What to see in London. Such as Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Sylvia Plath, Charles Dickens, Jimi Hendrix, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Florence Nightingale and 100’s of others. The primary function of military stronghold of the Tower didn’t change until the late 19th century. History of London . Sin City: thievery, prostitution and murder in medieval London, Love, health and the weather: 9 things medieval Londoners worried about, Shakespeare’s London: playing a dangerous game. Do you have any you’d add to the list? It was built as a royal palace and a defence system. Fascinating London History Facts . Shops and Markets . The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613 after its thatch was accidentally set alight by a cannon during a performance of Henry VIII. In 1680, Jonathan Miles opened Jonathan’s Coffee Shop in Bank. Apparently, six ravens are still kept in the tower today and they must remain there at all times due to superstitious reasons. The official website for BBC History Magazine, BBC History Revealed and BBC World Histories Magazine, Save 50% on a BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed subscription, How much do you know about the history of London? Here, writing for History Extra, Guard lists 10 surprising facts about the history of London… 1 The origin of Charing Cross Also known as Eleanor’s Cross, the original Charing Cross was erected by Edward I following the death of his wife of 36 years, Eleanor of Castile, in 1290. London Bridge has long been central to life in the capital, but one of its more macabre purposes was as a site for the display of traitors’ heads, impaled on spikes to serve as a warning to others. Great-London with all the suburbs is about 1500 km²: Inhabitants: 7.5 million (2015) but another 5 million in the surrounding commuter towns: Population density: almost 4.800 per square km. It was then sadly demolished in 1907, 91 years before construction started on the London Eye. Possibly the most disturbing in our facts about London is that 1000 bodies apparently lie under Aldgate station, near Urbanest’s Tower Bridge property. London became the first city in the history that hosted the Olympic games for the third time. London has a comprehensive bus system covering pretty much every part of the capital – it’s also the basis for one of the more astonishing facts about London. With January just around the corner and plenty of people already talking about ‘new starts’ and ‘healthier lifestyles’, we’ve been…, So things are going to be a little different this New Year’s Eve but that doesn’t mean we can’t still…, This is a guest post by Lisa Herms from Florida, USA, currently a resident at urbanest King’s Cross. It’s a shame it didn’t happen, London’s skyline could have done with a tropical feel. When the station entrance was completely redesigned and rebuilt in 1962, the heedless demolition of the arch galvanised the nascent preservation movement. Related: 6 Historic Sites To Visit In London If You’re A History Student. No other city has played host this many times. Edward had a memorial cross erected at every resting place of her funeral procession, the last being in the village of Charing – a stopover between the City of London and Westminster. Despite popular belief, it isn’t illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. Arrange a visit to the Houses of Parliament here. The city has as many as 857 galleries. It turns out that its position on the banks of Thames River is carefully planned. Although she has many other royal residences, the Queen still sometimes resides in Buckingham Palace. During history, London used to have different … Multicultural London. So, there you have it! Here are 50 facts to share with fellow travellers on your next journey. At a point just north of the marshy valley of the Thames, where two … With the land drained and the river covered over, Thorney Island has long since disappeared, although the name lives on in Thorney Street, which runs parallel to Millbank, off Horseferry Road. London facts are filled with amazing accounts of battles and regular warring for the development of whole nations. Bridges in London. Let us know in the comments below! If you can think of any more fun facts about London, leave them in the comments! When she’s home, you can see her royal flag flying from the flagpole. While living there, Ralegh was memorably drenched with beer by a servant who feared that his master had caught fire when he found him smoking. London Life. The People of London. The history finds out that London has experienced terrorist attacks, aerial bombardment, civil war, devastating fire, plaque, riots and civil war. