The Twentieth Century marked the beginning of many changes for London. It began with the end of an era, carried through two world wars, and a time of cultural and technological revolution. The 1900s saw the death of a monarch, the opening of several important institutions, and even the city’s first Olympic Games. This list that follows is by no means exhaustive of the events … [Read more...] about Ten Most Important London Events of the 1900s
About John Rabon
Ten Interesting Facts about Georgian London
Running through the reign of the Hanoverian kings from George I to William IV, the Georgian period began in 1714 and went to 1837. The culture of the time was largely defined by writers such as Jane Austen, musicians including John Handel, and architects such as John Nash. At the center of it all, as was the case throughout British history, was the City of London. London … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Georgian London
Five of London’s Oldest Breweries Still in Operation
Beer has been a part of British culture for centuries, and London has been the capital of some of its biggest breweries, such as Young’s or Fuller’s. However, not all of the city’s breweries still consider London their home, either having closed down like Whitbread (which ceased brewing operations in 2001) or Young’s (moved to Bedford). However, some of these giants remain … [Read more...] about Five of London’s Oldest Breweries Still in Operation
Ten Interesting Facts about Victorian London
The Victorian period follows the life and reign of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne in 1837 to her death in 1901. In many ways, her reign was a golden age for Britain as the British Empire expanded to its greatest height, advancements in science and technology abounded, and London's construction helped transform it into a city we recognize today. Of course, … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Victorian London
The London Fiver – Five Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace
A Grade I listed Royal Palace in the heart of Richmond, Hampton Court Palace, was the primary residence of King Henry VIII. Much of the original Tudor structure was subsequently demolished and rebuilt in a new style by King William II, but some of the castle’s previous residents remained. Several ghostly figures have been reported within the walls of Hampton Court Palace, … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace
A Brief History of London Theater
As well-known as Broadway is to American Theater, the West End is the heart of London’s vibrant drama scene. On the other side of the Thames River, you can find the recreated Shakespeare’s Globe that pays homage to the city’s history with the creative arts. And while a place such as the Globe honors London theater today, it also calls to mind that theater was not always … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London Theater
The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places to Watch Sports in London
If you can’t be at the game, sometimes the best you can hope for is a good place to watch it. In London, many of the city’s sports pubs rise to the occasion, not only providing good beer, tasty food, and fun entertainments, they also jam pack the place with television screens of all sizes. Some sports pubs even go out of their way to make sure they show a … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places to Watch Sports in London
A Brief History of London’s Ring Roads
Traffic calming and efforts to ease congestion have taken many forms throughout the world and especially in London. Today, emphasis on public transportation, bike shares, and the advent of the London Congestion Charge at the beginning of the century are the primary ways that the city seeks to make it easier to get around. In the 1960s, the Greater London Council (the … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London’s Ring Roads
Ten Interesting Facts about St. James’s Palace
The most senior Royal Palace, St. James’s Palace, has been the seat of the British monarchy for centuries even though the Sovereign does not live there. As such, the gorgeous Tudor-style building has been a key part of history since its construction and has many interesting stories to tell. We’ve collected at least ten of these into the facts below, and they range from the … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about St. James’s Palace
The London Fiver – Five Musicals Set in London
London’s West End is regarded as one of the top theater districts in the entire world. From classics such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream to great musicals like Hairspray, you can see any number of staged productions. However, not as many of these shows are actually set in the city in which they’re being performed. While London may not be as popular a setting as New York, it … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Musicals Set in London
The London Fiver – Five of London’s Greatest Races
London is a city on the go—and that translates to racing! There are plenty of races that take place in London on foot, bicycle, car, and more. For those wanting to participate, there are races for amateurs and professionals as well as ones for the public and for members only. Regardless of whether you want to participate, there are still races you can view as a spectator. … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of London’s Greatest Races
Ten World War II Movie Locations You Can Visit in London
Through World War II, London was a center of the United Kingdom’s battle against Nazi Germany and bore a heavy burden of the Axis attack. Appropriately because of its role throughout the conflict that spanned nearly six years, London has been a featured location in many movies made about the war. From the power of Whitehall to the Blitz rubble that used to be someone’s home, … [Read more...] about Ten World War II Movie Locations You Can Visit in London
Ghosts of the Tower of London
There’s no question that London is one of the most haunted places in the world, a subject we have covered in past articles. Perhaps of all places in London, the Tower of London ranks as the most haunted of all. Part of the city since William the Conqueror had it built in the 1080s, it has alternately been a royal residence, prison, military stronghold, and museum. Many a … [Read more...] about Ghosts of the Tower of London
London 101: What is the London Congestion Charge?
