The City of London is the oldest and most historic part of town. Founded by the Roman 2,000 years ago there plenty to discover, but it’s not all old. The City is a dynamic district where London makes a big wad of its cash, so there’s plenty of new, exciting things to find too!

City of London

  • 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......

  • 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......

  • Former Bishopsgate Fire Station | Look Up London

    The Former Fire Station on Bishopgate

    Look up above the Tescos outside Liverpool Street Statuion and – as ever – there’s history above your eye line! The wide doorways might be the first giveaway, but the elaborately decorated facade tells us this was once Bishopsgate Fire Station. It was built in......

  • The History of 7a Laurence Pountney Hill

    The History of 7a Laurence Pountney Hill

    On Laurence Pountney Hill, a quiet corner of the City of London, a private house, former church and pretty garden can transport you back through the centuries. The grade II listed 7a Laurence Pountney Hill was built in the late 17th century, around 1670. But......

  • Visit the Roman Wall under Vine Street | Look Up London

    Visit the Roman Wall under Vine Street

    In early May 2023 a new basement on the eastern edge of the City opened to the public. Having previously written about the developments, I was keen to visit the Vine Street Roman Wall for a closer look. The free museum is inside Emperor House......

  • The Sneaky Symbol on Bank Station (Cannon Street Entrance)

    While admiring the new Bank Station entrance on Cannon Street, I couldn’t help but spot a sneaky symbol that’s right underneath the London Underground roundels. It’s the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, one of the City of London’s livery companies.......

  • Brabant Court | Look Up London

    History of Brabant Court

    If you’ve ever visited the Sky Garden, you probably queued alongside Philpot Lane. Just off this street is a tempting little dead end called Brabant Court and if you walk through you’ll find a surprising 18th Century building! History of Brabant Court Brabant Court can......

  • The Old St Paul's Chapter House | Look Up London

    Lost London: The Old St Paul’s Chapter House

    As a tour guide, you tend to try and focus on what you can actually see around London. So this week’s blog is a little odd in that it’s all about something that no longer exists. Happily though, there are clues which aid our imagination.......

  • Idol Lane City Bollard | Look Up London

    A Peculiar City Bollard on Idol Lane

    I might have reached peak geek with this blog post but I’m very happy about it. Along Idol Lane – right by the gorgeous St Dunstan-in-the-East Garden – you can find an extravagant bollard. Not only is it decorated with the City of London crest......

  • Lincoln's Inn Chapel | Look Up London

    Visit Lincoln’s Inn Chapel

    To enter Lincoln’s Inn is to walk into another world. It’s hard to believe this quiet little enclave is right in the middle of London and best of all, during the week anyone is welcome to walk through. The Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn is......

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