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, London houses over 8 million residents, who collectively speak over 300 languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien and of course English. Briefly used for magic-lantern shows, the Colosseum was demolished in 1874 or 1875, and is now covered by Cambridge Gate. The structure is 365m in diameter; and 52m high in the middle; with 12 supporting poles, symbolising days, weeks and months of the year. In 2003, London Mayor Ken Livingstone banned feeding them or selling feed near the square. What you think today of an amazing city has a long and not completely known history. So there you have it, our favourite 7 facts about London that you’ve probably never heard before. The history of London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, extends over 2000 years. In addition, 32 years in the IT industry have given me a good understanding of… One response to “Top 10 Facts About The City Of London” Erinielle says: October 3, 2018 at 9:44 pm Hi. For comparison, the stadium is 75% lighter than its “big brother” in Beijing. Some of which Londoners are still discovering to this day. Some standing theories state that London was first built from Romans around 50 AD. Let's not forget that London was victim to many disasters throughout history. First on our list of facts about London is the cultural diversity. Monument, the 203ft stone obelisk located 203 ft away from where the fire broke out, commemorates those who died. To make this even more fun, I want to challenge you as well. 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about the history of London. Last of my facts about London is about the Palace of Westminster. You will shortly receive a receipt for your purchase via email. Competitions have been held here in 1908 and 1948. One of the most visited cities in the world, London is also the most populous city of UK. 2)…and it’s technically a forest Not only does London have the best student accommodation, but also great history too. Three out of the ten largest and most popular museums in the world are located in London. Quick Facts about London. Here are some interesting facts about London that are worth knowing: 1. Opened in 1599, the Globe played host to Shakespeare for 14 years, during which time he wrote many of his greatest works. It remained the largest city in the world until it was overtaken by Tokyo in 1957. That’s right. The first was in 1924, the second in 2008 and the third in 2009. Among those known to have suffered this fate through the centuries are William Wallace, Sir Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell. Royal London. Arrange a visit to the Tower of London here. Essential Information. 15. With over 2,000 years of history, London is bursting at the seams with stories of how we used to live in this wonderful city. This particularly affected London because of the narrow streets and lack of sanitation. The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous historical landmarks, and has a fascinating history. These facts about London will give you a taste of just how fascinating its history is. The Millennium Dome is so big that it can fit the Great Pyramids of Giza comfortably under the roof! 1. A new theatre was built in 1614, but was demolished in 1644 when all plays were banned by the Puritan parliament. This article was first published by History Extra in 2013, Save a huge 50% off a subscription to your favourite history magazine. You have successfully linked your account! Another for our facts about London, has to be the numerous famous people that have lived there. Discover even more exciting facts about London by exploring London’s culture, history, and food. When Euston station was first opened in 1837, its entrance was dominated by Euston Arch, which stood 70ft high and was supported by four Doric columns, to make it the largest arch in Great Britain. Europe was being carved up quite literally at the time. It was made like that so a mob can never surround it. Some 100 years later, with the Victoria and Adelaide hotels having been built either side, the arch was recognised as a major landmark, and “the most imposing entrance to a London terminus”. 50 – London bridge is constructed out of wood. We’re lucky to have our accommodation in the city of London as it boasts a wealth of culture and history. 1.265 billion people use the London Underground every year. In its day, the Bun House was hugely famous, prompting Jonathan Swift to celebrate the “Rrrrrrrare Chelsea buns” after he visited in 1711. For 800 years before the Embankment was built, the Strand was the site of many of London’s finest houses – it boasted river views and close proximity to the City and Westminster. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else and it is a privilege to share London’s unique combination of history, art, culture and contemporary attractions with visitors. 1. From the houses of parliament to the London underground, here are some of the most interesting facts about London! Table of Contents. 