A married African-American couple who escaped enslavement in the US and fled to England in the mid-19th century has been honored with a blue plaque at their former London home. Ellen and William Craft lived at 26 Cambridge Grove, a mid-Victorian house in Hammersmith, after arriving in the country in December 1850. They had made a dangerous 1,000-mile journey from Georgia … [Read more...] about African-American abolitionists who escaped slavery honored with blue plaque in London
London News
London Marathon: 30 fun new world records set at 2021’s London Marathon
A fun runner who is now the fastest woman to finish a marathon dressed as a cake said it was a “amazing” to have competed in this year’s London Marathon. The effort by Anna Bassil, 42, of St Albans, is among 30 official Guinness World Records (GWR) titles which were broken as the Virgin Money London Marathon returned after last year’s event had to be scrapped due to Covid-19 … [Read more...] about London Marathon: 30 fun new world records set at 2021’s London Marathon
Two new ‘beefeaters’ join the ranks at the Tower of London
Two new “beefeaters” have donned their famous dark blue and red uniforms for the first time as they prepare to join the ranks of the guards at the Tower of London. Emma Rousell from Derby and Paul Langley from South Shields have begun training to become the newest Yeoman Warders at the central London landmark. Both Ms. Rousell and Mr. Langley have been chosen for the … [Read more...] about Two new ‘beefeaters’ join the ranks at the Tower of London
Princess Diana honored with blue plaque at her former London flat
Diana, Princess of Wales, has been honored with a blue plaque at her former London flat. The princess lived at 60 Coleherne Court, a property in a mansion block close to the fashionable King’s Road in Chelsea when she settled in the capital as a young woman before marrying the Prince of Wales in 1981. She shared the flat with a number of girlfriends from 1979 to 1981, … [Read more...] about Princess Diana honored with blue plaque at her former London flat
Thriving seal population shows River Thames is ‘full of life’ again
The Thames’ healthy seal population is proof the river is teeming with life, conservationists have said, despite a dip in numbers over the past two years. A team of researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) found the river was home to 2,866 grey seals and 797 harbor seals following the most recent pupping season. Apart from 2020, when the … [Read more...] about Thriving seal population shows River Thames is ‘full of life’ again
London street and railway sign collection goes up for rare auction
More than 400 distinctive railway and street signs from two collections are expected to sell for thousands of pounds when they go under the hammer. The JS Collection of Railwayana was one man’s lifelong passion and focuses on rare signs from the earlier part of the 20th century. Comprising 200 lots, the collection ranges from a large tube station platform sign which shows … [Read more...] about London street and railway sign collection goes up for rare auction
Tube News: Opening date revealed for major expansion of Tube network on the Northern Line
The first major expansion of the London Underground this century will open later this month. Tube trains will begin serving Battersea in south London on September 20, Transport for London (TfL) announced. The £1.2 billion extension of the Northern line features two new stations – Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station – which will be within 15 minutes of the West End and … [Read more...] about Tube News: Opening date revealed for major expansion of Tube network on the Northern Line
London’s Natural History Museum new photo exhibition to highlight a ‘planet under pressure’
A blood-spattered lioness, a gecko wrestling for its life in the grip of a snake, and a slick of dead and dying herrings are among the photographs submitted to a prestigious exhibition. The Natural History Museum has released a selection of the highly commended images for its Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which show a “planet under pressure”. Among the … [Read more...] about London’s Natural History Museum new photo exhibition to highlight a ‘planet under pressure’
Notting Hill Carnival boss ‘confident’ of 2022 return
The decision to take the Notting Hill Carnival off the streets for the second year running has affected the “hearts and minds” of those who love the event, its organizer has said. Matthew Phillip, executive director of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said canceling Europe’s biggest street party has hit those involved hard – but he is “confident” it will return next year. The … [Read more...] about Notting Hill Carnival boss ‘confident’ of 2022 return
Tube travel now at 50% of pre-pandemic levels
London Underground usage is regularly reaching at least half of pre-pandemic levels, Transport for London (TfL) said. Demand for the Tube on weekdays is often at 50% of what it was before the coronavirus crisis, and is hitting more than 60% at weekends. This is up from about 40% across the entire week in early May. An average of more than 1.8 million … [Read more...] about Tube travel now at 50% of pre-pandemic levels
Changing the Guard ceremony returns to Buckingham Palace – Pictures and Video
Changing the Guard has been performed at Buckingham Palace for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with the musical backdrop paying tribute to the success of the Team GB Olympians. The colorful military spectacle – one of the most time-honored traditions at the Queen’s London home – was halted around 18 months ago to avoid attracting huge crowds of tourists … [Read more...] about Changing the Guard ceremony returns to Buckingham Palace – Pictures and Video
London’s Tower Bridge reopens to traffic after mechanical fault fixed
Tower Bridge has reopened to traffic after becoming stuck due to a technical problem. Images from The Shard skyscraper’s live camera facing east showed the two sides of the crossing rejoin at about midnight on Monday. A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which owns and runs the bridge, had earlier said: “Due to a technical issue, Tower Bridge is currently … [Read more...] about London’s Tower Bridge reopens to traffic after mechanical fault fixed
Tower Bridge in London stuck open after technical failure
