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Archive for the ‘London Virtual Tours’ Category

The Australian War Memorial, London

Friday, July 17th, 2009

© Will Pearson 2009 - www.londonrevolution.net
© Will Pearson 2009

Remembrance Day 2003 saw the opening ceremony for the Australian War Memorial in London. The unveiling was by Her Majesty the Queen, Tony Blair and the Australian Prime Minister John Howard in front of a huge crowd of Australians, including 25 Australian war veterans.
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London Markets - London’s Food Markets

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

© Will Pearson 2005
© Will Pearson

London used to be regarded as a bit of a gastronomic desert. The French in particular would mock our 1970’s attempts at epicurean endeavour (remember the ubiquitous prawn cocktail in a glass, sat on top of a piece of wilted lettuce? Perhaps it’s better to forget…). Over the last 30 years things have thankfully moved on, and London is a fantastic place to eat. Whether you’re eating out at a restaurant or selecting ingredients to rustle up a little something at home the choice and the quality of food is superb. London’s food markets are not to be missed if you’re seeking gourmet delights. Here is a pick of five of our favourites… (more…)

Bankside Power Station & The Tate Modern - Alligator in the Lily Pond

Monday, April 20th, 2009


Image © Will Pearson.

Bankside Power Station was built by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott - his name may not be familiar, but his other major London building will be - Battersea Power Station. He also designed the much-loved Red Telephone boxes (you can see four of these in a virtual tour here), the Salvation Army’s William Booth Memorial Training College in Camberwell, and Waterloo Bridge. (more…)

The Birth of the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

The Bank of England is personified as ‘The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ - conjuring images of a benevolent and homely old spinster at her sewing. However, the ‘old lady’ has a slightly less peaceable heritage than this image implies - the Bank of England was borne out of funding the war with France. In 1694, William III’s coffers were running low, threatening his war against the French. (more…)

London Facts Part IV

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

You’re never alone with a Strand…

In 1959, the Strand in London lent its’ name to a brand of cigarettes from W.D. & H.O. Wills (part of Imperial Tobacco). Strand Cigarettes were launched with a massive marketing campaign based around the line ‘You’re never alone with a strand’. (more…)

An intruder at the Palace

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

© Will Pearson 2008
(Note: Image shows Windsor Castle - Buckingham Palace image to follow)

In 1982, Queen Elizabeth II woke up to find an unemployed labourer with a bloodied hand and a broken glass ashtray sitting on her bed.

Michael Fagan was (according to his mother) inordinately fond of the Queen. Perhaps this is why he allegedly chose her bedroom as the place he would commit suicide, but apparently then decided that it wasn’t “a nice thing to do” once he arrived. It wasn’t his first break-in to Buckingham Palace - a month previously, (more…)

Hyde Park - but not as we know it…

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009


© Will Pearson

Duels in Hyde Park
Hyde Park has a long history as a duelling ground, and in the 18th century it saw plenty of bloodshed in the name of honour. Some of the better known conflicts resolved (after a fashion) in this famous Royal Park include: (more…)

Guildhall, The City of London

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Guildhall bears the distinction of being the only non-religious stone building in the City of London that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. Visitors to the Guildhall can feel just under 600 years of history around them. (more…)

London Facts Part I

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009


Image © Will Pearson

How St Mary Axe got its name

The City of London is full of strange street names. St Mary Axe has now given its name to one of London’s most famous buildings, ‘the Gherkin’, but how did the street and the building become so named? (more…)

London’s Squares - Oases in the City

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009


Image © Will Pearson 2009

Asked to name a famous London Square and Trafalgar Square is likely to be the first to anyone’s lips. However, starting in the 17th century going right through to the mid 19th century, Londoners went mad for squares.
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