A quarrel over gin ended with one fatal knife wound and a journey to Tyburn. William Peers’ execution on 23rd July 1753 tells the tragic story of an ordinary London baker whose violent temper destroyed his wife, his own life, and left behind a cautionary tale recorded by the Ordinary of Newgate.
Author Archives: The Sage Page
This Day in History – 22nd July 1895
A late-night walk along Edgware Road turned into a brutal gang robbery when Arthur Robert Mays was attacked by four young offenders and robbed of his watch. Witnesses quickly identified the assailants, leading to convictions that ended with hard labour—and the brutal punishment of the cat-o’-nine-tails.
Advice of the Day: Trusting Dogs
The Wise Sage returns with another hilariously unhelpful “Advice of the Day.” This time he explains why dogs should be trusted as the ultimate judges of human character. In true Viz Top Tips style, it’s packed with absurd logic, terrible decision-making, and enough canine wisdom to ruin perfectly good friendships.
Quote of the Day: Success
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reminds us that success is about more than achieving goals. “Success is not measured by how often you hit the standard, but by whether your standards survive success.” True achievement is keeping your integrity, humility and values intact when success finally arrives.
Quote of the Day: Courtesy
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on humility and kindness: “Salvation is rarely found by those who expect to be served before they offer courtesy.” A thoughtful reminder that genuine fulfilment often begins with respect, generosity, and the simple habit of putting others before ourselves.
Advice of the Day: Taking the Blame
The Wise Sage returns with another wonderfully irresponsible “Advice of the Day.” This time he explains how to avoid taking the blame for anything by ensuring there’s always somebody else nearby. In true Viz Top Tips style, it’s packed with absurd logic, terrible life advice, and gloriously misplaced confidence.
This Day in History – 21st July 1902
When a speeding hansom cab struck a couple in London’s streets in 1902, witnesses believed the driver was drunk and fleeing the scene. Yet remarkable medical evidence suggested an undiagnosed epileptic seizure instead. The Old Bailey’s verdict created one of Britain’s earliest courtroom debates over illness, driving and criminal responsibility.
This Day in History – 21 May 1722
On 21 May 1722, Thomas Smith and John Hawkins were executed at Tyburn for highway robbery. Smith committed a petty theft under Ludgate, while Hawkins took part in a major mail coach robbery. Their cases highlight both opportunistic crime and organised theft in early 18th-century London.
Advice of the Day: Choosing Swimwear
The Wise Sage delivers another absurd “Advice of the Day,” this time tackling the perilous task of choosing swimwear. In true Viz Top Tips style, this humorous guide replaces practicality with chaos—offering a counter-intuitive approach guaranteed to attract attention, confusion, and possibly intervention from concerned lifeguards.
Quote of the Day: Staying on Course
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on planning and human nature: “We try to prevent failure by taking stock, yet still find ways to throw ourselves off course.” A thoughtful reminder that preparation matters — but so does recognising our tendency to undermine it.
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