Historical street oddities in London
On the face of it, the statue of William III in St James’s Square looks fairly standard. Plinth: tick, horse: tick, King dressed as a Roman: tick. Look closely however and you will notice something strange under the horse’s back-left hoof… a odd mound. It has been speculated that this unusual feature represents the molehill […]
Molehills Into Mountains: An Unusual London Statue Read More »
At the corner of Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street you will find a brilliant historical survivor from London’s more grisly past. This is the story of the deadly Aldgate Pump. You can, by the way, download a Google map of all the historic locations I highlight on my blog and Instagram page (for less than
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London’s streets are full of historical curiosities, hiding in plain sight. One of my favourites to spot are, what are known as, ‘Mercer’s maidens’. The Mercers’ Company The Mercers’ Company dates back, most likely, to the 12th century and were given a Royal charter in 1394. They are one of the City of London’s oldest
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Elephants in Camden, surely not?! Surprisingly, yes, Camden has an unusual association with elephants and if you know where to look you will spot some around. The Coat of Arms The first link to elephants is the borough’s coat of arms. When the borough of Camden was created in 1965, it incorporated the old boroughs
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On a quiet side-street, practically within the shadow of Westminster Abbey, you will find a little-known historical remnant. The street in question is Little Sanctuary and the historical treasure: this old stone gateway. It was once the entrance to one of London’s lost prisons called Tothill Fields Bridewell Prison. As the name suggests, it was
A Mysterious Old Prison Doorway In Westminster Read More »