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 26, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Should there be a blue plaque in honour of the controversial explorer Gertrude Bell in Cadogan Square in spite of the fact she did not actually “live” there? Today, in The Guardian, arts correspondent Mark Brown reported on the controversy that has arisen as a result of English Heritage deciding it appropriate to approve … Continue reading “Gertrude Bell did NOT live here”
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”
September 1, 2018
by Jaimee Jenkins
New contributor Jaimee Jenkins examines what might be next for J. K. Rowling It’s quite rare that an author transcends her literature quite the way J.K. Rowling has over the last two decades. Once down on her luck and struggling, like so many young writers, to get her work seen, she became one of … Continue reading “Where could J. K. Rowling take Harry Potter next?”
August 27, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
As the Mail Online makes yet another balls-up, The Steeple Times suggests that Lord Rothermere hire a decent copy checker As was the case with the amazing yet surprisingly true story of The Man Who Never Was and his affair with the woman who ultimately became the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Bond character Miss … Continue reading “The Affair That Never Was”
August 24, 2018
by General
A 20-question interview with Lebanese-American actor Haaz Sleiman; he has starred in ‘24’, ‘ER’, ‘Killing Jesus’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Person of Interest’ The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Love. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “If you can’t … Continue reading “Haaz Sleiman – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
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 21, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III drophead coupé used by Colin Farrell in 2010 crime noir film ‘London Boulevard’ to be auctioned A 1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III drophead coupé first owned by the Malaysian royal family and more recently used in the 2010 crime noir motion picture London Boulevard – starring Colin Farrell, Keira … Continue reading “Farrell Rolls”
October 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Racing suit and helmet worn by Steve McQueen in ‘Le Mans’ to be sold for the staggering sum of £300,000 to £380,000 A racing suit and helmet worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans is to be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December. Directed by … Continue reading “A Lot for Le Mans”
September 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Octagonal Victorian Gothic landmark in Westchester County, New York available for rent; Bono was filmed there and it includes the only domestic Egyptian Revival room in existence A Victorian Gothic house in Irvington, Westchester County, New York that resembles a wedding cake has been put on the market to rent for £30,300 per month … Continue reading “The Icing on the Cake”
September 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles Gone with the Wind is undoubtedly one of the all-time classic films. It took in excess of $390 million at the box office, won an astonishing eight Academy Awards in 1940 and propelled … Continue reading “Gone with the Joseffs”
July 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Villain’s Land Rover used in James Bond film ‘Spectre’ to be auctioned in London A 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX used in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre is to be sold in London in September. Offered without reserve, the fully UK road legal vehicle – which was one of ten such models … Continue reading “A Spectre of a Landy”
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 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Dame Paddy Ridsdale, as she generally known, was an intelligence operative, secretary to Ian Fleming during WW2 and the inspiration for the Bond character Miss Moneypenny. A Conservative Party stalwart and married to Member of Parliament for Harwich from 1954 to 1992 Sir Julian Ridsdale CBE (1915 – 2004), Dame Paddy – or Vicky, … Continue reading “Lady Ridsdale DBE (1921 – 2009, née Victoire Bennett)”
May 7, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
12th century castle and romantic ruin in Herefordshire for sale for £1.495 million; a title to go with it is available also A part restored castle on the English-Welsh border is back on the market after its buyer pulled out at the end of last year. Wilton Castle-on-the-Wye at at Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire’s story … Continue reading “I Capture the Castle”
May 4, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with English born, Los Angeles based actor and musician Jack Turner The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Treat people well. Try and learn your blind spots. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Be nice, but don’t … Continue reading “Jack Turner – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 30, 2017
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”
April 25, 2017
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”
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”
April 10, 2017
by John Carlson-Nobel
New contributor John Carlson-Nobel takes a look at Velapp, an edit-as-you-shoot app for video footage Velapp will change the way you use your mobile. It is an app that can film video footage and put together a finished edit of the best parts in one click. It is easy to use and the results … Continue reading “Viewing Velapp”
December 4, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
William Evans 12-bore commissioned by Sir Alec Guinness in 1959 to be auctioned; it cost just £95 new Sir Alec Guinness (1914 – 2000) was undoubtedly one of Britain’s finest ever actors. He is remembered for playing eight characters in Kind Hearts and Coronets in 1949 and also appeared in The Bridge on the … Continue reading “Kind Hearts and Box Ejectors”
September 11, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with director and producer Charlie David The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I have an uncanny knack for honing in on beautiful Brazilian men in a crowd. I’m mysteriously led to them like a dowsing stick to water. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in … Continue reading “Charlie David – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
March 18, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Kid Rock to sell 1935 Hudson Terraplane featured in 2009 film ‘Public Enemies’
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
December 28, 2015
by General
Award-winning film director, producer and writer Ellen Perry made her name with her brilliantly insightful documentary film The Fall of Fujimori in 2005.
