St John and St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood might seem just like any other private hospital. However, open one door along a corridor and you’re in for a treat. You appear to have stepped into Rome! The chapel was built between 1862-3 and...
The Young V&A (formerly the Museum of Childhood) in Bethnal Green isn’t just a fabulous museum, its building also has a fascinating history to tell. Travelling back 350 years or so, Bethnal Green was a popular suburb for London’s upper classes. There were some large Manor...
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 was the...
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 club...
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. Morning Room, Sambourne House Meet Linley Sambourne Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) was an illustrator...
Open House Festival 2022 runs until 21 September this year so there's even more time to visit London's unusual and inspiring buildings (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...
Eltham Palace is a bit of a mad place, full to bursting with strange juxtapositions and quirky details. Here are some of my favourite discoveries from a recent visit...
Inside the Old Bailey, a sublime synagogue and behind the scenes at Museum of London's Smithfield. Some 2021 Open House London highlights...
Hundreds of London buildings are available to snoop around on 4-5 September 2021 (for free!) Here are my recommendations...
I often give private tours in Westminster Abbey, but this was a real treat to go to the areas not usually accessible!...