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
London Long Reads
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
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
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
The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has been closed since 2018 for the largest transformation project of its history. It reopens on Friday, Nov 19, 2021, allowing us to enjoy not only the magnificent Impressionist and Post Impressionist collection but so much more with the extra gallery space. The Courtauld is home to one of the greatest collections of art in the UK, … [Read more...] about The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
Exploring the fascinating history of St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street – The Journalists’ Church
St Bride's Church on Fleet Street is a Christopher Wren church built after the Great Fire of London. It's the journalists' church, and the spire is the original inspiration for tiered wedding cakes. It is a City of London working parish church and welcomes visitors as a heritage attraction too. While open most days, it took Open House London to remind me that this would be a … [Read more...] about Exploring the fascinating history of St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street – The Journalists’ Church
Exploring London’s Freud Museum and a Fascinating New Exhibition – Code Name Mary
Along an unassuming residential street in the north London suburbs, there's a house whose famous 1930s resident is still a household name. The Freud Museum in Hampstead was where the father of psychoanalysis lived with his family when he fled Nazi persecution. The Jewish neurologist lived and worked for the majority of his career in Vienna. But he spent his final year in … [Read more...] about Exploring London’s Freud Museum and a Fascinating New Exhibition – Code Name Mary
Open House London: Exploring Temple Church in the City of London – Built by the Knights Templar
I have meant to visit the Temple Church for years, so I was grateful for the encouragement when it was included in the annual Open House London. Regularly cited as a 'hidden gem,' this City of London church actually does fit the bill. It's certainly challenging to find and is a delight once discovered. The church sits between Fleet Street and the River Thames, within the … [Read more...] about Open House London: Exploring Temple Church in the City of London – Built by the Knights Templar
A Day Out on Thames Clippers in London – Let’s Go On a Journey Down London’s River
We have had some unseasonably warm weather in London recently, and we all know how stifling the heat can be while traveling on the tube. But there is another form of public transport in London that is much more enjoyable on a hot day. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is part of Transport for London (TfL) and allows you the opportunity to travel along the route of The Thames (from … [Read more...] about A Day Out on Thames Clippers in London – Let’s Go On a Journey Down London’s River
London Long Read: The Fascinating History of the Foundling Hospital – London’s First Children’s Home
Founded in the 18th century, the Foundling Hospital was the first children's home in Britain. After much campaigning, sea captain and philanthropist Thomas Coram opened the doors in 1739 to care for babies at risk of abandonment. 18th Century London Hospitals In 1700 the only medical hospitals in London were the Royal Hospitals of St Bartholomew and St Thomas. There were … [Read more...] about London Long Read: The Fascinating History of the Foundling Hospital – London’s First Children’s Home
Picnic in the Queen’s Private Garden – Laura Porter Visits Buckingham Palace’s Garden
When attending the annual summer opening of Buckingham Palace, you do get to exit along the side of the garden. But for this year, there is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to freely explore the garden for the first time. And to enjoy a picnic on the lawn overlooking the Palace from July to September 2021. As I noted in my long-read about Buckingham Palace, the palace … [Read more...] about Picnic in the Queen’s Private Garden – Laura Porter Visits Buckingham Palace’s Garden
Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
When the Geffyre Museum closed in 2018, there was a lot of trepidation about its future. Often called a 'hidden gem,' it was a lovely little free museum that gave us an insight into Londoners' home life over the last 400 years. Three years later, it has been transformed and is now double the size with 80% more exhibition space. Still free, but with a new name, The Museum of … [Read more...] about Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits – New Major Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum
This royal portraits exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich looks at the kings and queens who have shaped British history for over 500 years. There are many loans from the National Portrait Gallery, which has been made possible while that gallery is closed for redevelopment until spring 2023. For me, this was a real delight, and not only because it was my … [Read more...] about Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits – New Major Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum
London Histories: A Look at Queen Elizabeth I’s Hunting Lodge in Epping Forest
As I mentioned in the recent Copped Hall article, I have been enjoying exploring Epping Forest during the lockdown restrictions. This time, we will have a closer look at an early and rare example of a hunting lodge in Chingford. Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge is a Grade II* listed building that has been saved as a museum. This old timber-framed and plastered building is a … [Read more...] about London Histories: A Look at Queen Elizabeth I’s Hunting Lodge in Epping Forest
Laura’s London: Exploring Copped Hall – A Stunning Abandoned Stately Home in Epping Forest
During lockdown, I've been enjoying getting to know Epping Forest. It's truly vast and stretches across northeast London and out into the Essex countryside. A friend gave me a tip to find a disused stately home that had been left empty but was now being renovated. Copped Hall is near to Epping in Essex. It is an 18th-century mansion situated on high ground at the end of a … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Exploring Copped Hall – A Stunning Abandoned Stately Home in Epping Forest
London Histories: A Look Number 10 Downing Street – Home of Britain’s Prime Ministers – Long Read
Inspiration for new articles comes from many places, and this one was inspired by a bar of soap. No, really. I'll explain that connection below. It got me thinking about this seat of power that is both the home and workplace for the British Prime Minister. Number 10 Downing Street is a terraced Georgian building off Whitehall, and a short walk away from the Houses of … [Read more...] about London Histories: A Look Number 10 Downing Street – Home of Britain’s Prime Ministers – Long Read
Laura’s London: Your Guide to The Thames Path – Come on a Virtual Walk!
