London stories
Explore the stories of the world's greatest city, from prehistory to the present day, and uncover the hidden treasures of our collections.
All stories
The wild 700-year-long history of Bartholomew Fair
How a yearly cloth fair transformed into a contentious riot of revelry
What was the temperance movement?
How this anti-alcohol campaign shaped Victorian London and its drinking habits
Why does London have so many squares?
Squares aren’t unique to London, but London is uniquely a square city
London’s postmodern buildings
More is more with this fun and experimental style of architecture
Mary I & the Smithfield martyrs
This Tudor queen burned Protestants at the stake for their religious beliefs
The 900-year history of St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Caring for London on the same Smithfield spot since 1123
A history of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Home to London’s oldest scientific zoo and outdoor theatre
London’s Millennium Bridge
After opening with a wobble, this sleek footbridge has become a fixture in its dramatic setting
Kenric: London’s long-running lesbian social group
Meet-ups and connections since 1965
Why were charity wristbands so popular in the noughties?
When the ultimate fashion accessory was a silicone statement bracelet bought for £1
Anna Maria Garthwaite: Spitalfields silk designer
Her naturalistic floral designs were the height of silk fashion in the mid-1700s
