The
Amateur Historian's Guide to Medieval and Tudor London
A travel guide to the sites and artifacts of London, covering the years 1066 to 1600. Provides fresh insight and perspective.
 Great Britain is a country known for its civility and pomp, as well as its colorful pubs and vibrant music scene. Literary
genius flourishes here, and the theater is world famous. It is the home of the Beatles, double-decker buses and un-moving guards faithfully
watching their posts. Old World charm is the order of the day in quaint villages, on hilltops ruled by gray castles and in London, where the
royals make their home at Buckingham Palace.
London is a fabulous city, with a rich heritage and history that greets you everywhere you go. There is so much activity and beauty in London
that multiple trips are usually a necessity to get a true sense of the region. Perhaps Samuel Johnson was right when he said, “a man that
is tired of London is tired of life.” The glory of Big Ben and the splendor of a trip to Buckingham Palace are only a beginning. The British
Museum is magnificent, and the shopping in the city is spectacular. Present-day London still possesses an air of the medieval, which only
adds to its charm. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a glorious site, which has stood since the 1600’s.
 The Thames flows by on the same course as it did 2,000 years ago, and London’s “time machine” museums are magnificent.
Art, fashion, and dining in London remain popular, and even the United States tries to imitate the dress and music of Britain’s hot spot.
London is still a swinging city, and Vanity Fair recently proclaimed it the “coolest city in the world.” But all you traditionalists do not
dismay, for Britons have a strong sense of culture and tradition. Teatime remains the most sacred part of the day, and is honored by nearly
every citizen in the region. The tall, red double-decker buses still tour the city, and the matching red telephone booths can still be found
on nearly every corner. And of course, the Royal Family continues its own tradition in England.
 London is one of the safest cities in the world, so you will be secure and comfortable in all of your travels. It is
the swirling maze of streets and the city’s medieval arrangement that make London difficult to travel from point to point. As a result, you
will end up taking roundabout directions from locals, encountering wonderfully eccentric people and experiences along the way.
 Take the London underground to Hyde Park Corner of the Marble Arch and visit , the largest park in London. Over 600 acres
of flowers, lakes, and scenic vistas, Hyde Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic. In the middle of the park is a large lake
perfect for rowing. Contact Hyde Park Serpentine (tel. 44/020/7262-1330) to rent a boat. Piccadilly Circus is located at the intersection
of five major thoroughfares, most notably Piccadilly and Regent streets. It is a tremendously popular gathering spot.
Big Ben is not only the most impressive clock in the entire world, but it is also an historical landmark as well as an important piece of
architecture. Located in Parliament Square, Big Ben is a truly amazing edifice. Its 700-pound pendulum keeps excellent time. The clock tower
adjoins the Houses of Parliament, and whenever the House of Commons is in session, a light shines above the clock face.
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 The British Museum is the premier museum in London (and the world, for that matter) and is an extraordinary tourist attraction. Combining remarkable architecture with incredible exhibits and displays, the British Museum is a world-class establishment. It
is located on Great Russell Street in Russell Square, and there are over six million items on the premises to peruse! The museum covers seven acres, and has been a great source of pride to England since the 1800’s. The National Maritime Museum is a great place to learn all about the British and their ancestral relationship with the sea. Boats, artistic representations, and artifacts from wars and shipwrecks are among
the fascinating features at this wonderful site.
 Located on Romney Road, the National Maritime Museum (44/020/8858-4422) is unlike any museum you’ve ever seen. On Tower
Hill stands the Tower of London, an infamous and impressive destination. The Tower of London (44/020/7709-0765) has stood for seven hundred
years, and was used in medieval times as a prison and execution center. Today it is a wonderful historical site and a great attraction. The
guided tours are interesting and strikingly eerie, making this turreted marvel a must. As you gaze upon the Tower Bridge, you will get a sense
of what an unbelievable work of craftsmanship and architectural genius it is. Located at Tower Hill, the Tower Bridge (44/020/7403-3761) is
exquisitely ornate..
 The infrastructure is as complex as it is extravagant, and the Tower Bridge is by far one of the most visited bridges
in the entire world. The Old Royal Observatory can be reached at 44/020/8858-4422, the same number as the National Maritime Museum. Charles
II founded the Observatory in 1675, and this fabulous historic site is located in Greenwich Park. Every day the red Time Ball drops at exactly
1:00pm, and you can set your watch by its precision. The Royal Botanic Gardens (44/020/8940-1171), located on Kew Road, feature 300 acres
of garden and over 60,000 species of plants.
 Two royal ladies, Queen Caroline and Princess Augusta, founded the Gardens in the 18th century. The 19th century greenhouses
and the state-of-the-art Princess of Wales Conservatory are the two most beloved attractions. Westminster Abbey (tel. 44/020/7222-5897) is
located at Broad Sanctuary SW1, and is the most famous church in Britain. A striking example of Gothic and English architecture, the abbey
is where the majority of the kings and queens of Britain were crowned, and the burial spot of British royalty and notable figures throughout
the centuries. It was founded in the 1066, and the church is open to the public Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from
9 am to 2 pm.
 Taking a tour of the Royal Quarters, gallivanting around the area, and exploring all of London’s sights first-hand, are
unparalleled experiences. There is so much adventure to be found in London, but it does take a bit of effort. The layout of the area is quite
difficult to navigate, but this simply adds to the fun! Venturing around the city and discovering unique experiences is the best thing about
London.
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