Essential History | The top sights in London, Madrid and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London, Madrid and beyond.
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 café - all in a country-side setting. Fulham Palace remained the [...]
If you’re in London during December you might want to participate in one of the Christmas services taking place in Westminster Abbey. Dates have recently been announced. Services, which are free and require no booking, commence on 2nd December, then the 16th and throughout the Christmas period. This is a unique experience [...]
Girona is an historic city in Catalonia in north eastern Spain, close to the Costa Brava and Barcelona. It has a warm climate, a fascinating history and fine restaurants. And the city is served by an international airport with frequent, quick and inexpensive flights from London. All these factors make it ideal for a short [...]
This article gives a route to visit some of the hidden treasures of the Cotswolds, an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' of around 800 square miles in size and sixty miles to the north-west of London. Once in the Cotswolds, the route will take you around five hours allowing for stops. Head up the M40 [...]
Covent Garden is home to the world renowned Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet and the London Transport museum – as well as some of the best shopping, food & drink and street entertainment in London. This post is about the foundation of Covent Garden and, in particular, two painters that were attracted to paint [...]
Here are five must-see American historical sites that you can visit in London today. They are not in any order or category, but having said that, we should start from where the Mayflower set sail in the first place. 1 The Mayflower Pub Back in 1620, the Mayflower started its journey from here to the [...]
Back from a visit to the reconstructed 'Temple of Mithras' in London - an original Roman temple from around 250 AD. A blow-away experience of sound, light and atmospheric effects. Followers believed the god was responsible for the cosmos and male fertility - an important deity in Roman times. Also on display are around 600 [...]
The west towers of Westminster Abbey were built in 1745 as an addition to the medieval Abbey. Here is where all British monarchs (except two) have been crowned since 1066. And it's the burial place of many too. You can visit most days but check the website. Tip: attend any weekday evensong service at 5pm [...]
You cannot fail to be amazed by All Hallows by the Tower. It is the oldest church in the City of London. It was founded by the Abbey of Barking in 675 AD – 300 years before the Tower of London was built. It’s a fabulous church to participate in a traditional English Christmas service. [...]
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany Services & Events 2018/2019. Participate in a Christmas season service at St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London. Not only, is it the oldest church in London (founded in 1123), but its the site of Benjamin Franklin's print works - where he worked as a printer (during 1725) at [...]