London stories
Explore the stories of the world's greatest city and uncover the hidden treasures of our collections.
All stories
The lost, lawless tradition of Shrovetide football
Forget pancakes – for hundreds of years, Shrove Tuesday was marked by a chaotic ball game
An Irish Traveller community in 1980s Bermondsey
These photos put the focus on a group often left out of London’s story
May Day protests in post-war London
Marching for world peace and workers’ rights on a historic day of activism
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
