A female activist known as the “founding spirit” of the Notting Hill Carnival is among the people whose place in history will be marked with a blue plaque this year. Equality campaigner Claudia Jones, who pioneered the Caribbean festival in London, is included in English Heritage’s roster of culturally significant people whose former homes will be bestowed with the … [Read more...] about English Heritage has unveiled six new blue plaques for London
History
London History: Ten Important Historical Events for London in the 2010s
The last decade in London was certainly an eventful one. From a year of protests to the Summer Olympic Games, there was no shortage of major happenings with the city. The population of London grew and so did its skyscrapers, with several new buildings changing the shape of Greater London’s skyline. From 2011 to 2020, the decade was filled with moments of tragedy and triumph, … [Read more...] about London History: Ten Important Historical Events for London in the 2010s
Wall uncovered during Westminster restoration may mark original course of Thames
The remains of a medieval stone wall likely to be at least seven centuries old may have been found under the Palace of Westminster, experts have said. The structure, thought to be the original medieval Thames River wall which was believed to run under the Houses of Parliament, was unearthed during work to help restore the building. Experts say it is likely to be at least … [Read more...] about Wall uncovered during Westminster restoration may mark original course of Thames
Portrait of Shakespeare said to be painted while Bard was alive goes on display in London
A portrait said to be the only signed and dated image of William Shakespeare created during his lifetime has gone on display in London. Its owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is offering the piece for sale by private treaty – without an auction – for a figure of more than £10 million. It is the work of Robert Peake, Sergeant-Painter to King James I, and is signed and … [Read more...] about Portrait of Shakespeare said to be painted while Bard was alive goes on display in London
Organiszation which records thoughts of British public receives blue plaque
The original headquarters of an organization which has recorded the thoughts and experiences of the British public since 1937 has been commemorated with a blue plaque. Mass Observation project was started with the aim of capturing the public’s real opinion as opposed to the perception of it as presented in newspapers. English Heritage has honored its birthplace, 6 Grotes … [Read more...] about Organiszation which records thoughts of British public receives blue plaque
Exploring Euston Fire Station during Open House London
Open House London gives an annual opportunity to visit buildings that are not usually open to the public. I've often walked past Euston Fire Station and wondered what it was like inside, so I booked a tour. Euston Fire Station is a Grade II listed late Victorian red brick building. It's in the Arts and Crafts architectural style, dressed with Portland stone. It is close to … [Read more...] about Exploring Euston Fire Station during Open House London
BBC news pioneer receives Blue Plaque in Kensinton as the broadcaster celebrates 100 years
A BBC presenter who first brought politics and current affairs onto the television screen has been commemorated with a Blue Plaque by English Heritage, as the broadcast corporation celebrates its 100th year. Grace Wyndham Goldie, one of the few women executives in the BBC, was directly responsible for its early televised election coverage and for programs such as Panorama, … [Read more...] about BBC news pioneer receives Blue Plaque in Kensinton as the broadcaster celebrates 100 years
Rosetta Stone at British Museum moved for first time in 18 years for new exhibition
The Rosetta Stone has temporarily moved to a special exhibition in the British Museum to celebrate 200 years since hieroglyphs were decoded. It is the first time the ancient object has been relocated since it was installed in the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery 18 years ago. In 1799, the inscribed slab was stumbled upon by a group of soldiers and later it went on to became the … [Read more...] about Rosetta Stone at British Museum moved for first time in 18 years for new exhibition
Match Girls’ Strike of 1888 commemorated with blue plaque in east London
The Match Girls’ Strike of 1888 has been commemorated with a blue plaque at the site of the former Bryant and May match factory in east London. In early July 1888 around 1,400 of the Bryant and May match factory’s predominately female workforce walked out in protest at the dismissal of a number of their co-workers. We actually have a great article about this whole story … [Read more...] about Match Girls’ Strike of 1888 commemorated with blue plaque in east London
Windrush generation makes our culture richer, says William as monument unveiled at Waterloo Station
Black men and women are still facing racism and discrimination in modern-day Britain in a nation that would be poorer without the efforts of the Windrush generation, the Duke of Cambridge has said. William was speaking as he and the Duchess of Cambridge attended the unveiling of a national monument at London’s Waterloo Station to celebrate the dreams and courage of the … [Read more...] about Windrush generation makes our culture richer, says William as monument unveiled at Waterloo Station
Laura’s London: Exploring The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
The Old Operating Theatre Museum is a museum of surgical history housed in a church attic. Yes, there is so much about that sentence that needs explaining! The Museum has two parts: the Herb Garret and the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. Anniversaries This London Bridge attraction has been open for 60 years, but 2022 is also 200 years since the first … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Exploring The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Ten More Interesting Facts about the Greater London Authority
Unlike any other local government in the United Kingdom, the Greater London Authority shares more in common with American city governments. It has a legislature and a mayor elected to four-year terms, it is a central authority for practically all of London (except for the City of London), and its policies impact the lives of 9 million people. We covered ten interesting facts … [Read more...] about Ten More Interesting Facts about the Greater London Authority
Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Circle Line
