The smoky coal fires of London were banished in the fifties and all that remains of that smog filled, grimy time are the blackened buildings of parts of Bloomsbury which haven’t been cleaned.   Sunny days with blue skies are now common, but open fires very rare indeed.

Much to my surprise, coal burning is still possible. The Clean Air Act of 1993 makes it illegal to emit smoke in a designated Smoke Control Area, such as the London boroughs.  You’re only allowed to use authorised fuels which include gas, electricity and anthracite – ie. coal.

(more…)