London’s historical hidden gems
I was delighted recently to be invited by the Foreign Office to be given a tour of a Government building that is almost never open to the public: Lancaster House. It can be found next to St James’s Palace and it is approached by going through a barrier manned by armed guards. Built initially as […]
A Rare Invite To The Beautiful Lancaster House Read More »
Picture the scene. It is 2001 and you wander off the streets of St James’s into the American Bar of the Stafford Hotel. You grab a drink and sit at the bar. At the other end of the bar is an elderly lady, with an enraptured crowd around her, gathered to listen as she regales
The Stafford Hotel: A War Legend And 17th Century Wine Cellars Read More »
I always love visiting the livery halls of the City of London. They are buildings that are generally not open to the public, but are usually full of interesting stories, artefacts and often are central to key elements of London and the country’s history. Going through their doors often feels like delving into a hidden
Stationers’ Hall: One Of The City’s Oldest Livery Halls Read More »
Walking along North Audley Street in Mayfair you will come across a lovely Greek revival style entranceway, standing out from its red-brick Victorian neighbours. Starting life as a church, this building went through a period of decline in the second half of the 20th century, but has in recent years been revived as a market.
Mercato Mayfair: The Market Inside A Converted Church Read More »
Tucked amongst the alleyways and winding lanes of Smithfield you will find a number of historic survivors. One of the buildings that has survived fire, bombs and development is 41-42 Cloth Fair, a house that is often said to be the oldest house in the City of London. Read on for its story and why
Is This The Oldest House In The City Of London? Read More »