November 23, 2015
by General
‘The Steeple Times’ invites readers to attend its first panel debate and drinks reception where the topic will be: “What makes art sell?”
September 21, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
“Unmolested” wood-clad Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible to be sold at Bonhams’ Preserving the Automobile auction for just £5,800
September 19, 2015
by General
Though she claims to be a feminist, a writer, an expert on market towns and a film and television location tour guide, Sandra Shevey tends to busy her days writing complaints about amongst others Asda, Debenhams, Tesco and Waitrose on Twitter.
September 7, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé owned by Bond set designer Sir Ken Adam to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s Battersea sale tonight
August 25, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Michelle Young’s ‘Evening Standard’ interview proves that she is nothing but egocentric and fame obsessed
July 1, 2015
by General
The son of the former United States Ambassador to Denmark John L. Loeb, Jr., Nicholas Loeb is the founder of Loeb’s Onion Crunch.
June 19, 2015
by General
Oxford educated actor, writer and co-creator of the comedy series Doll & Em Emily Mortimer is the daughter of the Rumpole of the Bailey creator Sir John Mortimer
June 3, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Racism has no place in football just as it has no place in any workplace anywhere
May 6, 2015
April 27, 2015
by General
Once described as “having a mouth like a truck driver and the looks of a goddess”, thrice married American actress Ava Gardner spent her final years in Knightsbridge’s Ennismore Gardens.
April 18, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
George Lucas’ decision to build affordable housing on his estate is commendable – the Candy brothers in London should take note
April 15, 2015
by General
Deemed a “global Godmother of Cool” by Town & Country, actress, director, producer and screenwriter Sofia Coppola triumphed with Lost in Translation
March 30, 2015
by General
A self-declared activist, Bronx born actress Kerry Washington has an astounding 2 million followers on Twitter.
March 9, 2015
by General
Despite tweeting just twice, Dublin born actor Aidan Turner has over 21,000 followers on Twitter.
March 7, 2015
by General
A delightful and talented actress and film financier, Alexa Jago is based in London and Los Angeles.
February 27, 2015
by General
The Steeple Times asks cartoonist, actor and ‘Downton Abbey’ star Charlie Anson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
February 23, 2015
by General
Texas born actress Robin Wright has variously been married to Dane Witherspoon and Sean Penn.
February 16, 2015
by General
When Charlie Anson appeared on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den in February 2015 to raise funds for his cartoon business, Charlie’s Cartoons, he was unsuccessful but praised by Deborah Meaden for his “passionate pitch”.
February 14, 2015
by steepleadmin
Estée Lauder heir Ronald S. Lauder deals a body blow to Romanian film industry
February 1, 2015
by General
Canadian actress Emily VanCamp appeared in Everwood between 2002 and 2006 and Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2010.
January 16, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Knightsbridge bar and restaurant The Rib Room creates a cocktail using 41 gins (and 9 other ingredients) to mark the release of the film ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’
December 31, 2014
December 25, 2014
December 23, 2014
by General
This modest Mancunian actress is best known for having starred in the 1970s series Man About the House.
November 26, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ provides a reminder of the power of the human spirit
November 17, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Sainsbury’s produces a short film telling the story of the Christmas truce of 1914
October 24, 2014
by General
Born in Texas and educated at Hamilton College, New York, Ryan Serhant began his career as an actor on the long running series As the World Turns.
October 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
George Monbiot film showing the consequences of reintroducing wolves into the Yellowstone National Park is a ‘must watch’ Shared on Facebook by both filmmaker Ellen Perry and financier turned vintner Michael Polenske, a video named “How wolves change rivers” is a 4:33 minute “must watch”.
