Welcome to Ertblog!

I’m Rob Skinner – and this is where I write about the subjects I love, especially history, cycling, travel and Wales, the country where I was born. In my early days as a blogger I posted a lot about politics and current affairs, but in today’s troubled world I prefer to explore happier topics.

I love fascinating pieces of trivia that often shed light on more profound matters. In recent times, I’ve shared the story of the United States president of the 1840s who had a grandchild still alive in 2015, and explained why London’s main railway stations are so far from the centre. I also revealed the story behind the sad letter from my ancestor who travelled 18,000 miles to Australia to try to make his fortune in the Queensland goldrush of the 1880s.

I spend a lot of time researching many of my posts – I’m a stickler for getting things right, and try not to pass off a strong opinion as the truth. (Let me know if I’ve succeeded!) I’ve also got a curious talent for remembering dates, so please forgive me if you’re not interested in learning that Cardiff City AFC lost 2-1 away to Lincoln City on Saturday 13 November 1982…

Do please post a comment, and we’ll start a conversation!