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 3, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples highlights that not only the appalling case of two swans and five cygnets being shot in Kent but also other problems facing these majestic birds This summer, on The Serpentine in Hyde Park, I witnessed a Chinese tourist attempting to hug a swan. Though I told him how unacceptable this truly was, … Continue reading “Save The Swan”
November 14, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
That a Conservative MP is bringing a bill to force drivers who hit cats to go to the police at this time is quite ludicrous Rehman Chisthi, the Conservative MP for Gillingham and Rainham, is a man who likes to champion the most odd causes. A Brexit enthusiast and frequently criticised for “advancing … Continue reading “Mad Cats”
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”
February 27, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Healthcare assistant Charlotte Day disgracefully moans about panic buying of bread just as homeless people freeze to death Last week, a homeless man froze to death in Chelmsford, Essex. A week before, another was found dead on the steps of Westminster Tube station in London. Meanwhile, yesterday, in Medway, Kent, a moaning Minnie … Continue reading “Wally of the Week – Brazen bread “grabber” Charlotte Day”
August 28, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples suggests Labour’s partial U-turn on Brexit is a positive start; they must now go further and oppose it entirely Whilst Keir Starmer’s decision to announce Labour will support Britain remaining in a customs union with the EU and within the single market during a “time-limited transitional period between our exit from the … Continue reading “Stopping Brexit”
August 17, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Kentish salad company Southern Salads tosses 260 jobs to the wolves after going into administration because of Brexit Illustrations of the likely negative impact of Britain’s decision to leave the UK are coming from far and wide and though Nigel Farage may be crowing over an alleged £60 million film deal – though unsurprisingly … Continue reading “Tossed in Tonbridge”
July 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
‘SHIT’ to be sold at Christie’s in South Kensington; it comes at quite a price A painting which simply depicts the word ‘SHIT’ is to be sold at Christie’s in South Kensington, London this month. Offered with an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000 ($2,590 to $5,180, €2,260 to €4,520 or درهم9,470 to درهم18,940) … Continue reading “Expensive Shit”
July 6, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with Sandra Howard – novelist, former model and wife of Conservative politician The Rt. Hon. Lord Howard of Lympne The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Seeing the upside of life and what’s to laugh at. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, … Continue reading “Sandra Howard – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
June 6, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Grade II* listed Kent townhouse for sale for just £166 per square foot; a similarly sized property in Knightsbridge would set you back £2,000 per square foot A freehold 2,500 square foot detached 15th century timber framed house just 23 miles south of London has gone on sale for the lowly sum of £166 … Continue reading “A House of Hide”
May 18, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Fat former boxer and Toad of Toad Hall-like figure of fun Fergus Wilson and his equally badly dressed Hyacinth Bucket-like wife, a former maths teacher named Judith, banned “coloured people” from renting the 1,000 properties they own in Kent “because of the curry smell at the end of the tenancy”. They were also revealed to … Continue reading “Fergus and Judith Wilson”
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”
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 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”
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 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Facebook page where Whitstable locals spend time moaning and arguing will have you in hysterics; welcome to an example of a modern day spouting place for ‘Busybody Britain’ You’ll likely have come across the Facebook page ‘Overheard in Waitrose’. It has garnered over 500,000 likes since its inception in April 2014, but, for those … Continue reading “Website of the Week – Overheard and Seen in Whitstable”
March 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Grade II* listed Kent manor house for sale for £3.95 million; the purchaser will get a controversial £107.9 million EuroMillions jackpot winner as their neighbour Sold last in 2009 for £1.9 million (the equivalent of £2.3 million, $2.8 million, €2.2 million or درهم 10.3 million today), Waystrode Manor at Cowden, near Edenbridge in Kent … Continue reading “Barbed Manors”
March 7, 2017
by General
The “mastermind of Britain’s biggest cash robbery”, “from the streets kid” and “scary son of a b**ch” Lee Murray was born in Greenwich and nicknamed (much to his displeasure) ‘The Alien’ by fellow members of what was known as the ‘Buttmarsh Boys’ gang. He “liked punching people almost at random in the street”, turned to … Continue reading “Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani (AKA ‘Lightning Lee’ and ‘The Stopwatch’)”
December 20, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice Tracey Emin CBE, RA is no doubt liked by somebody, somewhere. She’s made a fortune from what she calls “art” and though her unmade bed is often derided as one of the … Continue reading “Terrible Tracey”
December 7, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Jaguar E-Type originally owned by Prince Michael of Kent for sale A 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-litre FHC originally owned by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent is for sale with an Essex vintage car specialist. Described as having “matching numbers, in impeccable order throughout and being close to conours”, Prince … Continue reading “Exciting a Royal”
March 21, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples visits one of Whitstable’s best-known restaurants
March 1, 2016
by steepleadmin
New columnist Laura Bott takes a group fishing in Green Park, London with Orvis
February 7, 2016
by General
A leading member of the ‘smug club’, Kelly Brook claims to love animals yet reportedly laughed about punching two ex-boyfriends in the face during an interview in 2014.
