Living in the city is hard. It’s also expensive. A common criticism of most cities is that home prices, and apartment rents are only getting more expensive. A city like London can certainly fit the bill when it comes to high rent prices. Of course, in a city full of movie stars, politicians, businessmen, and royals, there are plenty of people willing to pay for the richest … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Most Expensive Apartment Buildings in London
Londonism
Power Hungry: The History of Supplying London with Power
Generating power has been a necessity in Britain for longer than most people would think. Firewood was replaced with charcoal as early as the Roman Occupation and coal mining was a major source of fuel by the 13th Century. Coal provided the primary energy source for hundreds of years after that, powering the first steam engines of the Industrial Revolution as well as heating … [Read more...] about Power Hungry: The History of Supplying London with Power
The New Piccadilly Circus Billboard: A Review
In this article, I’m going to review a billboard. But not just any billboard, the most famous billboard in the world. Well, in London at least. I’m talking about, of course, the new electronic billboard that has replaced the previous iconic billboards at the heart of Piccadilly Circus. First some terminology - in Britain they don’t really use the word billboard. It’s a … [Read more...] about The New Piccadilly Circus Billboard: A Review
Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about Maritime Greenwich
Greenwich, London is an area of London just south-east of the City of London. It’s first mentioned in a Saxon charter in 918 as “Grenowic” or “green settlement.” As London grew and prospered, Greenwich eventually became an area dedicated to maritime pursuits, eventually becoming the home of the Royal Navy College and the Royal Observatory. This history is on display at the … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about Maritime Greenwich
City on the Edge of Tomorrow – London as a Smart City
Technology is ever-changing, and its applications are always increasing, offering a wide range of benefits. With that in mind, municipalities all over the world are out to incorporate new technology in order to improve the lives of their citizens. The use of information and communications technology and Internet of Things technology can provide a large number of service … [Read more...] about City on the Edge of Tomorrow – London as a Smart City
The London Fiver – Five Interesting Future Building Developments in London That Will Change It
Cities are always growing, always changing. While we work to preserve the history of graded structures, we also need new developments to meet the city’s needs for transport, business, housing, and more. Lots of proposals never come off the drawing board, but those that do begin construction promise to change the city’s fate. There are presently a wide array of proposed and … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Interesting Future Building Developments in London That Will Change It
The London Fiver – Five Uniquely London Immersive Experiences To Try On Your Next Visit
It’s one thing to simply walk through an old building, see a play, or have dinner in a great restaurant, but it’s another event entirely when you find yourself immersed in the experience. Today, many patrons want to feel like a part of something rather than just being a spectator, and the city of London has many immersive opportunities that throw visitors into the deep end. … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Uniquely London Immersive Experiences To Try On Your Next Visit
The London Fiver – Five of the Best Riverside Pubs To Have a Pint
London’s pubs are one of the most charming aspects of the city. They get even better when you can find one next to the Thames River. Many of the city’s pubs are right on the river and offer a magnificent view of the flowing waters and the ships that traverse the Thames. It can be hard to pick only one of these great watering holes. They’re all gorgeous on the … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Riverside Pubs To Have a Pint
Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about the Shard – The Tallest Building in the UK
Threading the skies over London like a great glass needle, the Shard is one of the city’s newest and most striking skyscrapers. Completed in 2013, it has 95 floors and stands at 1,106 feet, making it also the tallest structure in the city and the whole of the United Kingdom. In the short time that it has been a part of London, the Shard has made more of an impression than … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts and Figures about the Shard – The Tallest Building in the UK
London Icon: A History of Harry Beck’s Iconic Tube Map
KEY FACTS Designed by Harry Beck in 1932 Set a style for transport maps around the world As instantly recognisable as the Union Jack Beck received little credit for his work during his lifetime London’s history is filled with historical figures who were just doing a job or once had an idea that turned into something bigger than they ever intended. Henry C … [Read more...] about London Icon: A History of Harry Beck’s Iconic Tube Map
The Great London Taxi App Review Round-up – We Test All The Apps and Give Our Verdict
Mobile apps have changed the way many of us travel in London. They’ve enriched trips and made them better. One way they’ve made them better is getting a ride when you need one. Apps like Uber and Lyft have changed the game in many major cities for taxis. The problem is that in London, there was an already entrenched and well respected Taxi trade that resisted these changes. The … [Read more...] about The Great London Taxi App Review Round-up – We Test All The Apps and Give Our Verdict
Advert Lights in Piccadilly Circus Shut Off Until Autumn – First Time in Many Years
If you pass through Piccadilly Circus after today, you will be presented with an unusual sight. The adverts that have adorned a building in the circus have been switched off. No, it's not a sudden change of heart that advertising is terrible. It's part of a major renovation of the sign. From the BBC: The billboard, which has displayed electrical advertisements for … [Read more...] about Advert Lights in Piccadilly Circus Shut Off Until Autumn – First Time in Many Years
Londonism: Clapham Common Tube Station Overtaken by Cats
Now, this is a lovely news story. Clapham Common Tube Station in London has been overtaken by cats. Citizens Advertising Takeover Service (CATS) ran a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to raise funds to remove all the ads in a Tube Station and replace them with pictures of cats. They were a success and now the cats are now 'live' in the station on all the advertising … [Read more...] about Londonism: Clapham Common Tube Station Overtaken by Cats
