Memorials and Monuments

London’s memorials and monuments- the history behind them and the people they honour

A Visit To Paddington’s Jewel: St Mary Magdalene Church

st mary magdalene paddington history

Sitting proudly next to the Grand Union Canal, today in its own grassy enclave, you can find the jewel of Paddington: St Mary Magdalene Church.  It is a Gothic Revival masterpiece and filled with beautiful details, including a breathtaking treasure in the crypt. For me, it was very much a ‘why have I not been here

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Tracing The Peasants’ Revolt Through London’s Streets

peasants revolt in london

The Peasants’ Revolt, or the ‘Great Uprising’ of 1381, was one of the great defining and dramatic events of medieval England. That summer, rebellion erupted across parts of Southern and Eastern England. Thousands of ordinary people arrived at the gates of London and, for a brief moment, threatened the established order of English society. They

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A Closer Look At The Fabulous Spirit Of Soho Mural

spirit of soho mural

On the corner of Broadwick Street and Carnaby Street you will find a brilliant burst of colour in the form of the Spirit of Soho Mural.  Completed in 1991, the mural was originally designed and executed by Diane England and a team of artists from Free Form Arts Trust. True to the spirit of the area, it is

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The Story Of Grosvenor Square: Three Centuries Of Change

grosvenor square history

Last week, on 20th July 2026, a newly restored Grosvenor Square, one of London’s largest and most historic squares, was unveiled to the public. I was invited to meet with heritage consultant Cordula Zeidler, who advised on the project, and Fay Rajaratnam from the Grosvenor Estate, who showed me around. It was great to hear

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Delving Into The History And Treasures Of Chelsea Old Church

chelsea old church history

Chelsea Old Church has stood quietly on the banks of the River Thames for more than 700 years. It may not be London’s most spectacular church, but like Chelsea itself, is steeped in history. The building is an architectural jigsaw, shaped and reshaped over the centuries and has one of the most remarkable collection of

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