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.
March 29, 2020
by General
New Haven, Connecticut born Sarah Winchester became one of the wealthiest women in the world after the death of her Winchester Repeating Arms Company heir husband, William Wirt Winchester, in 1882. With a 50% holding in the rifle making manufacturer plus a legacy equivalent to £426 million ($529 million) in 2020, this true eccentric – … Continue reading “Sarah Winchester (née Pardee, 1839 – 1922)”
February 5, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
Rolls-Royce owned by eccentric tycoon Nubar Gulbenkian expected to sell for just £30,000 in spite of £200,000 spent on restoration to date Last August, we reported on a Mercedes-Benz 600 sedan complete with a “Jimmy Savile-esque” double bed that was sold in Paris by RM Sotheby’s. It was originally adapted for the bon viveur Nubar … Continue reading “A Cut-Price Gulbenkian”
September 1, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
‘Photographer to the Stars’ John Stoddart puts his Whitstable bachelor pad up for sale; it truly represents his bon vivant lifestyle Suave Liverpool born ‘sniper-turned-snapper’ John Stoddart is selling his lavishly decorated apartment in the heart of the “oyster capital of Britain,” Whitstable. Extending to 919 square foot and situated on this … Continue reading “Styled by Stoddart”
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”
September 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Kitsch San Francisco mansion turned private museum that houses everything from Hitler memorabilia to a portrait turned down by Prince Philip for sale for £9.5 million The collection of a former advertising executive turned San Francisco based bon viveur named Robert C. Pritikin – better known as ‘Bob’ to his friends – includes everything … Continue reading “Pritikin’s Folly”
August 6, 2017
by General
A pioneer of both the Art Deco style and the functionalist Modernist movement, bisexual Irish aristocrat Eileen Gray was best known for designing the Bibendum chair and the E.1027 table. This great tastemaker lived primarily in South Kensington, Paris and the South of France and another of her creations, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, … Continue reading “Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976, née Eileen Smith)”
June 28, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Mini Cooper S hatchback designed to carry the golf clubs of the much-loathed Postmaster General, Minister of Transport and alleged tax fraudster Ernest Marples for sale Twice married and born in Levenshulme, Manchester, Ernest Marples – later Lord Marples – makes the very worst of modern politicians look like relative babes in arms. … Continue reading “Marples Must Go”
June 19, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Eccentric Hudson Heights, New York cliffside residence for sale for £3.33 million; at certain times of day it resembles a pumpkin 16 Chittenden Avenue, Hudson Heights, New York certainly doesn’t sound like an inspirational place to live. Though mention of this address won’t set pulses racing and despite one previous owner joking: “It’s not … Continue reading “The Pumpkin House”
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)”
May 14, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea studio house built for “spiritual artist” Arild Rosenkrantz and later home to the extremely eccentric lesbian heiress and powerboater ‘Joe’ Carstairs for sale for £8.95 million “Spiritual seeker” and artist Baron Arild Rosenkrantz (1870 – 1964) was born in Denmark, studied in Rome and married his Scottish cousin, Louise Mackenzie, in 1901. His … Continue reading “Spirit & Speed”
October 1, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Sir Benjamin Slade films a promotional video for his wedding venue; it features a terrier driving his Bentley Maunsel House is a wedding venue in Somerset. It is owned by the somewhat eccentric Sir Benjamin Slade and to promote it he recently commissioned a promotional video to be made. Shared on YouTube, the … Continue reading “Video of the Week – Wedding Dogs”
August 30, 2016
by General
A selection of five of the best follies for sale in Britain and elsewhere A folly is unlikely to make an ideal home for a family, but for someone a little more quirky – a writer or artist perhaps – they can easily make an ideal home. Our selection of five of the … Continue reading “Five of the Best – Follies for sale”
May 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 originally owned by a classier forerunner to James Stunt for sale
April 29, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Eccentric Fiat 850 Spiaggetta car with wicker interior to be auctioned
April 25, 2016
by General
A cross between Donald Trump and Liberace in terms of his liking for all things gold in interiors, Ealing based Prince John Zylinski is an eccentric property tycoon with a taste for duels and ballet dancing.
