15 Old Streets of London:
Pre-Roman Roads to Stuart StreetsThere are some destinations that every history-loving traveler must visit, and London certainly makes the list. There is evidence of over 2,000 years of human history on the city's streets – literally – if you know where to look. (There's also tons of evidence along the River Thames if you don't mind getting a bit dirty...) While London's street map might seem a scrambled mess – especially for those of us from North America with our rigidly efficient grid system –, many of the streets you might walk or ride down date back centuries – if not millennia...
Mudlarking in London: A Complete Guide for Visitors
As you get oriented with London on a map while planning your trip, you've probably noticed that big, beautiful, meandering river cutting right through the city. The Thames is the lifeblood of London, and in fact is the primary reason a city sprung up here at all, way back in the days of Roman settlement and when the area was called Londinium...
10 Great Books about London History to Read Before Your Trip
The majestic city of London, with its grand architecture, iconic landmarks, and intertwining streets, whispers tales of centuries gone by. Delving into books about London history isn't merely about understanding the past; it's an immersive journey through the very soul of the city. Such literary explorations offer travelers a rich tapestry of stories, from the Roman establishment of Londinium to the dynamic multicultural metropolis it is today...
The 9 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London (2023)
As you plan a trip to London, it's hard to ignore the rich history of the city. There's the London Wall, remnants of when the Romans occupied this land some 2,000 years ago, and the Tower of London which dates back over a thousand years. There is also more recent history, like the glamour of Victorian London when the city was the capital of a global empire...
Roman Ruins in London: 11 Places to See Roman London
London is a city where its history is literally beneath your feet; one of the most fascinating chapters of London history is shown by the evidence of when the Roman empire spread all the way to Great Britain. But, actually, the Romans didn't call it "London" when they did – instead, it was "Londinium," and it was a significant Roman city during their period of British occupation...
15 Spooky Spots & Haunted Places in London
It's that time of year: changing colors, shorter days, cooler weather, and crisp leaves underfoot... Autumn is upon us, and it's one of the best seasons to visit London. It's also the time of year when many people celebrate holidays related to the longer nights and spooky season...
How to Do the London Wall Walk: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
I'm standing across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament, admiring the view. My guide suddenly says, "and behind us is the second oldest privately owned garden in London, dating back to the 12th century." [I later learned this is Lambeth Palace Gardens.] Needless to say: on my first trip to London, I was struck by the incredible history of the place....
Tudor Sites in London: 11 Places to See Tudor London
Dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman period, London has existed through many chapters of history – and as England has long been a dominant force in geopolitics, many of these chapters are well-known around the globe from history books to pop culture...
13 Creepy & Curious Cemeteries in London
I'll be the first to admit that I have a morbid fascination. I'm the one in my group of friends who's 'in the know' about the latest true crime podcasts and have long been a fan of shows and books like Sherlock (and, of course, Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes books), Broadchurch, J.K. Rowling's Cormoran Strike series...
The 7 Gates of London: Roman Routes & Medieval Modifications
London is full of historic gems: blue plaques mark important residences, building cornerstones have dates from centuries past, and street names harken back to the times when those streets peddled those wares – like Shoulder of Mutton Alley, Wardrobe Place, or Pudding Lane. Some of London's history is a bit harder to uncover, as I've discovered through my fascination with the London Wall and Roman history in London...