Caring for the sick has long been a calling to many, and hospitals have existed almost since the inception of medicine. London is home to some of the oldest hospitals in the United Kingdom, many of which are still in use today. Naturally, the hospitals that comprise this list have long and interesting (and also some with infamous) histories. All have long been … [Read more...] about The Fiver – London’s Oldest Hospitals
History
London and the Napoleonic Wars
London was in one of its most pivotal eras when Napoleon Bonaparte launched his campaign to conquer most of Europe. As industrialism was in its infancy, the city had a population of just over one million, though it would explode in the coming decades to over five times as many. London was also just starting to become a financial powerhouse after the London Stock Exchange … [Read more...] about London and the Napoleonic Wars
Ten of the Most Important Events in London’s History
For nearly 2000 years, London has been an important location in the British Isles. From a simple settlement to a major metropolis, the city has seen its share of major events that have defined its development. It’s hard to narrow down which ten events have been the most important in London’s history, so while we lay out the following keystone moments, you can share some that … [Read more...] about Ten of the Most Important Events in London’s History
‘Effortlessly cool’ London street signs from 1950s and ’60s to be auctioned off
Hundreds of London street signs, from Regent Street to Soho Square, are being auctioned off – giving fans of the capital the chance to own an “effortlessly cool” piece of history. Some 340 signs, dating from the 1950s and ’60s, are being sold by Westminster City Council, with the prices expected to range from £80-300. The first batch of 50 aluminum signs, being sold by … [Read more...] about ‘Effortlessly cool’ London street signs from 1950s and ’60s to be auctioned off
A Great and Dirty City: Dickens and the London Fog – Charles Dickens Museum London Exhibition
While we don't have to contend with the 'pea-soupers' (polluted fog) of the 19th century, London's air quality is still a topical news story. In Dickens's time, the fog was sometimes known as the 'London ivy' as it crept across the work and life of Charles Dickens. A Great and Dirty City: Dickens and the London Fog is the latest exhibition at London's Charles Dickens Museum. … [Read more...] about A Great and Dirty City: Dickens and the London Fog – Charles Dickens Museum London Exhibition
Judi Dench hails ‘heroic’ Ada Salter as blue plaque unveiled
Dame Judi Dench has described Ada Salter as a “heroic woman” as a blue plaque was unveiled to the former green space campaigner. The Oscar-winning actress, 88, is patron of the Salter Centenary, which last year celebrated the 100th anniversary of the year the social reformer became London’s first female mayor and Britain’s first female Labour mayor when she was elected mayor … [Read more...] about Judi Dench hails ‘heroic’ Ada Salter as blue plaque unveiled
Huw Edwards unveils Blue Plaque to ‘mathematical genius’ Richard Price
Newsreader Huw Edwards has unveiled a Blue Plaque dedicated to Richard Price who he described as an “mathematical genius and forward-thinking philosopher.” BBC News At Ten presenter Edwards, 61, said the memorial to Price at his former red brick home in Newington Green, London goes “some way” to giving him the “recognition he deserves” 300 years on from his birth in the … [Read more...] about Huw Edwards unveils Blue Plaque to ‘mathematical genius’ Richard Price
Ten Interesting Military Monuments in London
Since the earliest days of armed conflict, armies, navies, and air forces have been called on to defend the people or impose the will of leaders. Britain has a long and proud military tradition dating back to the creation of the Royal Navy in 1546 and the British Army in 1660. Understandably, many monuments around the city are dedicated to the armed services and individuals … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Military Monuments in London
Museum launches campaign to acquire Florence Nightingale’s customized wheelchair
The Florence Nightingale Museum has launched a public campaign to obtain the wheelchair used by the nursing pioneer in her London home after her return from the Crimean War. Nightingale used the customized mahogany and iron chair, with a red and tan floral brocade seat cover, in her Mayfair home as she fought through illness to transform healthcare and inspire generations of … [Read more...] about Museum launches campaign to acquire Florence Nightingale’s customized wheelchair
English Heritage has unveiled six new blue plaques for London
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
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
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!