We've looked at London's bridges over The Thames, with an in-depth look at London Bridge, so I thought it was time to look at the 'walking by the river' opportunities in London. The Thames Path National Trail The Thames Path has had National Trail status since 1989. It is a pedestrian route from the river's source near Kemble in Gloucestershire (Cotswolds) to the Thames … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Your Guide to The Thames Path – Come on a Virtual Walk!
London Histories: Your Complete Guide to Beatles London
The Beatles have lots of London connections, including where they have lived, recorded and performed. I've lived close to many of these locations and had no idea the world's most famous band had been in the area. (The Beatles even performed at my local cinema in 1964!) Let's have a look at the neighbourhoods they knew well. Bloomsbury Royal National Hotel The Beatles … [Read more...] about London Histories: Your Complete Guide to Beatles London
Laura’s London: A History of Hyde Park – Long Read
While it is a wonderful place for a walk, Hyde Park is also used for major concerts and the annual Winter Wonderland. But the park has a long history that includes reviews of troops, encampments, duels, highway robberies, executions and more. One of London's eight royal parks, Hyde Park is in central London and adjoins Kensington Gardens. Its borders start from the west of … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: A History of Hyde Park – Long Read
LONDON UNDER: Exploring Hidden London’s Abandoned Charing Cross Station
London Transport Museum has a really interesting selection of ‘Hidden London’ tours that give us occasional access to tunnels and stations on the London transport network that are no longer in operational use. The ‘Charing Cross: Access All Areas’ tour looks at the out of service Jubilee line platforms and construction tunnels left over from the excavation of the Jubilee line … [Read more...] about LONDON UNDER: Exploring Hidden London’s Abandoned Charing Cross Station
London History: A Special Look at Cleopatra’s Needle on the Victoria Embankment
Did you know, London has an ancient Egyptian obelisk on display? It's not in a museum or a private collection. It's actually alongside the River Thames in central London so you may have seen it and not realised its significance. Cleopatra's Needle on the Victoria Embankment, near the Golden Jubilee Bridges, has a twin in New York's Central Park. (And those two have a … [Read more...] about London History: A Special Look at Cleopatra’s Needle on the Victoria Embankment
Buck House: A History of Buckingham Palace – Long Read
Editor's Note: You're going to want to brew a cuppa and read this one! While it has a much longer history, Buckingham Palace only became the London residence of Britain's sovereigns in 1837. The Palace is the administrative headquarters of the monarchy and the royal family. (The Queen refers to Buckingham Palace as "the office" as it's where she works rather than … [Read more...] about Buck House: A History of Buckingham Palace – Long Read
London Long Read: A History of London’s 35 Bridges Over The Thames
Did you know, there are 35 bridges over The Thames in London? No, me neither so this was a really interesting article to research. From Hampton Court Bridge in the west (just within the Greater London boundary) through to Tower Bridge there are road bridges, railway bridges and footbridges too. Have a read through, admire the photos, then let us know which is your favourite. … [Read more...] about London Long Read: A History of London’s 35 Bridges Over The Thames
London’s Piazza: A History of Covent Garden – From Market to Tourist Mecca
Covent Garden is popular with both locals and visitors but it wasn't always the way. The area was home to aristocracy before it became a centre of commerce. And while it is a cool hangout today, there was a time when you wouldn't want to stop here day or night. The elegant piazza and market with street cobbles and the arched market buildings hint at the rich heritage. From … [Read more...] about London’s Piazza: A History of Covent Garden – From Market to Tourist Mecca
Out of Austerity: The Festival of Britain 1951 – A History and Examination
The 1951 Festival of Britain was a post-war state-sponsored exhibition. At the time, rationing continued and austerity gripped the nation. London was shabby, rundown and gloomy so this bright and playful spectacular was a 'tonic for the nation' to promote the feeling of recovery. The city was scarred with bombsites and buildings hadn't been painted for ten years so the Festival … [Read more...] about Out of Austerity: The Festival of Britain 1951 – A History and Examination
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