Ten Interesting Facts and Figures About the Greater London Authority
At one point prior to Thatcher, the 32 London boroughs and the City of London were joined in their government functions first as the County of London from 1889 to 1965, then the Greater London Council from 1965 until 1986. During Margaret Thatcher’s government, it was decided to bring London’s government under Parliamentary control and its various functions carried out by … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts and Figures About the Greater London Authority
Great London Buildings – 10 Downing Street – The London Home of the Prime Minister
Long as it has been amongst the symbols of governmental power in the United Kingdom, "Number 10" as it is known, is also one of the most iconic residences for a world leader. The history of the building itself is just as fascinating as those Prime Ministers who resided within and the historical actions of their governments. Everything from its origins to its design and … [Read more...] about Great London Buildings – 10 Downing Street – The London Home of the Prime Minister
Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben) Comes to Lego
I'm a huge fan of LEGO - I received the Lego Tower Bridge as a gift a few years ago and loved putting it together. Now we Londonphiles have a new set to put together - a new model of Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben) along with part of the Palace of Westminster. Here are the details Get up close to Big Ben! The clock was first started on May 31st 1859, and Big Ben’s first chime … [Read more...] about Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben) Comes to Lego
Royal London: A Look at Five Royal Residences in London
For centuries, London has been the home of ruling powers. From the native chiefs to the Romans and finally the long list of Britain’s monarchs, the city has not only been a seat of power, but it has been a home as well. Many palaces and former Royal residences can be found in London, though many of them currently remain unused except as museums to their former owners. … [Read more...] about Royal London: A Look at Five Royal Residences in London
Anglotopia Magazine: What’s in a Name? The Various Names of London Throughout History
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the first issue of the Anglotopia magazine. Subscribe today to receive the next issue of our magazine and read about British History, Culture and Travel all in one place. Pre-order the next issue now before it sells out! Over the next few weeks we will be sharing many of the great features that premiered in the magazine … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Magazine: What’s in a Name? The Various Names of London Throughout History
Great London Buildings – A Brief History of Buckingham Palace – The Queen’s Official London Home
Perhaps the greatest residence in the city, Buckingham Palace has been the home of royalty for centuries and has been the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II since she ascended the throne in 1952, though she had lived there since her father, King George VI, became monarch in 1936. The site where Buckingham House is located was once in the possession of William the … [Read more...] about Great London Buildings – A Brief History of Buckingham Palace – The Queen’s Official London Home
Weird London: Ten of the Strangest Landmarks in London
Every city has some pretty unique places to visit, but some are a little weirder than most. These sites aren’t sought out by the casual tourist, but by those with an interest in the unusual. You might find them in plain sight or have to go looking, but in London, you can certainly locate quite a few. While some of the city’s strangest landmarks have lost their original … [Read more...] about Weird London: Ten of the Strangest Landmarks in London
London on Film: Five of the Top Filming Locations in London Used in Movies
As much as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Prague, London is one of the most popular places in the world to film a motion picture. Of course, it certainly has plenty of iconic locations that can be used for anything from simple establishing shots to major plot settings. With all of these locations, it makes sense that you see many of the same places over and over. While … [Read more...] about London on Film: Five of the Top Filming Locations in London Used in Movies
10 Modern Londoners Every Londonphile Should Know
London is certainly the most important city in the United Kingdom. It is the seat of power for the nation, the cultural center, and the busiest place in Britain. Naturally, an important city comes with important people. They influence the government, the media, and our imaginations. Diving into the city of London, let’s have a look at ten of these individuals that every … [Read more...] about 10 Modern Londoners Every Londonphile Should Know
Argotopolis, The New Map Of London Slang
I came across this really cool London slang map on Spitalfields Life (a blog you should all be reading!). I'll let them explain it: Argotopolis, The Map Of London Slang. It is my great pleasure to unveil this bravura collaboration between Adam Dant, Cartographer Extraordinaire & Jonathon Green, Lexicographer of Slang – ARGOTOPOLIS is a map of London slang organised … [Read more...] about Argotopolis, The New Map Of London Slang
The Fiver – Five of London’s Strangest Buildings
In a city of so many buildings, there are plenty of examples of stellar structures in London. From the most well-known landmarks to office towers and flats, the city has many places to admire. What’s more, with London’s history dating back to the Romans, the Greater London area provides prime examples of buildings from many different eras. Of course, not every building can be a … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five of London’s Strangest Buildings
The London Fiver – Five Places to Lose Yourself on Your Next Visit to London
J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote that “Not all who wander are lost”. Sometimes, to really enjoy a place you’re visiting, you have to get yourself lost in it and really see every inch of what it has to offer. London certainly offers its share of large places with plenty to explore including parks, museums, and shopping centres. Whether you’re traveling to London for the first time, … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Places to Lose Yourself on Your Next Visit to London
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!