April 21, 2016
April 14, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Former home of ‘Don who’s Donna at night’ for sale for £3 million – in spite of the fact it needs renovation
January 19, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Shropshire cottage with a most unusual secret for sale for just shy of £200,000
November 11, 2015
by General
New York based fashionista, tastemaker and 1stdibs editor Mollie Ruprecht married art dealer Alex Acquavella in August 2015 in St Barths.
October 16, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Lapo Elkann – A man belonging to a different era launches his latest project
September 27, 2015
by General
Often spotted on the roads of Kensington and Chelsea, as little is known about Mr Penny Farthing as his fellow eccentric The Fantasy Cyclist.
July 9, 2015
by General
Devoted to her dogs and the widow of a tycoon named Frank V. Brach (1890 – 1970), Helen Brach inherited a significant portion of a $23 million estate (the equivalent of $135 million or £87.8 million today) in 1971.
April 26, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A bizarre, eight-floor converted water tower in the middle of an ugly redevelopment of an Essex lunatic asylum remains on the market despite a price cut of £200,000
February 16, 2015
by General
Featured on the BBC documentary Modern Times: Welcome to Mayfair in February 2015, Manthe Penton Harrap tells her Twitter followers that she believes “health is wealth”.
December 31, 2014
December 25, 2014
by General
Having started his career as a butcher, this eccentric moved into the nightclub business
September 23, 2014
by General
The Paris-born son of fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and Equipment shirt brand founder Christian Restoin, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld is the founder of New York art dealership of the same name. He’s the godson of the photographer Mario Testino and has dated the fashionista Giovanna Battaglia and “the female Roman Abramovich” Goga Ashkenazi. Restoin Roitfeld – … Continue reading “Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld (AKA “Vlad” Restoin Roitfeld)”
August 12, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Rolls-Royce hunting vehicle for sale for £198,000 Today marks the start of the grouse season and whilst the BBC gave far too much airtime to those who are anti this fine sport, we very much join with those celebrating the Glorious Twelfth. Suitable for someone heading off to the moors is an amazing Rolls-Royce … Continue reading “A Glorious Roller”
August 6, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The eccentric owner of Old Brompton Road’s Nam Long Le Shaker was famed for creating the legendary Flaming Ferrari cocktail. A favourite of the likes of Lord Archer’s son, James, this lethal concoction consists of 100% proof rum, Chartreuse, Grand Marnier and Blue Curaçao. Of them Dang Cao commented: “If you drink three of them … Continue reading “Thai Dang Cao (1953 – 2014)”
March 22, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A roundup of the art worth seeing at BADA The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair on Chelsea’s Duke of York Square is an annual showcase of art and antiques that range in price from £100 to £1 million. Here, The Steeple Times picks three of our favourite items on display that suit a … Continue reading “The best of BADA”
December 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This pair never miss an art gallery opening night. Prosecco surely flows through their veins.
December 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Late at night, the Kings Road and Sloane Square are the haunts of this eccentric singer of sorts. She favours the outside seating at Colbert but doesn’t venture indoors and rather likes Chelsea Fire Station too. Speak to her and expect a barrage of commentary. She never asks for money.
October 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Harrow educated eccentric, Santa Claus lookalike and playboy had two Austin FX4 Hackney carriages converted to his own specifications and considered the best number for a dinner party to be two (himself and “a damn good head waiter”).
September 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This former professional football goalkeeper and cancer survivor completed the 2002 London Marathon in a deep-sea diving suit and took 12 days to walk the length of Loch Ness in 2003. He’s completed countless other endeavours in the name of charity and raised millions in the process. His efforts are commendable and of his MBE, … Continue reading “Lloyd Scott MBE”
August 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The inventor of the Catseye road stud never married and was an eccentric Yorkshireman who kept four televisions running constantly so as not to miss anything. Shaw had two Rolls-Royces on the basis that he didn’t want to go without whilst one was being serviced and even built a replica of his local bar in … Continue reading “Percy Shaw OBE (1890 – 1976)”
May 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This old chap wanders the Fulham Road in a seafaring cap and claims to be a “restaurant consultant and promoter of new faces (models and actresses)”. He’s also “writing a biography that will be fascinating to read” and is “recognised by the late Honourable president [sic] of the United States Roland [sic] Regan”. Bonkers.
