How on Earth does a Roman city become a self-governing financial hub? Let’s discover the history of the City of London. So let’s first address the somewhat misleading name. If you came here for a history of the city of London, not the City of London, we apologise. You’re in the wrong place. What we’re …
Spotted the weird-looking bollards on London’s Southbank? London’s bollards began life as cannons. Or so the legend says… Have you ever looked at a bollard? Like, really looked. One of those slightly gnarled, glossy-black ones you see around London with the rounded top and the various ribs that now just look like swellings under a …
If you’ve ever been to Charing Cross, it’s likely you’ve spotted the towering spire outside. But do you know the story behind it? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Eleanor Crosses. Words by John Rogers Though London (and the rest of the UK) came together to mourn the death of …
The fascinating, near-thousand-year-old history of London’s Inns of Court. What is that, we hear you ask? Read on to find out. If you’ve spent much time wandering the streets of the City of London and its surrounding areas, pondering London’s long and winding history, you may have stumbled across some of London’s Inns of Court. …
Blink, and you’ll miss it; Fitzrovia Chapel is situated in leafy Pearson Square, bang in the centre of the Fitzroy Place development. Within its four walls lies a deep and rich history making it one of the finest hidden gems in London. Words by John Rogers From hospital chapel to avoiding demolition, and from closure …
It’s time to discover (what’s left of) Samuel Pepys’ London. The history of London’s most catastrophic event, the man who recorded it and where you can pick up his trail. Few people have passed down such a complete picture of their time as Samuel Pepys. And few people have done so at such an interesting …
Discover the fascinating history of London’s Temple Bar Gate, and how it came to find its present home. If you’ve been to Paternoster Square and didn’t have your eyes glued to the imposing walls of St. Pauls, you might have noticed a baroque gate tucked between two buildings on the north side of the square. …
Get ready to discover the fascinating history of John Snow pub in Soho – the London boozer named after a pioneering doctor from the 19th century. Words by John Rogers The name John Snow is synonymous with English fast bowling in the 1960s and 70s, Channel 4 News (until very recently) and, of course, Game …
Discover Georgian London with this handy guide – the era’s history and where to find the best examples of Georgian architecture in London today. Words by John Rogers The Georgian era began in 1714 with the accession of George I to the British throne and ushered in an era of unprecedented growth. London was already …
Devonshire House is such a hidden secret in London’s West End that it no longer exists. Yet the legacy of the Duke of Devonshire’s London pad remains. Words by John Rogers From fire damage to becoming one of London’s finest mansions, to its eventual demolition and replacement by offices, the history of Devonshire House is …
