London Blog

revealing the secrets hidden above your eyeline...

Welcome to the blog all about London and its amazing – often hidden – history. Look Up London is about spotting little details above your eye line then using them to unravel the secret history of your location. I also write about the quirkier museums and historic things to do across the city.

Search by location

I’m gradually adding all and blogs and instagram posts onto this map to make it easier to find hidden history in the area you’re curious about! See the progress below;

Latest London History Blog Posts

12 Historic London Doors
What's behind these historic London doors? From world-famous ones, to the pair that aren't really there......
London’s Unusual Church Renovations
From cafes to bars, workspaces and event hubs. These unusual church renovations create spectacular spaces!...
The King’s Stone of Kingston
A surprisingly ancient piece of history in Kingston......
The Rookery, Streatham | A Beautiful Historic Garden on Streatham Common
Within Streatham Common you'll find The Rookery, a delightful little gem that's packed with history!...
Former County Fire Office | Look Up In Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus can just be a blur of people and lit-up adverts, but look up at the former County Fire Office for a slice of history!...
The Best of Open House London – 2021 Highlights
Inside the Old Bailey, a sublime synagogue and behind the scenes at Museum of London's Smithfield. Some 2021 Open House London highlights......

Search by theme

Search by theme by clicking on a category below to explore our history blog posts.

London blog

London blog

London blog

London blog

london history blog

london history blog

london history blog

london history blog

London blog

London blog

London blog

London blog

All blog posts by date

Historic London Doors | Look Up London

12 Historic London Doors

Posted on October 19, 2021

in Hidden Gems, London, Look Up London

What's behind these historic London doors? From world-famous ones, to the pair that aren't really there...

Unusual Church Renovations | Mercato Mayfair Look Up London

London’s Unusual Church Renovations

Posted on October 12, 2021

in architecture, Churches and Graveyards, London, Look Up London

From cafes to bars, workspaces and event hubs. These unusual church renovations create spectacular spaces!...

Kings Stone Kingston

The King’s Stone of Kingston

Posted on October 5, 2021

in London, Look Up London, West London

A surprisingly ancient piece of history in Kingston...

The Rookery, Streatham | Look Up London

The Rookery, Streatham | A Beautiful Historic Garden on Streatham Common

Posted on September 28, 2021

in London, Look Up London, nature, South London, West London

Within Streatham Common you'll find The Rookery, a delightful little gem that's packed with history!...

Former County Fire Office | Look Up London

Former County Fire Office | Look Up In Piccadilly Circus

Posted on September 19, 2021

in architecture, London, Look Up London, West London

Piccadilly Circus can just be a blur of people and lit-up adverts, but look up at the former County Fire Office for a slice of history!...

Open House Highlights 2021 | Old Bailey

The Best of Open House London – 2021 Highlights

Posted on September 13, 2021

in architecture, Interiors, London, Look Up London, Things to do in London

Inside the Old Bailey, a sublime synagogue and behind the scenes at Museum of London's Smithfield. Some 2021 Open House London highlights...

Streatham Pumping Station | Look Up London

Look Inside Streatham Pumping Station

Posted on September 6, 2021

in architecture, London, Look Up London, South London

As part of Open House London I got a rare look inside Streatham Pumping Station which still provides fresh water for Londoners!...

Booth’s Gin Panels Clerkenwell

The Booth’s Gin Relief Panels | Britton Street, Clerkenwell

Posted on August 30, 2021

in architecture, London, Look Up London, North London

Look up along Britton Street, Clerkenwell and you'll spy a reminder of Booth's Gin in the sculpture relief panels!...

Blitz Fireplace Westminster | Look Up London

The Fireplace that Survived the Blitz | Vincent Street, Westminster

Posted on August 23, 2021

in London, Look Up London, West London

Look closer on Vincent Street in Westminster and you can find a curious little fireplace that survived the Blitz! ...

Open House London

What To See At Open House London Festival 2021 (That Hasn’t Already Sold Out)

Posted on August 17, 2021

in architecture, Interiors, London, Look Up London, Things to do in London

Hundreds of London buildings are available to snoop around on 4-5 September 2021 (for free!) Here are my recommendations...

Electricity Substation Sunnyside Passage Wimbledon | Look Up London

The Victorian Electricity Substation on Sunnyside Passage, Wimbledon

Posted on August 10, 2021

in architecture, London, Look Up London, West London

Along the wonderfully named Sunnyside Passage in SW19 you’ll find this curious electricity substation. What's its story?...

Charterhouse Gardens | Look Up London

Visit The Charterhouse Gardens

Posted on August 3, 2021

in City of London, London, Look Up London, nature, Things to do in London

The Charterhouse is packed with history but you can also wander through the private gardens. Step into an oasis...

1
2