Oh West London, traditionally the fancy part of town with beautiful houses and the Royal connections, is there lots more to discover? Yes you can bet there is!

West London

  • The FANY Memorial on St Paul's, Knightsbridge

    The FANY Memorial on St Paul’s, Knightsbridge

    On the wall of St Paul’s Knightsbridge, there’s a surprising war memorial where all the names are women. It remembers the members of the Women’s Transport Service (later known as FANY). History of FANY The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry was founded back in 1907. It......

  • Oriental Club Staircase | Look Up London

    Inside Stratford House

    Set back from busy Oxford Street is Stratford Place and at the very end you can find Stratford House, the beautiful building that’s now home to the Oriental Club. The club has only been here since 1962 but the history of the building (and the......

  • Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House

    London’s Oldest Quaker Meeting House

    Along the busy Wandsworth High Street it’s easy to miss this small brick building. Even if you do take a moment to appreciate the ‘Society of Friends’ sign, you might not realise quite how historic a building it is. Built in 1778, this is the......

  • Lots Road Power Station | Look Up London

    Lots Road Power Station

    Just under two miles away from Battersea Power Station is Lots Road Power Station. Not quite as famous perhaps, but this fascinating place is currently undergoing its own major renovation. Derelict since 2002, It’s being transformed into Powerhouse, a luxury residential address complete with riverside......

  • Endell Street Military Hospital | The WWI Hospital Run by Women

    Along Endell Street, just north of Covent Garden, it’s easy to miss this fairly simple plaque that celebrates the former Endell Street Military Hospital. It commemorates an inspiring story of courage, defiance and dogged determination. The two heroines are Louisa Garrett Anderson and Flora Murray. ......

  • Josiah Wedgewood Soho Plaque, Greek Street | Look Up London

    The Wedgwood Soho Workshop

    For such a tiny area of London, Soho has helped fuel well over its quota of the nation’s creative talent. Look up along its network of streets and blue plaques abound with nods to musicians, artists and scientists. So next time you’re walking along Greek......

  • St Clement Watch House | History on Strand Lane

    St Clements Watch House | History on Strand Lane

    For the everyday passerby, there’s not much reason to venture into Strand Lane. It’s not a convenient cut through to the Strand however it has two quite amazing bits of history to discover! I’ve previously covered one of them on the blog, the history of......

  • Sambourne House | A Victorian Time Capsule

    Sambourne House | A Victorian Time Capsule

    I was recently invited to a preview of Sambourne House, the family home of Linley Sambourne. You can find it at 18 Stafford Terrace and by stepping inside you enter a Victorian Time Capsule. Meet Linley Sambourne Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) was an illustrator and......

  • Holborn's New Free Rooftop | Look Up London

    Holborn’s New Free Panoramic Rooftop

    Thanks to the tip off from Londonist for a new free rooftop in Holborn. I popped in to visit yesterday and not only is it spectacular but there’s some fun geeky history to find too! The rooftop can be found on top of the Post......

  • History Above 219 Oxford Street | Look Up London

    History Above Shop Level: 219 Oxford Street

    I’ve written quite a few blogs about the history hiding above shop level on Oxford Street. From grim reminders to a theatrical hotspot, there’s plenty to spot if you cast your eyes up along this famous thoroughfare. But our focus today is 219 Oxford Street.......

  • St Leonards Air Raid Shelter | Look Up London

    Mortlake’s Surviving Air Raid Shelter in St Leonard’s Court

    While planning my recommendations for the 2022 Open House Festival, one listing quite literally made me hop on the next train to Mortlake. It’s a surviving Air Raid shelter in St Leonard’s Court. St Leonard’s Court was built 1934-38 by Mr FG Fox, a local......

  • History in the Brickwork at the Peabody St John’s Hill Estate

    I’ve come to expect that there’s nearly always an historic reason behind things you spot in London. From street names to sculptures, there’s always a story! Such is the case with this curious brickwork on the Peabody St John’s Hill Estate. On the face of......

BOOK NOW