September 24, 2014
by General
Julian Fellowes cast Theo James as the Turkish diplomat Kemal Pamuk in the first season of Downton Abbey and swiftly killed him off in a sex scene
September 18, 2014
by General
A writer and film producer, Robert F. Kennedy III featured on the Town & Country ‘Most Eligible Bachelors’ list in September 2014. The son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his first wife, Emily Black, this Brown graduate has 1,200 followers on Twitter and is most typically photographed in a fedora. His credits include AmeriQua … Continue reading “Robert F. Kennedy III (AKA “Bobby Kennedy III”)”
September 15, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Stunning carmine red 1953 Jaguar XK120 roadster heads to auction at the RM Auctions Hershey sale The final scene of the 1999 film Cruel Intentions sees Reese Witherspoon driving out of New York in a 1956 Jaguar XK140 roadster. At the RM Auctions Hershey sale on 10th October, bidders have a chance to buy an … Continue reading “Resplendent in red”
September 13, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Born in Devon, Sir Donald Sinden was one of only two people known to have attended the funeral of Oscar Wilde’s lover
September 5, 2014
by James Murphy
James Murphy lauds Roald Dahl as a literary hero My last article focused on Ian Fleming and Roald Dahl provides a natural sequel. Like Fleming, Dahl’s work continues to film and television from beyond his grave.
August 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Car dealer Andy Lee House faces jail after wrecking a Bugatti Veyron In November 2009, Andy Lee House, an American car dealer, thought he’d come up with the perfect scam when he decided to crash a 2006 Bugatti Veyron worth £603,332 ($1 million) into a swamp in East Texas. His scheme – which he … Continue reading “Wally of the Week: Andy Lee House”
August 3, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks asks independent film producer Jonathan Sothcott: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
July 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
In the wake of the collapse of the Tulisa Contostavlos drugs trial, we examine the merits of investigative journalism Tulisa Contostavlos declared she’d had a “rollercoaster of a week” after she was convicted of assault in one case yet saw off another after it was thrown out due to the “serious misconduct” on the part … Continue reading “Investigating Tulisa”
July 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Crowdcube raise £1.2 million in 16 minutes as Glentham Capital proceeds with their second fund raise via Seedrs This week the UK’s largest crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube, opened and closed their bid to raise £1.2 million to expand their company in just 16 minutes. This followed their having raised £3.8 million of investment from Balderton … Continue reading “The rewards of crowdfunding”
June 23, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The highest earning author of 2013, Erika Leonard James raked in £33.3 million that year and £10.6 million in 2012. Her Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy has had readers hooked but despite her wealth this adult romance writer continues to live modestly in west London. With over 500,000 followers on Twitter, James has set the … Continue reading “Erika Leonard James (E. L. James)”
April 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
The mother of the Academy Award winning film director Anthony Minghella CBE (1954 – 2008) was a matriarch who lived by the philosophy: “You put in what you can, no matter how little that is, you don’t know how far the ripples will go”. Dedicated to community service and charity, Minghella herself was famous for … Continue reading “Gloria Minghella MBE (AKA “the Queen Mum of the Isle of Wight”, 1930 – 2014)”
April 4, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Johnny Depp accurately sums up the cult of celebrity This week whilst promoting his latest film, Transcendence, the actor Johnny Depp stated: “People get famous now for I-don’t-know-what”.
March 29, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
James Murphy leaps to the defence of Gwyneth Paltrow You’ve heard the news: Gwyneth Paltrow is ‘consciously uncoupling’ from Chris Martin. It’s only human to be interested. We are conditioned towards prurience. In the case of Gwyneth Paltrow, however, it’s personal, pernicious and pervasive. The poor woman has been hounded by a sinister reflection … Continue reading “In defence of Gwyneth Paltrow”
February 14, 2014
by Oliver Estreich
Oliver Estreich selects his five favourite hotel bars in New York Oliver Estreich, the founder of the well-known social network theNativeSociety, is the man about town to know in New York. Here, he selects five of his favourite hotel bars
February 11, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Films to watch on a winter’s day With flooding battering Britain and snow in New York, now’s the time to stay indoors. What could be better than a film fest? Here, in no particular order, are five of my favourites
February 2, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Henry Irwin Pesch reviews ‘D’ORA: The Romanian Immigrant’ D’ORA by Delia Antal is not just another film. No, it’s not a film made by some amateur looking to get into the film business. It’s not the story about Romanian immigrants or any other stereotype you have in mind right now. What do you think … Continue reading “Reassessing immigration”
January 2, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Bentley owned by Gregory Peck for 34 years goes to auction Gregory Peck loved his 1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur so much that he kept it for 34 years. The very same car is set to be auctioned on 17th January by RM Auctions.
