I’ve written about some of the most curious London street names before (here and here) but over the years of walking and exploring London I’ve also spotted some incredibly old street signs, some dating back to the 17th century! History of London Street Signs It seems such an obvious necessity for a city today, but signs showing a street’s name took a while to come into force. Regulations on signage seem to start with one of our dearest institutions, the pub! From 1389, alehouses had to hang a sign outside their property to signal that beer was for sale. Shops soon followed suit and erect ..read more

One of the biggest upheavals in England’s history was the Norman Conquest of 1066 but how much can still be seen of London from the 11th and 12th centuries? So are there any actual sites that can still be visited from Norman London? I’m glad you asked. Remarkably, yes! The Norman Conquest  The Norman period lasts from the beginning of the Norman Conquest in 1066 until the reign of the first Plantagenet King, Henry II, in 1154. In October 1066, believing that he was the rightful King of England, William the Duke of Normandy sailed across the English Channel to face Harold Godwinson ..read more

Along the Chertsey Road looms a tower that looks extremely out of place. That’s because it dates from the 17th century and previously stood over 12 miles away in the City of London. History of All Hallows Lombard Street The first record we have for a church at the eastern edge of Lombard Street is in 1053.  It was rebuilt in 1294 then enlarged 200 years later. Given its location in the heart of the financial centre of London, the rich community of neighbouring merchants continued to improve it and a north aisle and steeple were added in 1544, paid for by the Pewterers Company. A su ..read more

Even if you’ve never heard of Eleanor Coade, you will have almost certainly walked past some of her work in London. Born in 1733, Elenor Coade would become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the 18th century, change the face of manufacturing and leave a lasting visual legacy across London, the UK and beyond. In April 1759 her father went bankrupt. The family (George, his wife Eleanor and the two girls, Eleanor and Elizabeth) went to London. In 1762 George is recorded as living in Charterhouse Square meanwhile by 1766 Eleanor is working as a linen draper. Coade stone keystone in Ang ..read more

Tucked behind Russell Square Station is Colonnade, a cobbled mews street in which hides the 18th century former horse hospital. Today you might have to fight through the crowds queuing for beignets from the hugely popular Fortitude Bakery, but if you’re waiting patiently for your sweet treat it’s worth admiring the Horse Hospital, a double-decker inner city stables. A very rare Grade II listed survivor! History of the Horse Hospital If we look to the 1746 John Rocque map, it’s immediately evident where the metropolis ends, The Lambs Conduit Fields visible to the north. Image Credit: ww ..read more

Tucked off Sloane Street in Belgravia is an enticing-looking mews with an interesting backstory. This is the story of Shafto Mews. Marking the entrance today is a fabulous archway, dating from c.1880. This grandiose opening connects mews with the surrounding terracotta mansions typified as Pont Street Dutch.  The unique architectural term was coined by Sir Osbert Lancaster in the mid 20th century. It’s a nod to then striking red colour, gabled roofs and decorative embellishment found around Belgravia’s Pont Street. You can get a sense of this style in Cadogan Square, where you have t ..read more

Nestled amongst the riverside woodland in Twickenham is Orleans House Gallery. Today it’s a free public gallery space, but I was drawn to visit because of the last surviving piece of a grand, 18th century country house. The riverside home – although that word doesn’t really do it justice – was first built for James Johnston, Secretary of State for Scotland. James Johnston (c.1655 – 1737) Johnston had retired from politics by the time he moved to twickenham. His career had been eventful, his own father executed for treason in 1663 resulting in the family fleeing to Holland. It was here th ..read more

One of the more eye-catching buildings beside Waterloo Station is the former Royal Waterloo Hospital for Children and Women. Although it’s not been a hospital since 1976, it has an intriguing history stretching back to 1816 including a very dark chapter in its more recent history. Universal Dispensary for Children  Founded in 1816, the Universal Dispensary for Children was located within the Doctors Commons in the City of London. Similar to the Inns of Courts in the City today, this was a cluster of building where a society of lawyers lived and worked. You can see it in the 1799 R ..read more

In the shadow of St Leonard’s Church is the charming Clerk’s House, no. 118 1/2 Shoreditch High Street. Today it’s been transformed into a contemporary gallery so I took the opportunity to have a look inside. But first, a little more about the history of Clerk’s House, which is inextricably linked with the church of St Leonard’s Shoreditch. History of Clerk’s House The current church was built in 1736-40 by George Dance the Elder but there’s been a church here since at least the 12th century. It can be seen on the ‘Agas’ Copperplate map from the 16th century. Image Credit: www.layers ..read more

Along Coleman Street by Moorgate Station you can find Armourers Hall, the headquarters of the Armourers & Brasiers’ Company with a history going back to 1322. History of the Armourers and Brasiers Company It’s one of the City’s 111 Worshipful Livery Companies, trade guilds which mostly started in the Medieval period to regulate different trades.  Although they no longer oversee the making of armour or brass objects, they are still closely associated with engineering and industrial manufacturing. As an institution the Armourers have had remarkable good luck with their halls, the ..read more