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
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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
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Hyde Park hides a secret. Out of sight and, not ordinarily open to the public, is a cemetery. The headstones however are tiny and you will see names such as ‘Darling Fluff’, ‘Jack the Dandy’, ‘Chim-Chim’ and ‘Bijou’. This is not ordinary cemetery, it is a pet cemetery. I was shown this fascinating and rather
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London’s streets are awash with fascinating street furniture, hiding in plain sight, you just need to know where to look. I have, for example, written about the Piccadilly Porter’s Rest before in a previous post. I also talk about all sorts of quirky street furniture in my new book! Another easy-to-miss detail is the Duke
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