18 Origins of some well-known London street names
Walking along London’s streets today, often in a rush to get from A to B, little thought is usually given to how these arteries of our fascinating city came by their names. Here is an … Read more
History
Millbank Penitentiary – The Prison That Once Stood At London’s Millbank
The prison on Millbank was vast and intimidating, and the site had been chosen partly for its isolation. Millbank penitentiary, the world’s first modern prison, was masterminded by Jeremy Bentham – a social reformer – … Read more
Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Opposite, at number 186, Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street had his barber shop. His career as a serial killer was dramatised by George Dibdin Pitt in 1842, as what was regarded as … Read more
A walk by St Giles in the Fields and the secret garden
We decided it was time to pay St Giles in the Fields a visit after continuously being reminded that this structure was the last church on the route between Newgate Prison and the gallows at … Read more
A walk by Queen Anne’s Gate, Westminster
If you ever pass through St. James Park underground station take a detour down Queen Anne’s Gate and admire these magnificent buildings. Queen Anne’s Gate is an enchanting Georgian road. Many of the buildings are … Read more
A walk by Blewcoat School, Westminster
There are plenty of buildings and structures in London that date back centuries so there’s no shortage of historic attractions to visit. This little Listed Grade 1 building situated on Caxton Street, Westminster – a two-minute … Read more
The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Treasure
In 1912, the world was given a glimpse into what was being sold in Cheapside, London, early in the 17th century. Cheapside was indeed a busy shopping street from the Elizabethan era and beyond and … Read more
A Short History of the Quill Pen
Early humans scraped pictures onto cave walls with small sharp stones. Those marks illustrated their daily lives and history – their story. Over several millennia, those early cave drawings evolved into symbols, and in 600 … Read more
How Some of London’s most popular areas and boroughs got their name
Ever wondered how some of London’s most popular districts and boroughs got their names? We have already looked into the history of London street names, so let’s jump in and take a look at the … Read more
The Oldest Church in the City of London
All Hallows by the Tower is the oldest church in the City of London. The church dates back as far as 675AD and is full of history. The Saxon Abbey of Barking founded the church … Read more