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.
December 4, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times’ first panel debate at the Library members’ club featured four art experts and the question: “What makes art sell?”
September 5, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Letter to ‘The Telegraph’ illustrates a sensible perspective on how England should behave towards “foreigners flying for refuge against oppression and tyranny”
July 28, 2015
July 13, 2015
by General
The late daughter of schoolteachers from Sidcup, Kent and a mother of two, Gillian Clarke met her Conservative politician husband Kenneth at Cambridge in 1963.
June 27, 2015
by General
A former associate of Guido Fawkes’ Paul Staines, Harry Cole became The Sun’s Westminster correspondent in June 2015.
April 25, 2015
by General
Former Maidstone Grammar School for Boys pupil turned inventor Yasser Khattak was suspended from school 16 times and taught himself at home.
April 23, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
John Stoddart to exhibit at Whitstable’s The Fishslab Gallery
March 5, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples reviews a Channel 5 documentary about UKIP supporters
February 9, 2015
January 5, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Nigel Farage giving up drinking is nothing other than an orchestrated publicity stunt
December 26, 2014
by General
Four times married and the wife of the former Conservative Home Secretary Michael Howard since 1975, Sandra Howard is a mother of three who began her career modelling for David Bailey and Norman Parkinson.
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 8, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Appeal launched to find a parrot that whistles the EastEnders theme tune that has gone missing in Kent
August 29, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
An amusing letter to ‘The Times’ provides light relief during the ‘Silly Season’
August 27, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
An image of Nigel Farage outside his home shows his true character God help us: They say we get the leaders we deserve and our Picture of the Week clearly shows what we’d be getting if we ever elect Nigel Farage as our Prime Minister.
August 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Range Rover Chassis #001 to be auctioned at The Salon Privé sale by Silverstone Auctions on 4th September Today, Range Rovers are the favourite vehicles of everyone ranging from the Queen to Kim Kardashian but the first Range Rover produced was a far more simple vehicle. It is to be auctioned at The Salon … Continue reading “Range One”
July 12, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
As well known buy-to-let tycoons Fergus and Judith Wilson sell up, we ask: “Has the British property market peaked?” Known as “Baron and Baroness Buy-to-Let”, Fergus and Judith Wilson were the kind of role models those who watch daytime shows such as Homes Under the Hammer aspired to be. With this week’s announcement that they’re … Continue reading “Buying to bank”
July 8, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This Hungarian “former student radical” and emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent argued that historic abuse offences should effectively be swept under the carpet on Newsnight in July 2014. Faversham based Furedi – who is married to the CEO of the UK’s largest independent abortion provider – has previously bizarrely leapt to … Continue reading “Frank Furedi (born Ferenc Furedi)”
July 3, 2014
December 26, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Our tribute to Martin Miller We learnt yesterday via Facebook that the founder of Martin Miller’s Gin and Miller’s Antiques Guides, Martin Miller, had died. Like many others, we were shocked and astounded by this terrible news.