2. Facts about London History will trace back the history of London around 2,000 years ago. London is formed by two ancient cities – City of London and City of Westminster, both cities forming the region of Greater London Buildings and Landmarks . Here are 20 interesting facts that confirm the city’s status. Take one of our food tours. Some even walk around every part of the city as a way of lodging all the side streets and back alleys in their brains. Learn some geographic facts about the city of London, including its history, population, topography, climate, and economy. The megacity that most of us know as London is actually called ‘Greater London’, whilst the City of London itself is a small portion of this sprawling metropolis. Another for our facts about London, has to be the numerous famous people that have lived there. She is…, Sustainable living is fundamental to protecting our environment and our future. During this time many things were placed underneath, including a map of London, a copy of the Bible, some daily newspapers, a rupee and 12 photographs of the best looking English women of the time. According to gov.uk: ‘The issue of dying in Parliament appears to arise from the idea that anyone who dies in a Royal Palace is eligible for a state funeral. It was renamed the Stock Exchange in 1773. ), What To Consider When Paying For Student Accommodation, 7 Secluded and Secret Galleries to See in London, Information for Parents & Resident Welfare, 20 Interesting History Facts About London To Tell Your Friends. London was the first city to reach a population of more than one million, in 1811. Over time, traders developed a network of runners who would bring them all the latest on returning ships. Fires raged through the city in Roman times AD 60, 1123, 1666 and again in 1940. Such as Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Sylvia Plath, Charles Dickens, Jimi Hendrix, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Florence Nightingale and 100’s of others. … Here are 25 Interesting Facts about London that you probably didn’t know before reading this! Menu. This is why it is such a heavily visited city, with over 17 million people flocking to London in 2014 alone, according to the BBC. Well, gang, we’re taking a trip back in time to find out some quirky – and slightly gruesome! Thanks! The Great Fire in 1666 devastated London. By 1690 there were more than 100 companies trading their shares in the city, and traders would meet at Jonathan’s to gather news from other traders, and from merchants entering the city via the Thames. Now with a population of over 8.9 million, the number of people living in London is larger than the number of people living in Austria. Located on Philpot Lane, the statue of two tiny mice eating cheese is dedicated to two builders who fell during construction of The Monument after an argument over a missing sandwich, that they blamed on each other but was actually the fault of a mice infestation. Currently, as a population we use far too many…, Click here for COVID-19 Information & Support, 7 ways to living a more sustainable student life, Everything You Need to Know About Student Contents Insurance, The London Universities List & Their Specialisms, How To Decorate Your Student Room (Without Losing Your Deposit! Besides being the cradle of modernization, there is a lot to know about this dream city. It has withstood plague, devastating fire, civil war, aerial bombardment, terrorist attacks, and riots. How many of these London facts did you know before reading this? 1) London is the smallest city in England. 2. The (national) flag: Official name: London: Surface : It is hard to determine the exact surface of London. They even went as far as using a hawk to keep them at bay, which evidently turned out to be successful. There is suspicion that some illicit matches took place, against the will of one or other of the parties, but judging from the number of unions made (estimated to be almost 250,000 in just 60 years up to 1753), it seems more likely that the ability to marry without parental consent might well have been the more common motivation. 10 Interesting Facts About The Historic London Bridge Bridges known as London Bridge have a long history with several bridges being built over the years across the River Thames between the City of London and Southwark, in central London. By entering your details, you are agreeing to HistoryExtra terms and conditions and privacy policy. ***** Planning your trip to London? It went on to serve as residence to both Cardinal Wolsey and Anne Boleyn, and eventually became the home of Sir Walter Ralegh. London Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. It housed a huge canvas panorama of London, painted by Thomas Hornor. The architects didn’t think much of their government I guess. The earliest such bridges were built by the Ancient Romans when London was known as Londinium. The population of London rose from about 600,000 in 1700 to 950,000 in 1800. From underground Roman streets and the invention of Chelsea buns, to impaled heads on London Bridge and the very first Globe theatre, here history writer and filmmaker Richard Guard reveals the forgotten landmarks and traditions of England's capital, In his book Lost London (Michael O’Mara Books, 2012), Guard reveals intriguing stories that lie beneath the city’s familiar streets, to take readers on a journey through London’s overlooked past. Each year, the buses on London’s transport system drive over 300 million miles, which when you tot it up is more than 12x the earth’s circumference. An average of 2.7 million Tube journeys are made on the London Underground every day. In fact, the 1908 event achieved another record in its own right. They even went as far as using a hawk to keep them at bay, which evidently turned out to be successful. – facts about this historic city…. Blue plaques now hang where these people lived. Facts about London. However, the attraction’s initial popularity soon waned, and in 1831 the building was sold to opera singer John Barham, whose dream to turn it into an opera house took both his fortune and his health. The River Thames. Also known as Eleanor’s Cross, the original Charing Cross was erected by Edward I following the death of his wife of 36 years, Eleanor of Castile, in 1290. However, the real number is unknown, as many more died from indirect causes. Food and Drink. 