Essential London | The top sights in London and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London and beyond.
In the 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 compact and completely safe. [...]
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 [...]
Livery companies were a powerful force in the medieval City of London. Starting as religious fraternities, they evolved to control the prices, wages and quality of the City's trades, and collectively aspects of local government. Today, there are 110 livery companies operating as charities - supporting education, research and welfare in their sectors throughout the [...]
The foundations of empire At the dawn of World War I, Britain ruled over a quarter of the world’s land mass, comprising over four hundred million subjects belonging to an empire with, broadly, four types of British rule. Firstly, the five settler colonies or ‘Dominions’ of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Newfoundland. These [...]
Tower Bridge, the City of London and the Tower of London greet nightfall after twilight in early March. All awaiting a return to normality.
Ever wondered what London would look like without people? Take a look at these shoots taken last Saturday and Sunday on my permitted daily exercise. Astonishing to see it and hear it, but hoping for a return to normality. Thank you front line workers.
More than three hundred years after its completion, St Paul's Cathedral dominates the skyline on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. Seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the British Commonwealth, it is the second largest domed church in the world (after St Peter's in Rome). The work of Sir [...]
It’s time to plan your itinerary for the oldest and grandest civic procession in the world taking place in London in early November, as usual. This is the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London. Knowing the best place to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show will add to your enjoyment. The show can trace [...]
The 'square mile' of the City of London is home to half a million workers during the week. On Sundays however it is relatively quiet; allowing you to discover the deserted streets and secluded spaces. The juxtaposition of old and new architecture creates some interesting photographs. Here are a few from a recent visit.
Tower Hill is an open area of raised land just north of the Tower of London. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was the execution site for those incarcerated in the Tower in London. It's believed around 125 people were executed, mostly by beheading. At this time, only a few people (with Royal or [...]