Prior to its expansion with a line to Hammersmith, the Circle Line lived up to its name by forming a loop that encircles much of inner London. Running through Chelsea and Kensington, the City of London, Hackney, Islington, the City of Westminster, and now to Hammersmith and Fulham, the Circle Line runs through practically every major Underground and railway station in London. … [Read more...] about Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Circle Line
Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Central Line
For over 121 years, the Central Line has been a central part of the London Underground. Its importance is can be exemplified by the fact that it’s the longest Tube line in the city at forty-six miles that serve forty-nine stations, from West Ruislip to Essex. The Central Line has been a vital part of London’s history and culture since it opened in 1900, and we’re going to … [Read more...] about Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Central Line
Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
For two weeks during the House of Commons Easter recess, there was the rare opportunity to see inside the Speaker's House. This was the first time tours of these State Apartments have been offered to the public so I booked quickly and got a ticket before all tours sold out. For over 160 years the State Apartments in Speaker’s House has hosted visits and dinners for Royalty … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
A Brief History of the Bakerloo Line
Like a lightning bolt running through the city, the Bakerloo line gets passengers where they’re going nearly as fast and has been doing so for over 100 years. Its name is a portmanteau of two parts of London through which it ran when it first opened in 1906. You might be interested to learn, however, that its history goes back well before this and into the 19th Century when … [Read more...] about A Brief History of the Bakerloo Line
A Brief History of the Hammersmith & City Railway
Every day people take a London Underground train to get from point A to point B without considering the history of the lines they take. Underground Tube lines actually have some pretty fascinating histories, including the Hammersmith & City Line. This line actually started as an extension of the Metropolitan Line, which had opened in 1863 as the first underground railway … [Read more...] about A Brief History of the Hammersmith & City Railway
Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Metropolitan Line
Welcome to a new series on the histories of each of the London Underground lines. Of course, if we’re going to start anywhere, why not start with the line that began it all? The Metropolitan Line has been around since opening in 1863 and was the first underground transport railway anywhere in the world. This gives the Met the richest history of any public transport in London … [Read more...] about Tube Histories: A Brief History of the Metropolitan Line
Ten Interesting Facts about the City of London Corporation
When people think of London government, what they’re really thinking of is the Greater London Authority. The City of London is its own unique municipal government apart from the GLA and has been since the 12th Century when there wasn’t much outside of the old city walls. The City of London Corporation is the primary government entity, and its long history means that it is … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about the City of London Corporation
Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
When a major London exhibition gets repeated five-star reviews and is described as 'magnificent,' 'astonishing' and 'unmissable,' you know it's one you have to see. The World of Stonehenge opened at the British Museum on 17 February 2022. I've seen some reviewers describe it as one of those exhibitions you will remember for the rest of your life. With such high praise, I had to … [Read more...] about Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
The Museum of London prepares to close for 3 years for big move (and changes its name)
One of the big things happening in London heritage is that the Museum of London will be moving to a new location in the Old Smithfield Market in 2025, in anticipation of that the museum will now be known as the 'London Museum' and will close for 3 years at the end of this year to facilitate the move. They've announced a series of events as they begin the countdown to the … [Read more...] about The Museum of London prepares to close for 3 years for big move (and changes its name)
Flurry of interest in American Thames wartime wreck packed with explosives
A Second World War wreck which is packed with thousands of tons of bombs has seen a surprising flurry of tourist interest amid reports that parts of it could be removed. For decades the three masts of the SS Richard Montgomery have protruded above the water in the Thames Estuary – a constant reminder of the vessel and its potentially explosive payload. Some of the … [Read more...] about Flurry of interest in American Thames wartime wreck packed with explosives
William Morris and his life and London Connections
William Morris (1834–96) was a man of many talents. His life, and life's work, made a huge impact on the worlds of literature, design, and politics. When you hear his name, you may first think of the wallpaper and textile designs, but he achieved so much more. William Morris was a designer, architect, craftsman, artist, novelist, printer, socialist, environmentalist, idealist, … [Read more...] about William Morris and his life and London Connections
London History: Ten Important London Events of the 2000s
A new London for a new millennium. With the advent of the third millennium and the newly-created Greater London Authority, London started to truly transform into the City we recognize today. The decade of the 2000s saw everything from new buildings to new politicians that helped shape its future. We have outlined an important event in every year from 2001 to 2010 below, and … [Read more...] about London History: Ten Important London Events of the 2000s
London History: Ten Important London Events of the 1990s
For many of us, the London of the 1990s was the one we grew up with. It was a place that was seeing a transition from past violence to future possibility. It seems as if the period between 1991 and 2000 was filled with bombings and new buildings, with the former giving way to the latter in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement. With New Labour came a facelift for Britain's … [Read more...] about London History: Ten Important London Events of the 1990s
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