Clifton Suspension Bridge

 Clifton Suspension Bridge opened on 8 December 1864. It was designed by the great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This is his monument in Portsmouth.

First Actress

 On 8 December 1660, Margaret Hughes performed on stage as Desdemona in Othello. She was the first recorded actress in England. Before then women's parts were played by boys.

Christmas Decorations

 Long before the 19th century people in England decorated their houses at Christmas with holly, ivy, and mistletoe. In the 19th century people began to use coloured paper decorations.

East Meon, Hampshire

 I wrote a history of the charming village of East Meon in Hampshire 

Reading

 I wrote a history of the town of Reading in Berkshire 

Happy St Nicholas Day

 6 December is St Nicholas Day. As I am sure you know he morphed into Santa Claus. St Nick is the patron saint of children. He is also the patron saint of sailors.

In Portsmouth, the Garrison Church was originally called the Domus Dei (House of God). It was a hostel for pilgrims. It was dedicated to John the Baptist and St Nicholas. There is a St Nicholas Street in Old Portsmouth, so named because it led to the Domus Dei, dedicated to St Nick.

Hambledon Village

 I wrote a history of the Hampshire village of Hambledon