Oh dear. Tower Bridge has been left open due to a technical fault, causing traffic problems in central London. I do hope the traffic backups aren't too bad tonight, London. The bridge, one of several over the River Thames that connects central and southern parts of the capital, has been stuck for more than an hour. Images from the scene on Monday afternoon show traffic … [Read more...] about Tower Bridge in London stuck open after technical failure
Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
Andrew Lloyd Webber has unveiled the renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The West End venue has undergone a £60 million transformation. Bar and restaurant space has been added to the 17th-century venue, which will be available to the public regardless of whether or not they have a theatre ticket. (Andy Paradise/PA) An auditorium has also been renovated. Lord … [Read more...] about Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
West London’s Hammersmith Bridge is to partially reopen on Saturday after passing safety checks. Hammersmith and Fulham Council said pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted to use the 134-year-old cast-iron structure. Vessels on the River Thames will also be allowed to pass beneath it. Cracks in the pedestals have led to motor vehicles being prohibited … [Read more...] about Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
Lost medieval sacristy to open to public at Westminster Abbey
A lost medieval sacristy at Westminster Abbey will open to the public for the first time this week as part of a new tour of locations not usually accessible to tourists. The 13th-century room was used by monks to prepare for church services and housed clothes and sacred items for Catholic mass. The sacristy was discovered as part of an archaeological dig in September 2020 … [Read more...] about Lost medieval sacristy to open to public at Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace all ready for public picnickers ahead of garden opening
The Buckingham Palace garden is opening to the public for picnics and self-guided tours for the first time on Friday (we sent Laura Porter to the press preview, and she'll have a more thorough review tomorrow!). Such has been the demand for tickets that additional places have been made available on dates throughout July to September. Tourists will be able to picnic on the … [Read more...] about Buckingham Palace all ready for public picnickers ahead of garden opening
Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Tickets for a 25-meter man-made mountain in the middle of one of London’s busiest tourist areas have gone on sale. The Marble Arch Mound, created by Westminster City Council, will open up to members of the public from July 26 until January 2022. Visitors will be able to see sweeping views of the capital’s Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Mayfair, and Marylebone as part of a … [Read more...] about Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
The area around London’s famous Oxford Circus is to be transformed into two pedestrianized “piazzas” after years of deliberation. Work due to start later this year will include “significant improvements to the public spaces” as well as additional planting and seating in the shopping and leisure district, Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate announced on … [Read more...] about Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
Diners were served a classic menu of burgers, ribs, and cola floats at 1971 prices as London’s Hard Rock Cafe marked its 50th birthday. Some of the original waitresses returned for the special occasion while blue-checked tablecloths and a jukebox restored the restaurant’s original look. The special menu boasted a burger for 50p, roadhouse ribs for 80p, and a hot fudge … [Read more...] about London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
Rental electric scooters in London are “as safe as possible”, according to one of the firms involved in a trial which launches today in London. Previously, e-scooters were simply not allowed on Britain's roads, which was nice. No tripping over randomly left scooters everywhere that has become common in America's cities. The contraptions are “very stable” and have “the best … [Read more...] about Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
The Tube: Waterloo & City line reopens in London for first time since March 2020
The Waterloo & City line will reopen today for the first time since the start of the pandemic, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. The important London commuter link, which connects Waterloo and Bank stations in the center of the capital, closed in March 2020. Services will now run every five minutes Monday to Friday from 6 am to 10 am and 3.30 pm to 7 … [Read more...] about The Tube: Waterloo & City line reopens in London for first time since March 2020
Royal Mint Coin display honoring Queen lights up Tower of London
The Royal Mint has marked the coming official celebration of the Queen’s 95th birthday and her coronation anniversary with projections on the walls of the Tower of London of coins from her reign. The 90-foot display featured coins bearing the five effigies of the Queen used since she ascended the throne, and the new commemorative £5 coin minted to reflect her becoming the … [Read more...] about Royal Mint Coin display honoring Queen lights up Tower of London
Tower of London reopens after lockdown – and public chooses name for new raven
The Tower of London has reopened after lockdown, and a baby raven at the Tower of London has been named Branwen following a public vote. The winning name was announced as part of the tower’s reopening after its longest closure since the Second World War. “The results are in! Our new baby raven’s name is … BRANWEN,” @TowerOfLondon tweeted on Wednesday. The results … [Read more...] about Tower of London reopens after lockdown – and public chooses name for new raven
Historic London retailer Arthur Beale to close store after 150 years
One of London’s oldest shops is to shut its doors for a final time after it said it was unable to pay its rent following the impact of the pandemic. Sailing outfitter Arthur Beale on Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End is to close after 150 years in the location. It was inevitable that some classic London places would not survive the economic damage of the pandemic. The … [Read more...] about Historic London retailer Arthur Beale to close store after 150 years
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