London stories
Explore the stories of the world's greatest city and uncover the hidden treasures of our collections.
All stories
When London was swept up in balloon mania
Balloon ascents were all the rage in the late 1700s and 1800s
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