December 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The worst named restaurants in the world When opening a restaurant, some restaurateurs opt to name their businesses after a street whilst others use their surname or a historic figure. Here, however, we list a selection of ten of the most bizarre and ridculous that we’ve come across
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 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a £4.5 million Grade I listed house designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens Once described as “Britain’s smartest bed and breakfast” by the Financial Times, The Salutation in Sandwich, Kent has also appeared on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed and Gogglebox programmes. The Grade I listed house, designed by Sir Edwin … Continue reading “Salutations in Sandwich”
August 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This “ebullient” American’s name is most apt. A former Barclays bank executive who likes to wear sunglasses come rain or shine, Ricci retired to a Kentish mansion at 49 and supposedly travels by private jet to Dublin every weekend as he “just love[s] Irish racing”. With 40 horses in training and a take home total … Continue reading “Rich Ricci”
August 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This sometime catwalk model from Brighton was branded “one of Britain’s worst louts” in 2008 but by 2010 had “turned his life around” according to the Daily Mail. After briefly appearing in the BBC’s Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne and being signed with Elite Models, by 2013 he was in trouble again and locked up … Continue reading “Korrel Kennedy”
August 2, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
After being convicted of stealing £1,500 worth of jewellery from Vandra Henderson of Whitstable, Kent in July 2013, this cleaner took to Facebook to berate a local newspaper who featured an image of him. Claiming his human rights had been breached didn’t win him any sympathy with his mother. In reply, Teresa Cooper wrote: “You … Continue reading “Charlie Cooper”
July 14, 2013
by Mrs Milf
My husband says that I never pay him any attention but as soon as he looks at a girl with a great body I am all over him like a rash. Is there a tendency throughout the female species to react in such a competitive way or am I being insecure? Hannah W., Carlisle, Cumbria … Continue reading "Ask Mrs MILF – The agony aunt who’s naughty but nice"
June 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Roman Catholic novelist and Italian translator’s works have included A Darker Shade of Love, Web of Passion and Anita: A Memoir. A former debutante and model, Dunhill also writes about love, life and lunches on the site Angela Darling’s Blog and is a granddaughter of the luxury goods titan Alfred Dunhill.
May 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
“If you want news, listen to the radio; if you want sex, read the newspapers” is amongst the many classic quotes from this Conservative peer. A land girl, a Bletchley Park codebreaker, Mayor of Cambridge, an agriculture minister, and now a Baroness, Trumpington famously stuck two fingers up at Lord King of Bridgwater after he … Continue reading “Jean Barker, Baroness Trumpington DCVO, PC”
May 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Laurence Benson is an international jetsetting businessman who is based in Belgravia, Florida and the Seychelles.
April 30, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks entrepreneur Laurence Benson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I fear a 9 to 5 office job. I cannot run far enough away from it. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? … Continue reading “Laurence Benson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 29, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The “Devil’s Advocate” is jailed for 14 years Bogus lawyer Giovanni di Stefano was jailed for 14 years yesterday after being found guilty of nine counts of obtaining a money transfer by deception, eight counts of fraud, three counts of acquiring criminal property, two counts of using a false instrument, one count of attempting … Continue reading “The truth’s stranger than fiction”
November 29, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The story of a 1929 bi-plane with a truly fascinating pedigree Britain’s best-known wartime Prime Minister piloted a Gipsy Moth aeroplane that will be sold by auctioneers Bonhams in February 2013 at a guide of £120,000. The same craft was also featured in an iconic 1980s film and was also supposedly flown by a … Continue reading “A Gipsy flies”
October 31, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks hotelier and chairman of Bespoke Hotels Robin Sheppard: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force? Hunger. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “While I breath, I hope.” Kerry Katona was considered … Continue reading “Robin Sheppard: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
September 21, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This father of six and his gang were amongst the most notorious and sadistic criminals in South London in the 1960s. Using scrap metal and slot machine businesses as fronts, they ran fraud, protection rackets and received stolen goods. They were best known for nailing those who displeased them to floor and then made them … Continue reading “Charlie Richardson (1934 – 2012)”
June 3, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This dynamo opened her first store at 154 Walton Street in Chelsea in 1994 and admits she had no money and made every error in the book whilst starting out. It all paid off as the Jo Malone brand that was created in her kitchen was sold to Estée Lauder in a multi-million pound “deal … Continue reading “Jo Malone MBE”
May 7, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Jeffrey’s invented a lot of tales but is rightly renowned for spinning them brilliantly. This former politician wrote some brilliant diaries whilst in prison and now is mostly likely to be found doing charitable deeds. His shepherd’s pie and Krug parties are still the stuff of legends.
April 28, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
A former broker who has survived a plane crash and taken on the European Commission. He’s onto his second stint as leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and has penned a set of memoirs named Fighting Bull. Booze loving Nigel Farage thinks that: “Politics need a bit of spicing up.” He’s certainly making … Continue reading “Nigel Farage MEP”