May 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks photographer Debbi Clark: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My son Luke with his eccentric ways and my daughter Sophia who keeps me grounded. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Whatever … Continue reading “Debbi Clark: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
by Matthew Steeples
Famous simply for being thrown out of Waitrose in Kings Road because of his helping hands and also for his daily dance on the steps of Patara in Fulham Road, little else is known about this Chelsea eccentric. Goodness knows what’s hidden inside the flasher mac The Waitrose Clepto generally sports.
April 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist and gallery manager Zuleika Parkin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Joy, art and love. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my … Continue reading “Zuleika Parkin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A review of Fitzrovia speakeasy The Lucky Pig The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia rather reminded me of a bar I once went to in North Beach, San Francisco. Dark and hidden in a basement, this speakeasy styled venue mixes a distressed interior with a clientele who look as if they’ve come straight from their … Continue reading “This little piggy makes an excellent cocktail”
March 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
An Australian tycoon announces a bizarre plan to launch a replica of the doomed passenger liner RMS Titanic This week, a “brash” 58-year old Australian mining tycoon named Clive Palmer announced that he will launch a full-scale replica of the RMS Titanic in 2016. On hearing of this, I wondered if April … Continue reading “My Heart Won’t Go On”
December 31, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Parrot Man is often to be spotted in London’s Fulham Road with his glorious birds.
December 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Undoubtedly best known as one of the greatest actresses of the post-war period, Yorkshire born Dench briefly played Pru Forrest in the BBC’s The Archers. She’s an advocate for “more progressive drug policies” and only took the role of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride & Prejudice after director Joe Wright wrote to her and … Continue reading “Dame Judi Dench CH, DBE, FRSA”
November 18, 2012
by Thomas "T.J." James
Thomas James on the playground of the rich and famous that is The Hamptons One of the most popular guest features on the blog that preceded The Steeple Times was this article by Thomas James. The summer may well have passed along with Sandy and her might but as the article continues to … Continue reading “The Hamptons: where the upper classes of New York holiday”
November 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This mouthpiece was born in Rettendon, Essex in 1958 and vents bile on all manner of subjects. Articles such as: “Why don’t more women moan like me?” and “Liz Jones’ baby craving drove her to steal husband’s sperm in ultimate deception” are frankly illustrative of why she’s so unpopular. After she got banned from the … Continue reading “Liz Jones”
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples delves into the history of Albany, Piccadilly and discovers an affordable way of living there Albany, off Piccadilly in Mayfair, was most probably London’s first apartment block and it’s certainly the city’s most exclusive. It may be next to the Royal Academy and opposite Fortnum & Mason but surprisingly few have even … Continue reading “The badgers of Albany”
November 12, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples examines the truth behind Liz Jones giving up on her “rural idyll” The Mail’s Liz Jones is a waspish woman who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Those who’ve paid even a moment’s attention to her bleating, will be familiar with lines such as: “Last week, my brand … Continue reading “The battleaxe in the Beemer”
October 22, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks the right-wing businessman and owner of Maunsel House and Woodlands Castle, Sir Benjamin Slade: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Money, power, sex, success, land, trees, books and fine wine. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, … Continue reading “Sir Benjamin Slade Bt.: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
October 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples discovers Michael Winner’s links to descriptions of unwelcome “out of towners” My last linguistic rambling explored two words, “plebs” and “ladettes,” that, like Andrew Mitchell MP, truly need to be eliminated from our culture. The next two in this series, “grockles” and “emmets,” have far more amusing origins and truly sum up … Continue reading ““Grockles” and “Emmets””
May 25, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Could 100 Park Lane become the property that achieves the accolade of being Britain’s highest priced private residence? Occupied by property giants Hammerson since 1969 as their corporate headquarters, the 44,000 square foot Grade II* listed Dudley House is one of Park Lane’s finest landmark properties. It is supposedly about to come to the … Continue reading “A Monopolistic mansion”
