects in the 16th and 17th centuries – and at The Watermill on the River Black Bourn at Ixworth in Suffolk, just such activity occurred … Continue reading “Witchfinders and Watermills”
by Matthew Steeples
Whilst the problem play The Goat, or who is Sylvia? – which, in a 2017 adaptation, starred Damian Lewis as a man who falls head over heels for a goat named Sylvia – shocked many, pensioner Carol Bowditch is a true life example of someone whom repeatedly engaged in carnal activities with animals. Spared jail … Continue reading “Carol Bowditch”
April 14, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Firezza’s first “proper restaurant” in Dean Street, Soho offers gourmet pizza by-the-metre at remarkably reasonable prices; it is a must visit Edin Basic can be credited with changing the way Brits order pizza. Prior to his arrival in London from war torn Bosnia some twenty-five years ago, home delivered pizza was – if it … Continue reading “Basically Brilliant”
April 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Born white in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany in 1989, but now perceived by many to be black, “pneumatic chested” Martina Big increased her cleavage to a 32S and “turned her pale skin a deep mahogany shade that draws stares from strangers everywhere she goes”. A former air hostess turned glamour model, Miss Big appeared on ITV1’s This … Continue reading “Martina Big”
by Matthew Steeples
Norfolk manor house owned by anti-Brexit Conservative politician Lord Prior of Brampton for sale for £3 million David Prior – now The Rt. Hon. The Lord Prior of Brampton – undoubtedly was a decent and able Member of Parliament. Educated at Charterhouse and Cambridge, he became first an investment banker with Lehman Brothers and … Continue reading “An MP’s Manor”
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with contemporary artist Alexander Newley The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Eros, anger, anxiety, love – in perfect and contradictory admixture. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? When fate raises its sword to make you tremble, … Continue reading “Alexander Newley – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Shame on ‘The Sun’ for publishing a non-story about a child being hit by a football in Belgrave Square; the ball was kicked by a girl who was with the footballer Cesc Fàbregas On Wednesday, the The Sun indulged in one of their most sensationalist pieces of journalism in recent months when they published … Continue reading “A Balls-Up”
April 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Ex-Marshal Tito Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet for sale for staggering sum 1,598% higher than similar examples owned by other dictators “Benevolent communist dictator” Marshal Josip Tito, 1st President of Yugoslavia (1892 – 1980) had use of a Boeing 727 plane, a private train and a 55-foot yacht but now the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman … Continue reading “Taking the Tito”
by Matthew Steeples
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 that has been driven just 81 miles and stored in a Knightsbridge garage since new to be auctioned for 1,000% more than a normal example of its age A Mercedes-Benz with a difference is to be auctioned on its twenty-first birthday on 12th April. The car to be offered is an … Continue reading “81 Miles From New”
by Matthew Steeples
Insensitive showoffs wreak havoc in Parliament Square with their gaudy supercars; they claimed to be honouring the dead and injured of the Westminster attack but simply caused annoyance Though five people died and around fifty others were injured as a result of Khalid Masood smashing his rented 4×4 into them on Westminster Bridge on … Continue reading “Morons of the Moment – Piccadilly Boy Racers”
April 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
“Gentleman’s manor house” that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Thornfield Hall in ‘Jane Eyre’ available to rent for just £14,400 per year; alternatively you could take a tiny studio in SW3 for the same sum Described by Charlotte Brontë (1775 – 1817) as being “three storeys high; a gentleman’s manor house; battlements round the top gave … Continue reading “Living Eyre”
April 8, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Clangers overheard and snippets spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Candy Knockers At Scalini in Knightsbridge, two brash housebuilders from Essex sat devouring veal chops. One referenced his idols and observed: “The Candy brothers have a brilliant setup. They are like the Peter Stringfellows of property”. The other looked puzzled but the first … Continue reading “Overheard – 8th April”
April 6, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Former Toto’s site in Lennox Gardens Mews, Knightsbridge to become a “contemporary Japanese” restaurant named Dinings In April 2014, just off Walton Street in Knightsbridge’s Lennox Gardens Mews, Toto’s prepared to reopen after a £3 million makeover at the behest of a new Indian owner. In spite of serving the most delicious Italian food, … Continue reading “Dining without Toto”
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”
April 5, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Updated: Theresa May forges a new career in post-Brexit Britain: Flogging tea towels and mugs Theresa May, a woman who should be busy sorting out the mess that is her “red, white and blue Brexit”, is in Saudi Arabia insulting the locals and refusing to wear a headscarf. She’s also been meddling in the … Continue reading “Mugged by Mrs May”
April 4, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Butler-turned-blabbermouth Paul Burrell sinks to a new low; he should retreat to Siberia and live out his days privately Cat-like Paul Burrell again and again reinvents himself. Somehow, in spite of already having undeservedly exhausted more than nine lives, this ghastly individual is back in the press and this time he’s milking the story … Continue reading “Blabbermouth Burrell”
April 3, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Essex “neo Georgian Palladian” residence created from an ordinary detached house marketed for £5.4 million; it is a bit of a mish-mash and described as “over-engineered” Estate agents normally wax lyrical about properties they are marketing but in the case of £5.4 million ($6.7 million, €6.3 million or درهم24.8million) Threshers House at Threshers Bush, … Continue reading “Over-Engineered”
April 2, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
New York’s “most impressive” Dutch colonial house for sale for £2.59 million in spite of needing updating Built in 1735 and listed as a designated New York landmark in 1966, 126 West Drive in Douglaston, Queens is considered to be New York’s “most impressive architectural remnant of the early Dutch Culture”. It has just … Continue reading “A Dutch Delight”
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 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Rare 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic to be auctioned complete with plate ‘GDP 137’; it is a fine example of an affordable and quirky classic Described as an “unrestored oily-rag example”, a 1952 Austin A90 Atlantic saloon to be offered for sale by Classic Car Auctions has a design that echoes a 1946 Pininfarina bodied … Continue reading “An Economical Plate”