30) London has hosted the Olympic Games three times – in 1908, 1948 and 2012. 1. Originally formed by a loop of the Thames and the division of the Tyburn River, it is thought that Thorney Island may have been inhabited by the Romans. Only three babies have ever been born in the Tube. It has a population of only 9,123 people, making it the smallest in England. An ideal place to make a settlement. Its history, often maimed by war, disease and fire, shows Londoners’ determination to distinguish the city as a place of innovation, culture and growth. In 2003, London Mayor Ken Livingstone banned feeding them or selling feed near the square. Here, writing for History Extra, Guard lists 10 surprising facts about the history of London…. By 1800 growth had spread to Islington and Chelsea. Government. With rich history and culture, world class architecture and many captivating galleries and museums, London has something for everyone. It even found popularity among royalty, with both George II and George III visiting with their wives and children. The history of London England was directly impacted by the continuous exchanges of power in the greater country as a whole. Related: 7 Secluded and Secret Galleries to See in London. At Jonathan’s, the news was written up on boards behind the bar. Although it failed to save the arch, many other historic buildings owe their survival to groups formed as a result. Here are 10 Tower of London facts. Richard Guard is the author of Lost London: An A-Z of Forgotten Llandmarks and Lost Traditions (Michael O’Mara Books, 2012). The fashionable suburbs spread north along Tottenham Court Road and north west to the village of Paddington. If you’d like to learn a little more about the big smoke, we’ve delved deep into the history of our capital. For more great posts from Urbanest about accommodation, London life, study tips and much more, visit the Student Journal. Considering that it is perhaps the most famous theatre in the world, the original Globe had a surprisingly short – though highly eventful – existence. London - London - History: Although excavations west of London have revealed the remains of circular huts dating from before 2000 bc, the history of the city begins effectively with the Romans. The Houses of Parliament has 1,000 rooms,100 staircases, eleven courtyards, eight bars … London is one of the largest cities in Europe. In order for a person to become a black cab driver, they must complete a rigorous test called ‘The Knowledge’, which involves memorising every single street in the capital. Its proprietor, Richard Hand, decorated the interior with clocks and curious artefacts. This flag, which is called the Royal Standard, must only be flown from buildings where the Queen is present. There seems to be a problem, please try again. Charles II’s ordered for six ravens to be placed in the Tower of London to protect it. Everything you ever wanted to know about... Edward I: man of principle or grasping opportunist? Annual Events. Big Ben is arguably London’s most famous landmark. Already have an account with us? The identity of Jack the Ripper, London’s most notorious serial killer, has never been discovered. And no, the reason for it is not to look good on pictures. While the fire reduced large parts of the city to ruins, the verified death toll was only six people. In a city filled with grand monuments and huge statues, it’s nice to know London has an official smallest statue. London was home to many famous faces. Science, Tech, Math Science Math Social Sciences Computer Science Animals & Nature Humanities History & Culture Visual Arts Literature English Geography Philosophy Issues Languages English as a Second Language Spanish French German … More than crimson double-decker buses and warm beer, London has evolved over its 2000-year existence to become one of the most culturally relevant cities in the western hemisphere. Share your result in the comment section! History TV and radio in the UK: what’s on our screens in December 2020? All black cab drivers must pass a test; 3. We couldn’t create a list of facts about London without including the tube. The origin of its name has also a puzzling history. As well as the 300 languages spoken in London, the amount of museums in the capital adds to the culture of this city. Trafalgar Square was once renowned for housing thousands of feral pigeons, which tourists often fed or posed with. Find out more about St Paul’s Cathedral here. It was built by Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a company of actors that included the most famous playwright of them all, William Shakespeare. In the south the city spread to Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Walworth and Kennington. