A history of feminism through 5 finds
From Suffragette to Women’s Libber, lesbian activists to intersectional feminists, the archives at Bishopsgate Institute are full of fearless women who’ve take up the feminist cause since 1900.Read more
View ArticleA brief history of the British mosque
Buildings used, adapted or built by Muslim communities have become an established part of our diverse urban fabric.Read more
View ArticleHow to do… archaeological conservation
An archaeological excavation can result in a huge amount of artefacts being excavated. But what does conservation involve?Read more
View Article250 years of circus
It’s London, Easter Monday, 1768. Showman Philip Astley and his wife Patty, a trick rider, draw out a ring and fill it with astonishing acts.Read more
View Article6 historic sites to look out for during Notting Hill Carnival
It’s the 69th Notting Hill Carnival this weekend and the streets of Kensington and Chelsea will be full of Soca music, steel pan bands, sizzling Caribbean food stalls and an array of dazzling costumes...
View Article6 Poems to ponder on National Poetry Day
From William Wordsworth to Stevie Smith, generations of English poets have been inspired by place.Read more
View ArticleA spotter’s guide to Post-Modern architecture
Post-Modernism in architecture was an international phenomenon, which can be defined by its relationship to the Modern Movement.Read more
View Article5 unusual endings for London’s Thames bridges
There has been a crossing at the site of London Bridge almost as long as there has been a city of London; Saxon crossings, Roman crossings, the fabled medieval crossing of 1209 brimming with buildings,...
View Article7 Treasures of the Thames Estuary
The Thames Estuary has been the traditional entry point for imports and exports, both human and material, for centuries. Read more
View ArticleThe story of London’s sewer system
Hidden beneath the city streets lie 2,000 kilometres of brick tunnels that take raw sewage direct from our homes, along with 130 kilometres of interconnecting main sewers the size of railway...
View Article5 Places That Tell the Story of Kensington and Chelsea
Once a predominantly rural area, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea was officially created in 1965 and over time has evolved into one of London’s most diverse and historic neighbourhoods.Read...
View ArticleTop 5 blogs of 2019
In case you missed them, here are our most-read blogs of 2019. Thanks for following, we’ll be back with more great reads in the new year.Read more
View Article10 Hidden Creatures You Might Have Missed in London
London’s extraordinary sculpted creatures - great and small, historic and modern - are hiding in plain sight; easy to miss when the city is full of the bustle of human activity.Read more
View Article13 Architectural Details That Reveal London’s Working History
London is full of visual clues about its rich past. These handsomely rendered architectural details are easy to miss, often hidden away or located high up on buildings.
View Article5 Buildings That Survived the Great Fire of London
On 2 September 1666, a catastrophic fire began to consume the City of London within its defensive walls.
View ArticleThe Great British Pantomime
Every Christmas, Brits flock to the theatres for pantomime season. But the great British panto is neither solely British, nor technically a pantomime.
View ArticleThe Story of the Festival of Britain
The Festival of Britain was a government-sponsored nationwide exhibition celebrating and promoting Britain’s excellence in design, technology, industry, architecture, science and the arts.
View ArticleBravery Through Time: The Evolution of Modern Britain’s Fire Service
A new National Fire Service was inaugurated on 18 August 1941, which consolidated and unified the service across Britain.
View ArticleThe Life and Death of London’s Crystal Palace
From the opening of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park to the tragic fire that destroyed it, the Crystal Palace inspired photographers on the ground and in the air.
View ArticleBrutal and Beautiful: The Story of London’s Barbican
London’s Barbican is arguably the greatest piece of urban architecture of post-war Britain.
View ArticleThe Story of the Great Smog of London
From 5 to 9 December 1952, a thick, toxic smog blanketed London.
View Article100 Years of Wembley Stadium
Take a closer look at the history of this iconic sport and entertainment venue.
View Article150 Years of Alexandra Palace
Sitting high in north London’s skyline, Alexandra Palace has been a prominent leisure attraction since the 19th century.
View Article12 Things to Know About the ‘Austerity Games’: The 1948 London Olympics
Find out more about the cash-strapped London Olympic Games of 1948.
View ArticleRadical Spaces: 6 buildings used by deaf and disabled people over 800 years
The Heritage Lottery Funded project History of Place explores the history of deaf and disabled people and the places associated with those lives.
View ArticleA brief introduction to Thomas Coram and the Foundling Hospital
The Foundling Hospital can be seen as the birthplace of children’s social care- responsible for the health and education of the children for whom it became the parent.
View Article7 places with First World War connections to the Commonwealth
During the First World War, Britain turned to the Empire for assistance - including New Zealand, India, the West Indies, Australia, Canada and South Africa.
View Article10 Accessible Historic Places to Visit
Here we look at some listed places that have creatively improved their accessibility.
View ArticleThe History of Women’s Football in England
From playing in bloomers and boots to the Lionesses' Euros victory, discover how women's football in England has changed over the centuries.
View Article7 Serene Cemeteries to Visit in England
These graveyards can offer space for quiet reflection or a peaceful walk.
View Article16 Historic Gardens and Landscapes to Visit
Try these English gardens if you're looking for somewhere with spectacular garden scenery.
View ArticleThe History of Brick Building in England
Discover 7 examples of how brick building in England has changed over the centuries.
View ArticleThe Timeless Charm of English Market Towns and Halls
In an age dominated by online shopping and supermarkets, the resilience of traditional English markets is a testament to their enduring appeal.
View ArticleA Brief Introduction to Cabmen’s Shelters
Discover the history of the small green shelters that are still fuelling London's black cab drivers today.
View ArticleThe Forgotten History of The Stanmore Crippled Boys Training College
Discover this rare early example of fully accessible architecture.
View ArticleThe Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn in 12 Historic Places
Discover the places connected to the Tudor queen, Anne Boleyn, who played a key role in England’s break from the Catholic Church.
View ArticleThe Buildings of Architect Ernő Goldfinger
Discover the life and works of renowned modernist architect Ernő Goldfinger.
View ArticleBoudica’s Revolt Against Rome
Discover how the female tribal leader, Boudica, challenged the might of an expanding empire.
View ArticleA Brief Introduction to Romani Gypsy Heritage in England
Discover the many aspects of Romani heritage in the art, culture and landscapes of England.
View ArticleWho Was the First King of England?
Discover who is considered the very first King of England.
View ArticleBattles, Castles and Ships: England’s Military History from the Air
Get a different perspective on England’s long military history with aerial photography from the Aerofilms Collection.
View Article12 Places Connected to Queen Elizabeth I
Discover the places connected to the longest reigning Tudor monarch.
View ArticleThe Life and Works of Visionary Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Discover the extraordinary inventions and structures of the pioneer of the modern age, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
View ArticleEnglish High Street Architecture Through the Ages
Explore the changing architectural styles of the English high street.
View ArticleThe History of England’s Village Greens
From cricket matches and maypole dancing to crime and punishment, discover the origins of English village greens.
View ArticlePhotographing the First World War on the Home Front
The Bedford Lemere and Company collection shows how life changed on the home front in England during the First World War.
View ArticleWhat Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Several castles in England claim to be the oldest. Here are the facts.
View Article6 Places Connected to Queer Jewish History in London
From nightclubs to libraries, cabaret bars to sites of protest, discover these places connected to queer Jewish history.
View Article10 Lesser Known Places Linked to King Henry VIII
Discover the lesser known historic places connected to one of the most infamous monarchs in English history.
View ArticleGroundbreaking English Women of Science
Discover the women who made giant leaps in medicine, helped us better understand nature, and played a surprising role during the Second World War.
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