Living London History

Living London History Jack Chesher: exploring the hidden history of London and further afield. Author, tour guide and blogger! Link for my bestselling books/walks/newsletter👇
(7)

28/05/2026

Why is there an 18th century cottage from Yorkshire in the middle of Melbourne? 🤔

I wonder how many historic buildings there are around the world that are not in their original locations… let me know in the comments if you can think of any others!

27/05/2026

What is this odd little building in the City of London? 🧐

It can be found sandwiched between a 17th century church, two modern office blocks and is up the road from the ruins of a Roman temple…

I was invited to have a peek inside!

Who has visited Charlton House? Built between 1607-1612, Charlton House in South East London is one of the best preserve...
26/05/2026

Who has visited Charlton House?

Built between 1607-1612, Charlton House in South East London is one of the best preserved Jacobean mansions in England and one of the only complete ones in London. It was originally built for Sir Adam Newton who was tutor to Prince Henry, the son of King James I.

The house passed through various hands until it became the estate of the Maryon-Wilson family in the late 19th century.

It was offered and used as a Red Cross hospital for wounded soldiers from 1918-1919.

It passed into public ownership in 1925 and today is a community centre, library and events venue.

22/05/2026

Did you know that less than an hour from London is a fairytale-like mansion? 👀

Not only that, it was once the home of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer and an aviation pioneer.

There’s a link in my bio if you would like to find out more.

Thank you to for the gifted stay!

hoteldesign

20/05/2026

There is a new exhibition in London all about Queen Elizabeth I! 👑

Elizabeth I: Queen and Court is a brilliant new exhibition at the on Pall Mall. It centres around four portraits of the Queen in different stages of her life and looks out how portraiture was a tool of power and propaganda.

The exhibition is free and on until the 10th July.

19/05/2026

A rare look inside the ancient home of the Archbishops of Canterbury in London! 👀

Lambeth Palace has its origins back in the 12th century and is a real architectural tapestry of the centuries. There is a link in my bio for the full history and details on how you can visit.



18/05/2026

You may well have walked past or even through this London garden before, but do you know the very inspiring story behind it?! 🌱


15/05/2026

Hidden beneath the streets of Clerkenwell you will find something very surprising… 👀

I was invited to explore what are known as the ‘Clerkenwell Catacombs’, a series of eerie vaults, which are all that remain of a Victorian prison.

There is a rare opportunity for members of the public to see them for free as part of from the 19th-21st May. There is a link in my bio to find out more!

One of the most stunning interiors in London: the Fitzrovia Chapel. This Victorian jewel was designed by John Loughborou...
13/05/2026

One of the most stunning interiors in London: the Fitzrovia Chapel.

This Victorian jewel was designed by John Loughborough Pearson and his son Frank from 1891-1929. It has been designed in a beautiful and opulent Gothic Revival style.

It was once part of Middlesex Hospital, to serve staff, patients, and families. it was thankfully preserved when the hospital around it was demolished from 2008-2015. It is now tucked inside a modern housing and commercial development, used for events, weddings and art exhibitions. They also have regular public open days.

Have you ever wondered why this building stands alone on Tottenham Court Road? The answer takes us back to 25th March 19...
12/05/2026

Have you ever wondered why this building stands alone on Tottenham Court Road?

The answer takes us back to 25th March 1945 when a V2 rocket landed close by, causing massive destruction. Many of the surrounding buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged and subsequently pulled down.

The surrounding land was designated as a public space, where today for example you can see the Fitzrovia mural, created in 1980. The surviving 19th century building, a notable late 19th-century building, is a solitary reminder of that time in London's history.

A sight that will be familiar to many: the hut in Soho Square. What actually is it though? Despite it's appearance it is...
11/05/2026

A sight that will be familiar to many: the hut in Soho Square. What actually is it though?

Despite it's appearance it is not a Tudor structure but in fact dates from 1925, designed in this charming mock-Tudor style.

It was built to hide the entrance to an electricity substation below the square, for the Charing Cross Electrical Company. In World War Two the space beneath was used as an air-raid shelter, shielding 150-200 people initially.

Now it appears to be just used as a storage shed for gardening tools by Westminster City Council. The 3,200 square foot subterranean space was actually put up for sale in 2015 for £175,000 garnering the interest of restaurants and other events companies, but, it appears, to no avail.

Address

Strand
London
WC2 5HS

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Living London History posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share