The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London is a triumph of Royal patronage, government foresight and public sponsorship spanning back to it’s inception after the Great Exhibition of 1851. We recommend the V&A for its scale, privacy (in many galleries), great restaurants and the exhibits! The Great Exhibition (in London’s Hyde Park) was such [...]
Category: Historical London
Historical locations, people and buildings in London
The Churchill War Rooms
Among the most popular and famous of sights in London are the Churchill War Rooms. We visited recently to experience it again, along with the Churchill Museum. Commissioned in the nick of time in August 1939 the War Rooms were the venue for 115 meetings of the War Cabinet during the 'Blitz' of London in [...]
The history of the British Army at the National Army Museum
The National Army Museum in Chelsea exhibits artefacts about the history of the British Army, its impact on society and key conflicts from the British Civil War to the modern day. There are five galleries spread over four floors. These are; Soldier, Army, Society, Battle and Insights. The Soldier gallery asks us if we could join the [...]
The home of the Bishops of London – Fulham Palace
Tucked away in south west London is the home of the Bishops of London since 704 AD. Set in magnificent grounds close to the River Thames it is a secluded environment that manages to combine places for children to explore, historical interest and a great cafe - all in a country-side setting! Fulham Palace remained the [...]
Brooklands – home of British motorsport and aviation
Fifteen miles to the south of London is the home of British motorsport and aviation. The place is Brooklands. Motor racing took place here from 1907 to 1939 and aviation developed on the site at the same time - right up until 1989. At one time, Brooklands was the most prolific aircraft [...]
Hampton Court Palace – home of England’s most famous king
Hampton Court Palace was the home of England's most famous king from 1529 until his death in 1547. With sixty acres of gardens and 750 acres of parkland, it was King Henry VIII's weekend and summer retreat from London. Successive monarchs also saw the appeal and the palace was occupied by monarch's of the Stuart [...]
The must-see exhibits at the British Museum (part 2)
Welcome to part two of the ‘Must-see exhibits at the British Museum'! Part one was published in Americans in Town on 1 November 2018 and 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 must-see exhibits at the British Museum (Part 1)
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, you need look no further! The British Museum [...]
The Royal Hospital Chelsea – historical buildings and the finest gardens
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement home to around 300 veterans of the British Army. Located on a large site in Chelsea, it offers fabulous walks in the gardens, beautiful art and architecture and an intimate view into the retired lives of the service men and women who live there. These former [...]
Hidden alleyways in the City of London
In the very heart of the City of London (the historic ‘square mile’) is a labyrinth of hidden alleyways connecting coffee houses, wine lodges, restaurants and churches. If you’re visiting London, it’s a must-see! This short guide will direct you through the area. You might lose your bearings but it’s relatively compact - [...]