**Back from the pub**
I've just assembled my own (post #5) circuit on a breadboard, and indeed the LED flashes, somewhat fast, but flashing all the same. I am using the same values, IE, 1K, 470K and 1uF. I then reversed the 555. The LED is on solid. Reversing the LED back where it should be, it's flashing again.
Mind you, I'm using a 5v supply. If you've built the circuit to the letter then KJ6EAD could be on the money with "you've destroyed the 555".
That said, 555s are pretty hardy units, over about 30 years, I think I may have killed about 3, and of thoes 30 years, it was most likely in the first few.
Don't give up.
(Actually, it started flashing before I'd connected pin 4 to +5v.)