Everyone hates traffic. No matter where you are in the world, there is nothing more frustrating than sitting behind the wheel of your car, needing to get somewhere, and moving at an absolute crawl. To find a solution to this issue in the most central areas of London, the City took a page from Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing Toll System. Today, the London Congestion … [Read more...] about London 101: What is the London Congestion Charge?
London Fiver: Five of the Best Places in London for Bibliophiles
Many people enjoy reading a good book, whether curled on the count, in your bed, under a tree, wherever. Books take us to other times, other places, and even other worlds. There are plenty of places to enjoy books in London as the city includes some of the country’s greatest libraries, bookshops, and museums dedicated to the written word. If you have a love of literature, … [Read more...] about London Fiver: Five of the Best Places in London for Bibliophiles
The London Fiver – Five Places to Be Alone in London
Sometimes in the midst of a bustling city, we just want a little bit of peace and quiet. Of course, finding that place to be alone and collect your thoughts can prove a bit difficult when cars, busses, and people are moving ever so quickly around you. However, despite all this, there are places in London where you can achieve solitude or something close to it. Whether you … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Places to Be Alone in London
Ten Period Film Locations to Visit in London
Britain is certainly known for its period drama films, which is no surprise considering how much history the country has. Of course, this also extends to London, with its oldest intact building being the White Tower of the Tower of London, which is nearly a millennium old. With such a rich past, many of the UK’s period dramas have taken place here, and films have featured … [Read more...] about Ten Period Film Locations to Visit in London
Ten Places to Get Lost in London When We Can All Return
Get lost! No, we mean it. Sometimes the best way to truly experience a place is to get yourself lost. As large a city as it is, London certainly offers many chances to explore its streets, waterways, and landmarks. Just letting yourself wander around in London can help you discover something you never knew existed before, from new restaurants to fascinating exhibits. We … [Read more...] about Ten Places to Get Lost in London When We Can All Return
London on Film: Ten Romantic Comedy Locations to Visit in London
Everyone loves a good Romantic Comedy, or Rom-Com, as it were. The United Kingdom has certain produced its fair share over the years, including a few not actually written and/or directed by Richard Curtis. Of course, whether it’s a film by Curtis or someone else, the odds are good that the movie is going to take place in London. London might not seem as romantic a city as, … [Read more...] about London on Film: Ten Romantic Comedy Locations to Visit in London
Top 10 London: Ten War Memorials in London
War is a terrible business. For hundreds of years, they have required the utmost sacrifice from the United Kingdom’s men and women to protect freedom and the lives of innocent civilians. It is with that in mind that each conflict has seen a monument erected to those who served and those who fell. As the nation’s capital, London has more than its fair share of such memorials … [Read more...] about Top 10 London: Ten War Memorials in London
The London Fiver – Five London Urban Legends
We’ve all heard an urban legend or two in our time. Whether it’s alligators in the sewer or something almost believable, rumors somehow persist in any city and turn into urban legends. Some have a bit of truth to them, while others are entirely fabricated. Even London is not immune to urban legends and has many of its own wild tales, and we have five of them to share with … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five London Urban Legends
London on Film: Ten Sci-Fi Film Locations to Visit in London
London has certainly seen its share of filming over the years from movies of all genres. While the city is most often used for contemporary films, it has a tendency to travel back in time to Britain’s past. However, that’s not all, as London can travel into its future or transform entirely into other worlds. Through science fiction, London has often taken on so many … [Read more...] about London on Film: Ten Sci-Fi Film Locations to Visit in London
Ten Unusual Exhibits to See in London
London has its share of great museums, from the National Gallery to the British Museum. It even has a number of smaller, more specialty museums for toys, cartoons, advertising, and more. With so many museums throughout London, there are any number of unique and downright unusual exhibits. From signature clothing items of local celebrities to forgotten bits of London’s … [Read more...] about Ten Unusual Exhibits to See in London
London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View
Pubs are a dime a dozen in London, and all of them have something to offer patrons. Whether you’re looking for the oldest, the best-looking, the best food, or the best beer, you’re likely to find exactly what you want. Additionally, plenty of pubs throughout the city offer some fantastic views, including establishments along the River Thames. From the picturesque edges of … [Read more...] about London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View
Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames
The River Thames is the life’s blood of London. It’s along the river that the first settlements appeared in prehistory and here where the Romans established their capital for Roman Britain, leading to the city as we know it today. It should be no surprise that many of the city’s landmarks can be found not too far from its shores. These include beautiful gardens, fun … [Read more...] about Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!