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.

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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

  • Wright's Dairy, Chelsea | Look Up London

    History of Wright’s Dairy, Chelsea

    Chelsea sometimes gets described as a ‘village’ and if you know where to look you can certainly find some nice historic reminders. If you look up along the King’s Road in Chelsea you can spot some cows heads staring back at you. So what’s the......

  • Bank Station Roman Glass Panels | Look Up London

    See the Roman-Inspired Stained Glass at Bank Station

    If you were planning to appreciate some beautiful stained glass in London, Bank Underground Station probably wouldn’t be top of the list. So imagine my surprise when travelling through the (relatively) new Walbrook exit of Bank in finding a series of stained glass from John......

  • 5 Whichcote Street, Waterloo | Look Up London

    5 Whichcote Street | The Lonely House in Waterloo

    If you’ve used Waterloo Station, you might’ve admired this lonely house. Number 5 is the sole survivor of Whichcote Street, once a bustling terrace that was demolished in 1950. History of Whichcote Street In the early 19th century three streets of stock brick, terraced houses......

  • Inside Goldsmith's Hall | Look Up London

    Inside Goldsmiths’ Hall

    Along Foster Lane in the City you can easily walk past this stone, 19th century building without giving it much thought. But it’s worth looking a bit closer at Goldsmiths’ Hall, an institution that’s been here since 1339. I was recently invited to have a......

  • New West End Synagogue - Open House Festival 2023 Recommendations

    What to See at Open House Festival 2023

    Open House Festival 2023 is 6-17 September and there are hundreds of London’s unusual and inspiring buildings to visit (some of which are only open to the public for Open House). As ever, there’s so much to choose from and sift through so I’ve done......

  • The Look Out at 8 Bishopsgate | Look Up London

    8 Bishopsgate | The New Free London Viewpoint

    There’s a new place to look down over London and it’s free to book. The Look Out at 8 Bishopsgate is the latest skyscraper to open a viewing platform, so I popped in to admire the view. The Look Out is on the 50th floor......

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Inside Goldsmith's Hall | Look Up London

Inside Goldsmiths’ Hall

Along Foster Lane in the City you can easily walk past this stone, 19th century building without giving it much thought. But it’s worth looking a bit closer at Goldsmiths' Hall, an institution that’s been here since 1339. I was recently invited to have a look...

Hidden History of Golden Square | Look Up London

Hidden History of Golden Square 

It might not have the immediate charm of Soho Square, but Golden Square has a fascinating history (and a good reason for its messy hodge-podge of architectural styles and ages). While walking through on a sunny afternoon I was struck by how many little details I...

Vauxhall Park Model Village | Look Up London

History of Vauxhall Park

Vauxhall Park was opened in 1890 by the then Prince of Wales (later, King Edward VII) but its origin story takes us back to a remarkable couple in the mid 1880s. In 1875 Millicent Garret Fawcett and Henry Fawcett rented 51 South Lambeth Road. The terraced...

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