London is the place where ancient tradition and modern innovation blend seamlessly to create a rich tapestry of vibrant communities, unrivalled entertainment, and real historical significance. The city has been at the heart of so many of history’s most pivotal moments for more than 2,000 years. Founded in 47 AD by the Romans, the city of London was called Londinium, and it did not take long for it to become a hub of culture and commerce. As centuries passed, London bore witness to the rise and fall of empires and survived deadly plagues on its path to becoming a global capital in so many different sectors.
The sheer volume of historic landmarks located in and around the city makes a stroll through the busy streets feel like stepping into the world’s largest museum. Iconic buildings like the Norman-built Tower of London stand alongside remarkably preserved Tudor treasures like Hampton Court Palace. Remnants of eras gone by like the Blitz memorials in the East End reveal countless stories of royalty, industry, and revolution.
From visiting medieval castles and Victorian marketplaces to uncovering the city’s role in the world wars, London offers no small amount of deep-rooted history to explore. Whether you are fascinated by grandeur or more interested in literary legacies like that of William Shakespeare, every corner of London has a story to share.
The Tower of London
With a rich history that spans almost 1000 years, The Tower of London is one of the capital's most iconic and interesting historical sites. The tower was originally commissioned by William the Conqueror as a formidable fortress that has since served as a royal palace, a prison, and an armoury. At one point it was even used as a zoo. With its storied past full of intrigue and treachery, including the infamous prison sentence of King Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn, and the disappearance of the two Princes in the Tower, visitors have been drawn to the tower for generations.
Today, the tower houses the Crown Jewels which comprises a collection of more than 23,000 gemstones that are still used in royal ceremonies, including the recent coronation of King Charles III. Local tour guides regale crowds with tales of the tower bringing the area’s history to vivid life. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Tower of London is a testament to the enduring significance of London as a historically rich capital.
Hampton Court Palace
Providing particular insight into the life of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is a stunning palace that uncovers the opulent history of British royalty. This Tudor masterpiece was first built in the early 16th century but was largely expanded by King Henry so he could use it as a lavish setting for his many feasts and courtly events. It is famous for its Great Hall, which is adorned with many medieval tapestries, as well as the Chapel Royal which has been used almost continuously throughout the last 450 years.
Visitors to the site can explore the wonderfully preserved interior of the palace, from the original Tudor kitchen where hundreds of grand feasts were prepared, to the more Baroque-style additions that were added to the palace by William III and Mary II. Outside, the palace’s vast gardens are just as remarkable as they feature the world-famous Hampton Court Maze as well as the oldest and largest grapevine in the world. With its rich history of opulence and grandeur, Hampton Court is a must-visit destination on the historical tour of London.
Leadenhall Market
Hidden in plain sight right in the heart of the City of London is the perfect picture of Victorian mercantile history, Leadenhall Market. This Victorian marketplace was originally established in the 14th century but was redesigned in 1881 by architect Sir Horace Jones who created a stunning wrought iron and glass structure that is still standing today.
The ornate architecture of Leadenhall Market is most evident in its intricate roof design and the integration of vibrant splashes of colour that are in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. The history of the area meets modern life with its offerings of boutique shops, popular restaurants, and cosy pubs without losing any of its Victorian charm. This captivating setting has also been seen on screen in films like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, furthering the market’s status as an iconic historical landmark and as a unique journey into London’s layered past.
The Globe
Situated just a few short metres away from the site of Shakespeare’s original Globe is a vibrant tribute to one of the most famous literary minds in English history. This faithful recreation of the original 1599 theatre where people witnessed so many of Shakespeare’s plays manages to transport visitors back to the days of Elizabethan England – its open-air design and wooden construction offer an authentic 17th-century theatrical experience.
The Globe hosts a variety of different performances, keeping the legacy of Shakespeare’s works alive for modern audiences to see. There are also guided tours of the theatre that uncover interesting insights into the world of the famed playwright as well as the intricacies of Elizabethan theatre and its significance in the 16th and 17th centuries. With the site also housing original artifacts and costumes, the Globe is the perfect place for theatre lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Apothecaries Hall
Another hidden gem in the City of London, Apothecaries Hall offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy. After the original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London it was rebuilt in the late 1600s and is now the oldest surviving livery hall in London. Many of the building's original period features are still in excellent condition, showcasing a mix of 17th-century architecture and the significance of the historical Worshipful Society of Apothecaries which sold medicinal substances from 1672 to 1922.
Visitors are welcome to explore much of the hall’s interior, including the grand courtroom and the lavish great hall which is adorned with intricate woodwork and portraits of past society masters. The on-site museum features a number of interesting exhibits on the evolution of medical practices that include rare tools and original manuscripts. For a historical landmark that is also a celebration of London’s medical evolution, Apothecaries Hall is a must-visit.
London’s plentiful historic landmarks take visitors on an extraordinary journey through the city’s vibrant past. From unrivalled grandeur and medieval fortresses to lesser-known spots like Apothecaries Hall, each site brings historical events to life and deepens our understanding of how history has shaped the City of London.
