My top ten spot lists of London’s historical highlights. Organised by category such as era or place.
Built in the 12th century, Temple Church is one of London’s oldest and, in my opinion, most beautiful churches. It sits nestled within the tranquil warren of lanes, courtyards and gardens of the historic Temple enclave, hidden just off Fleet Street. Origins: The Crusaders Consecrated in 1185, Temple Church was originally built as the English […]
Crusaders and Kings: The Fascinating History Of Temple Church Read More »
The London Transport Museum run Hidden London tours of various disused tube stations and subterranean sites. I went on their fascinating tour of the Clapham South Deep Level Shelter. To start the tour you enter via this round structure on Balham Hill, before descending 180 steps below the surface. Down in the depths, between the
A Look Inside Clapham South’s Deep Level Shelter Read More »
Around the back of Westminster Abbey, away from the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square, you will find a medieval survivor: the Jewel Tower. The Jewel Tower is a stubborn remnant of the old Palace of Westminster, when it was still the primary royal residence. I pass by it on my Westminster’s Backstreets: Saints and Scoundrels
A Visit To The Jewel Tower: A Medieval Relic Read More »
In the far North West corner of Kensington Gardens you’ll find a gnarled tree trunk, protected by a metal mesh cage. Get a little bit closer and you will see that, sequestered in all the twists, hollows, nooks and crannies of the wood, are an array of tiny carved, mythical figures. This unusual display is
An Ancient Tree Trunk In Kensington Gardens With A Magical Surprise Read More »
On Piccadilly you will find a shop that has been plying its trade for over 200 years. Hatchards is London’s and, according to their website, the UK’s oldest bookshop. It was described by former MP Sir Alan Herbert as “like an Enchanted Island in the sea of noise”. Read on to have a look inside
A Trip To London’s Oldest Bookshop Read More »