Essential London | The top sights in London
The best cultural and historical sights in London and beyond.
Historical locations, people and buildings in London
Welcome to part two of the ‘Must-see exhibits at the British Museum'! Part one, published recently, explored the ground floor galleries. Part two starts in Room 61 and will work clockwise around the entire first floor. Room 61 Here we find artefacts from the tomb of a senior (and very successful!) ‘financial book-keeper’ [...]
In Bloomsbury, London is the world’s finest collection of historical artefacts under one roof - and even the roof is a world-class masterpiece. This article will highlight the must-see exhibits at the British Museum. If you only have time to visit one museum or gallery, look no further. The British Museum The British [...]
The former London home of Sir Thomas More, stands on Chelsea Embankment adjacent to Chelsea Old Church (More’s home is the central grey stone building in the featured picture). Originally situated in Bishopsgate it was moved here in 1910 since Chelsea was the location of More’s Beaufort House and estate (only recalled now by local [...]
Regent’s Canal was London’s main thoroughfare for heavy freight from the 1820’s – used by horse-drawn barges taking goods from sea-faring vessels on the River Thames into mainland England. The canal stretches 13.5 km from Little Venice in the west of London to Limehouse Basin in the east, today’s Docklands. The canal drops around 30 [...]
Established in 1510, Savoy Chapel is the private chapel of Her Majesty the Queen, as the Duke of Lancaster. Its name derives from Savoy Palace, previously on this site and the residence of Peter of Savoy - the uncle of Eleanor of Provence, wife to King Henry III. Originally dedicated to St John the Baptist, [...]
Euston Station in London is the terminus of the world’s first long distance inter-city railway. Completed in 1837, the station was the most southern point of the London and Birmingham Railway line. The line was the brainchild of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson and the station was designed by the renowned Philip Hardwick. The [...]
During the fine weather this summer take advantage of the free panoramic views offered by the Piazza Terrace at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Unrivalled views over London’s most famous market, plus food and refreshments in this iconic building make it a special experience. You may also wish to book an operatic performance [...]
The Jewel Tower is the sole remaining structure of the medieval Palace of Westminster, still easily accessible to the public on most days. Built for King Edward III in 1366, it was originally designed as the king’s private treasury before becoming a store for parliamentary records in 1600. A channel brought the river to it’s [...]
Completed in 1816, the Royal Opera Arcade predates it’s better known cousin, Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly, by three years. For the wealthy, it symbolised the dawn of shopping as a leisure pursuit - and no longer a chore undertaken by staff. The Regency period shopfronts were designed by one of London’s most famous architects; John [...]
If you’re in central London (West End) this week, head to St James’s Market (‘hidden’ between Regent Street St. James’s and Haymarket) to watch live matches televised by the BBC for free. It’s off the beaten track and mainly the preserve of local office workers. Photos (c) Essential London.