My favourite of the Magnificent Seven, Kensal Green cemetery

I was passing through my favourite of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London, Kensal Green on my G-Line the other day. Whilst doing so I could not help but pass the grave of rake, rapscallion and rogue that was George Smythe. 

George Augustus Frederick Percy Sydney Smythe (1818–1857), the 7th Viscount Strangford, was a British aristocrat, writer, and politician associated with the Conservative intellectual movement known as Young England. Though his life was relatively short, he became known for his sharp intellect, political ambitions, and occasional controversies.

Smythe was born into a distinguished Anglo-Irish family and was the son of Percy Smythe, 6th Viscount Strangford, a respected diplomat and scholar. He was educated at Eton College and later attended St John’s College, Cambridge. His education and social connections placed him firmly within Britain’s political elite.

In the early 1840s, Smythe entered Parliament and became closely connected with the Young England group. This circle of Conservative thinkers, which included Benjamin Disraeli, sought to revive a sense of social responsibility among the aristocracy while preserving traditional institutions such as the monarchy and the Church. 

In 1846 scandal hit when he was caught into the summerhouse with the 21-year-old Lady Walpole, daughter of Horatio Walpole. There was gossip that she was pregnant and that Smythe had refused to marry her. She was later swiftly married off to a much older cousin. 

Smythe’s life also included a dramatic episode involving a duel. In 1852 he fought a pistol duel with Frederick Romilly, the son of Sir Samuel Romilly, after a dispute that arose from a political quarrel and alleged insults. Duelling was illegal in Britain by this time, but it still occurred among members of the elite when personal honour was believed to be at stake. Shots were exchanged but neither injured. Many suggest that this was the last duel between two Englishmen on English soil. 

Smythe inherited the title Viscount Strangford in 1855 but died only two years later at the age of 39. Despite his early death, he remains remembered as a colourful figure within Victorian political and intellectual society.

If you are ever in the area, Kensal Rise cemetery is definitely worth a visit as are so many interesting graves to see.

Trellick Tower in the background

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

London to Shoreham-on -Sea overnight on a Brompton

Friday night into Saturday morning saw me taking part in a Friday night ride to the coast: Shoreham-on-Sea. Armed with my trusty Orange Titanium, I set off for the start not far from the London Eye, feeling reasonably optimistic and only mildly aware that I was about to spend the best part of the night pedalling in the direction of a seaside town while most sensible people were either asleep or making poor choices of their own.

The Curious Case of the Lamppost-Bound Brompton

There’s a particular species of urban cyclist that fascinates and terrifies me in equal measure: the Brompton owner who (steel yourself for this)…leaves their bike locked to a lamppost. Yes, you read that right. The same folding wonder designed to slip discreetly under your desk, disappear into the boot of a cab, or quietly insinuate itself into the luggage compartment of a train is instead chained outside like it is an abandoned pony.