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👇
(10)

13/08/2026

A unique hub of independent businesses on the South Bank are at risk of being closed down for good.

Gabriel’s Wharf is an unusual thing in London: an enclave of makers, creatives, artists and independent businesses, able to exist in one of the city’s most touristy areas.

Give a follow to keep up to date. They also have a petition in their bio if you would like to support their cause. And if you have never visited, perhaps now is a good time!

13/08/2026

Tucked behind the more modern buildings in Holborn is an incredible medieval survivor 👀

Barnard’s Inn Hall dates back to the 14th century, was part of a residence, before becoming an Inn of Chancery and then a school. Since 1991 it has been home to .

Gresham College was founded in 1597 from the will of merchant Thomas Gresham. He wanted for the citizens of London to have free education and make learning accessible to all. Remarkably the college is still doing what it was founded to do over four centuries ago. Isn’t that just brilliant?

The entrance shown in the video is actually out of order at the moment and the entrance is temporarily around the corner!

11/08/2026

Amongst the winding lanes of Bankside you’ll find the ruins of a very important building in medieval London…

It is one of those ones thousands walk past every day, many read the plaque, many pass on by, but the ruins are just part of the streetscape, amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life. That is what often makes London so special I think: the history is not behind glass, we are walking through it and past it all the time as we travel around the city streets.

Have you seen the ruins before?

ruins

05/08/2026

Ad I visited London’s oldest cheese shop oldest pharmacy and James Bond’s tailor, all in the wonderful, and ever fascinating area of St James’s.

They have all been serving Londoners for centuries but also have something in common…



03/08/2026

I have released a brand new self-guided audio tour! 👂

It has taken a good few months to put together and make sure it all works perfectly, so I am delighted to reveal Symbols of the City: Decoding Two Thousand Years of London. The City is the oldest part of the metropolis, such a fascinating area to simply walk around and covered in little historic details…

It is a self-guided version of my guided tour and can be found on the VoiceMap app. It is GPS triggered so you just press play at the start, put your phone in your pocket and I guide you with my voice the whole way.

I hope you enjoy! There is a link in my bio if you would like to download it. Please make sure to leave me a review on the app if you do 😊🙌

31/07/2026

One of London’s most historic squares has just undergone a major transformation to create a green, biodiverse haven in the centre of the city. But whilst also highlighting and enhancing its fascinating history. 🌱

Let me know what you think in the comments!

A bit of a pinch me moment a couple of weeks ago, I showed actor Andrew Garfield around Smithfield. He is starring in a ...
29/07/2026

A bit of a pinch me moment a couple of weeks ago, I showed actor Andrew Garfield around Smithfield. He is starring in a new film called The Uprising, all about the Peasant’s Revolt, the dramatic climax takes place at Smithfield. The film is out in the UK on 9th October! 🎥

29/07/2026

Ad is a family run hotel with a history stretching back over 120 years.

Who won ‘Bottom of the Year’ here in 1976 and what did a quick thinking chambermaid do with a bomb in World War One?

The Imperial has just undergone a once-in-a-generation refurbishment and it is a great base for exploring the fascinating wider Bloomsbury area!

24/07/2026

A moving and fascinating visit to the ‘Plague Village’ of Eyam in Derbyshire…

Have you heard or been to Eyam before?

22/07/2026

Fulham Palace is one of London’s overlooked historic treasures I would argue.

It is free to visit, is an architectural amalgamation of the centuries and has stunning gardens, perfect for relaxing this summer.



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