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...
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 oldest surviving...
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 restaurants,...
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. Louisa Garrett Anderson Flora...
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 Street,...
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! View of Strand Lane from Temple Lane I’ve previously covered one of them on...
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...
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 Building...
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. It’s a...