London stories
Explore the stories of the world's greatest city and uncover the hidden treasures of our collections.
All stories
Who are the Chelsea Pensioners?
British Army veterans have had a special home in west London since 1692
Anti-nuclear protests in dangerous times
Huge crowds gathered in London from the 1950s onwards to call for a ban on nuclear weapons
What was the Winter of Discontent, 1978–1979?
A widespread strike movement during one of the coldest winters of the century
A fun-seeker’s guide to Regency London
Where to shop, gamble and flirt in the early 1800s
Peek inside the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house
Henry Grant photographed fine art and fancy jewellery going under the hammer
The Savoy Palace & Hospital
How a magnificent medieval manor became a Tudor hospital for the poor – and then fell into ruins
Guinness’ iconic early adverts were born in London
These quirky 1930s posters, with slogans like ‘Guinness is Good for You’, have stood the test of time
A Bengali Muslim wedding in London, 1992
Memories of a special day – the food, family and ceremony
Richmond Palace: A long-lost Tudor showpiece
Transformed by Henry VII, loved by Elizabeth I, largely forgotten about today
Chimney sweeps’ soot-stained past
Brush up on the history of a trade that once sent children climbing into danger
Photographing London at rush hour, 1978
Barry Lewis captured the crowds commuting in the capital
When London was swept up in balloon mania
Balloon ascents were all the rage in the late 1700s and 1800s