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. London serves as the capital of United Kingdom and England. London, city, capital of the United Kingdom. Evidently, they decided to opt for trains. Searchers most likely buried them there en-mass after the Great Plague. As our final shocker in our list of interesting facts about London, the London Eye was not the first big wheel in London. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. To honor this fascination, London Unlocked has put together interesting facts for us in an infographic about London, most of these fact, we bet you didn’t know. No wonder it’s so hard to get a seat. Several hospitals were founded in London in the 18th century including Westminster (1720), Guys (1724), St Ge… London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom London is the largest city in the United Kingdom. Durham House, an example of one such fine residence, was originally built in the mid-14th century as the town house of the Bishop of Durham [though there was a residence of the Bishop of Durham on this site since at least 1220). The Great Plague killed roughly 25 million people, which was around a third of the entire population of Europe in the 15th Century. One of Christopher Wren’s original ideas for St Paul’s Cathedral proposed a 60 foot stone Pineapple in place of the now iconic dome. Thanks! Open Spaces . That’s slightly more than the population of India! Please enter your number below. During this time, men known as Searchers shouted out ‘Bring out your dead’ all through the summer of 1665. Between 1613 and 1754, a legal loophole meant that on-the-spot marriages could be carried out in an area surrounding the Fleet Debtors’ Prison known as the ‘Liberties of the Fleet’. Cab drivers can spend years trying to learn it all. In the east growth spread to Stepney, Ratcliffe, Limehouse and Wapping. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. You can unsubscribe at any time. 1) The Romans first built London nearly 2000 years ago – but Boudicca, the queen of a Celtic tribe, burnt it to the ground a … Home. The Olympic stadium in London is unique in that with 10,000 tons of steel used in construction it is one of the “lightest” in the world. When the Romans arrived they quickly chose the London area as the HQ for all activities in their new island colony perhaps because the area between present day Cannon Street Station and the Tower of London, on the north bank of the River Thames made an ideal port and with quick access to high ground. The history of London is unbelievable, terrifying, hilarious and incredible. King Offa (who died in 796) issued a charter describing it as a “loco terribili”, while its modern name derived from the thorns that covered the area. London boasts over 170 museums, from the massive British Museum, London’s most popular tourist attraction, to the tiny Fan Museum in Greenwich. Thank you for subscribing to HistoryExtra, you now have unlimited access. Everything you know about 17th-century London is wrong, 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about the Great Fire of London, The earthquakes that rocked Georgian London, From politics to pleasure gardens: the real history behind Poldark’s 18th-century London, 5 facts about Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, The Globe theatre fire of 1613: when Shakespeare’s playhouse burned down, A drink for the devil: 8 facts about the history of coffee, Coffee, plague and the Great Fire: the pleasures and perils of Restoration London, Accidental explosions: gunpowder in Tudor and Stuart London, Touring London with Shakespeare, Dickens and Oscar Wilde: 7 must-see literary landmarks. It was founded as Londinium; 2. In the late 16th century, Paul Hentzner, a German visitor to the city, made some notes on the bridge: “Upon this is built a tower, on whose top the heads of such as have been executed for high treason are placed on iron spikes: we counted above thirty.”. It’s estimated that there are over 1,000 bodies under the station. London is the largest city in Europe. 1. 23rd February 2018 Jess Kadel London Police Force. Although it is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armour. Transport . For extra measures, each raven has a wing clipped, they even have a spare raven handy in case one flies away. The cross, built in the forecourt of Charing Cross station, is a Victorian replacement of the original, 180 yards away from its former location, now marked by a statue of Charles I on horseback looking down Whitehall. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences, Sign up to our free newsletter to get the latest articles, podcasts and more. London’s cultural life is surrounded by myth and stereotypes, which is not too surprising considering the city’s cultural industries are among the best known in the world. In the early 1700s, Chelsea Bun House was opened in Jew’s Row (now Pimlico Road), and it became the site of the invention of Chelsea buns. They carted away dead bodies and threw them in mass burial pits. Beginning their occupation of Britain under Emperor Claudius in ad 43, the Roman armies soon gained control of much of the southeast of Britain. Authorities at the time and ‘mystery solvers’ since the killings have suspected a number of different people, however, including Prince Albert, Lewis Carroll and Queen Victoria’s doctor; Sir William Gull.