Tag: London History
The Tragic Story of Robert Hubert: The Man Who Was Hanged for Starting the Great Fire of London
The Strange tale of Robert Hubert—the man who didn’t start the Great Fire, but was hanged for it anyway.
Thames Mudlarking: Hunting for Buried Treasure
Welcome to the age-old, utterly addictive pastime of mudlarking, where ordinary folks turn into part-time treasure hunters on the riverbanks of London.
How to book a tour of Big Ben
Did you know that you can take a tour inside Big Ben? Londonopia tells you how. Getting Tickets: The Chase for Clock Tower Glory Here’s where the fun (read: bureaucratic rigmarole) begins. You can’t just waltz up to Big Ben, flash your Oyster card and expect to enter. For reasons best left to history and…
Knights Templar: London Landmarks
London is a treasure trove of Knights Templar locations. From the solemn splendour of Temple Church to the dark histories of Smithfield, these locations allow visitors to touch the mysterious and somewhat mythologized history of the Knights Templar.
Millenium Mills: An East End icon
On the eastern edge of London, near the River Thames in Silvertown, sits an imposing relic of the city’s industrial past: the Millennium Mills. This hulking, derelict building stands as a silent testament to a time when London’s Docklands were the beating heart of global trade and manufacturing. Although it’s been decades since Millennium Mills…
The Cat Meat Men of London
In the bustling streets of Victorian London, amid the clatter of carriages and the shouts of street vendors, you might have spotted one of the city’s most curious tradespeople: the cat’s meat man. No, this wasn’t some Dickensian character with a sinister twist; he was a legitimate vendor, a friend to the city’s four-legged residents,…
Brixton: South London’s Beating Heart
Brixton. It’s the buzzing heart of South London; a vibrant urban tapestry woven from reggae beats, jerk smoke, and street art. You’d be hard-pressed to find another corner of the city with such a cultural punch per square meter.
The London pub that inspired a nursery rhyme
The Eagle pub is the only pub that is immortalised in a nursery rhyme. Pop Goes the Weasel features the lines UP and Down The City Road, In and Out The Eagle….
The Real Dick Whittington
Everyone who knows pantomimes has heard of Dick Whittington and his magical black cat. But the true story of the real Dick Whittington or rather Richard Whittington is just as compelling. Richard Whittington was a real historical figure—a three-time Lord Mayor of London, merchant, and philanthropist. From Fact to Folklore. Born in 1354 in Gloucestershire, Richard Whittington, sometimes misspelt as…
The Highwaymen of Blackheath
Picture this: It’s the 18th century, and London is a bustling metropolis, but venture just a little way out of the city, and you’d find yourself in the dark, misty expanse of Blackheath—a desolate stretch of land with windswept hills and the occasional inn, all perfect for a lurking danger. This eerie setting was the playground…
The Curious Tale of London’s Smallest House
Imagine a house so small, you could practically touch both walls at once! Meet Number 10 Hyde Park Place, once known as London’s smallest home, measuring a mere 3 feet 6 inches wide—narrow enough to make even the skinniest buildings feel spacious. This slender, tube-like dwelling first popped up in 1805, squished between two grand mansion…
The Soho Waiter’s Race
The Waiters’ Race of Soho, also known as the Soho Waiters’ Race, is a quirky and beloved tradition that captures the vibrant spirit of one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods. This eccentric competition sees waiters from Soho’s restaurants and cafés race through the bustling streets, all while balancing trays laden with drinks or other items. The…
The Polar Bear that Lived at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is renowned for its rich and multifaceted history that spans over a millennium. Within its storied walls, the Tower has seen countless tales of intrigue, treachery, and opulence. While most narratives revolve around the beheadings, imprisonments, and the Crown Jewels, one of its lesser-known yet equally fascinating tales is that of…
Queenhithe – London’s hidden Anglo-Saxon dock
On the north bank of the Thames between Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. is Queenhithe a secret bit of London history that even almost Londoners aren’t aware of. Queenhithe, is now just a small part of London beach sandwiched between apartment blocks but it was once a thriving Anglo Saxon harbour that played a pivotal…
London’s Ghost Signs
Ghost signs are those fading advertisements, often hand-painted, on the side of old buildings, dating back to a time when large-scale printing and digital advertising were unheard of. London’s ghost signs are beautiful, nostalgic relics that offer a fascinating juxtaposition against the city’s modern skyline telling stories of businesses, products, and lifestyles of days gone…
The Wife Auctions of Spitalfields
In the colourful tapestry of London’s history, there exists a curious and often overlooked chapter: the wife auctions of Spitalfields. These peculiar events, which unfolded in the bustling East End district of London, were a blend of quirkiness, scandal, and social commentary that could only have emerged from the vibrant streets of 18th and 19th-century…