London is full of fascinating history and gruesome tales that our tour guides love to tell you about on our tours. Here are some of our favourites from over the years.
DID YOU KNOW?
Terrifying Thames
One dead body is found on average every week in the Thames. Most of the time they are not suspected murders. And sometimes they’re not even bodies at all, like this case of mistaken identity:
Early Doors
William the Conqueror ordered that everyone should go to bed at eight o’clock!
It was initially used as a repressive measure to prevent rebellious meetings of the conquered English. He prohibited the use of live fires after the curfew bell was rung to prevent associations and conspiracies. Henry I came along in 1103 however and repealed the 8pm curfew, thus saving London’s nightlife and our very own Bike the Night Tour!
Knights out!
It is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament in a suit of armour. Ever since the year 1313 anyway. This bill was apparently passed because “certain persons” had disrupted debates. If only we had more information on this, I'm sure it would be a fascinating tale.
Trouble and Strife
15% of all marriages in late 17th & early 18th century Britain were conducted in London’s fleet prison. It brings a whole new meaning to the saying 'the ball and chain' eh?
Relative values
As well as being married to each other the Queen and Prince Philip are second, third and fourth cousins. It’s legal we promise!
Cops and Robbers
Trafalgar Square is home to the smallest police station in the world. It's only big enough to house either one policeman or one prisoner! It is no longer in use however but you can still see it standing proud at the corner of the Square.
Just keep building
St Paul's Cathedral has been rebuilt a amazing 5 times on the same location on Ludgate Hill, which is the highest point of the city of London. It started out as a humbler church but has burned down a whopping three times in its long history. First in 962 and 1087, and most famously it was destroyed by the Great Fire of London of 1666. After this Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with it’s renovation and created the iconic domed building we see today.