December 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Original Scotland Yard site to become hotel ‘of the quality of Chateau Marmont’ An Edwardian building on the site of the original Scotland Yard is to be converted into a 92,000 square foot, 235-bedroom 5-star hotel of the “world class… quality of The Mercer or the Chateau Marmont”
November 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A coastal estate in a spectacular setting on the White Cliffs of Dover Known as The South Foreland Estate, an 11.5-acre parcel of land overlooking the English Channel at The Front, St Margaret’s Bay in Kent includes a main house, three further residences and a decommissioned lighthouse that was used in a film starring … Continue reading “A Front and a half”
October 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This New York based casting director and talent agent has worked on The Man Who Would Be King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, To Kill A Mockingbird and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Gore Vidal was a “great friend” and Michael Caine once described Boatwright’s Sunday lunch parties as “most interesting”. Hers is considered “one of … Continue reading “Boaty Boatwright (also known as Boaty Boatwright Baker)”
August 25, 2013
by James Murphy
James Murphy offers a rundown on the trends in cinema today and an insight into what is coming in 2014 and 2015 Summer 2013 was unremarkable for movies. Iron Man 3: too clever for its own good. Man of Steel: a long way from ‘super’. Wolverine: pointless, toothless and a waste of Hugh Jackman’s … Continue reading “Genre watch”
August 22, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
British born, American raised, Miller rose to fame in the Fox Network series Prison Break. A Princeton graduate, the actor turned screenwriter used the pseudonym Ted Foulke to write Stoker and Uncle Charlie and came out as gay in August 2013 in a letter posted on GLAAD’s website where he declined to attend a film … Continue reading “Wentworth Miller III”
August 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
‘Diana’ looks set to take the title of “Clanger of the Year” Films based on the lives of the royal family rarely work. The trailer of the latest, Diana, starring Naomi Watts proves this point perfectly.
July 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Two unusual items of Rolling Stones memorabilia come to the market Just as the Rolling Stones performed in Hyde Park this weekend gone, Peter Harrington in London’s Fulham Road brought two unusual items of memorabilia relating to the band to the market.
July 5, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This singer-songwriter turned musical theatre composer began his career in the rock band Pop. His West End début with From Here To Eternity alongside Sir Tim Rice is already attracting much acclaim.
June 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks actor and producer Arfi Lamba: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I listen to my gut. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “This too shall pass”.
May 25, 2013
May 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks experimental disc jockey and background actor Morgan Delle Piane: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? All the virtues. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Equality and diversity.
April 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
He’s taken action against 16 newspapers as: “If they tell lies, I sue them” and another court case resulted in Michael Winterbottom having to change the name of a film about his father, the club owner, pornographer and property tycoon Paul Raymond. Termed by some as the new “King of Soho”, Raymond launched a London … Continue reading “Howard Raymond”
April 23, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Yorkshire born and twice divorced, Wilton is the niece of actor Bill Travers. She’s performed widely but truly came to fame when she appeared alongside Richard Briers in the BBC’s Ever Decreasing Circles in 1984. As Rosemary in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 2 and as Mrs Bibby in his The History Boys, she was brilliant … Continue reading “Penelope Wilton OBE”
April 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This New Yorker is the son of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly filmmaker Julian Schnabel and curated his first exhibition aged 16. Vito Schnabel dated Demi Moore at the age of 26 and though that relationship ended in December 2012 supposedly because Schnabel didn’t like the intrusion of the paparazzi he subsequently took up with Heidi … Continue reading “Vito Schnabel”
April 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a 15,000 square foot Hamptons home complete with a private island and a room with a truly spectacular view Andrew Zaro is a collector with a difference. This philanthropist and Democratic donor leads a life that is no doubt the envy of those from whom his firm, Cavalry Portfolio Services, “helps … Continue reading “Collecting a view”
