Peter Ackroyd's London Under offers fascinating insights into parts of the city that lie below ground and explores subjects ranging from holy wells and sacred springs to the London Underground.

Margaret Thatcher, first female British Prime Minister, held office for over ten years. She was the longest serving Prime Minister in the twentieth century.

Gamble is Felix Francis's first venture into solo novel writing territory. Prior to Gamble he co-wrote four books with his father Dick Francis - a Champion Jockey who turned his hand to writing hugely successful horseracing crime novels.

Dick Whittington is the story of a young man who heads to London to find his fortune in a city where he believes the streets are paved with gold. Richard Whittington was one of London's mayors, but he was not poor and was not known to have a cat - the animal who brought Dick fame and fortune.

Hot cross buns - golden, glazed buns containing fruit and spices and topped with pastry crosses - are traditionally made on Good Friday. They are good to make with children who can get involved in all or part of the bun making process.

Daffodils by William Wordsworth is a poem which many people know or half know, a poem which captures the natural beauty of flowers heralding spring in words and memory.