London is renowned all over the world for its fascinating history, with countless impressive buildings and monuments that date back for centuries. However, as well as all of its stunning architecture, the history of the city is written in the very streets of the capital itself, and every hidden alley, street and charming mews tells another story about London.
One of the very best ways to explore the city is on foot, by walking through some of the captivating streets across the capital, and learning more about the history of them. Look out for great deals on Piccadilly London hotels and start planning an insightful closer look into the streets of London.
Cloth Fair
Located in the City of London, Cloth Fair is a London street that dates back to the medieval era, and is home to the oldest standing house in the capital. The street has plenty of its own history, and was give its name due to being a popular spot for merchants to buy and sell textiles. Over the years, it has seen a variety of prestigious residents, including the poet, John Betjeman, and if you’re visiting from Piccadilly London hotels, look out for the blue plaque that marks his famous home.
It’s not the only famous home though, as at number 41 and 42, you’ll see the oldest standing house, one that had survived the Great Fire of London, and still stands to this day. If you’re planning to head down to see it, it’s close to access and within walking distance of Barbican Station.
Alderman’s Walk
The City of London holds much of the oldest parts of London, with its roots in the Roman era. Alderman’s Walk, just moments away from the buzzing modern Liverpool Street Station, is another one of the City’s historic streets, and the busy, though short stretch of the street dates back to at least the 17th century, where it was previously named Dashwood Walk, and connected the house and gardens of Sir Dashwood.
The Walk connects through from St Botolph Church in Bishopsgate, which was dedicated to travellers. Through the years, the Walk has attracted a good deal of mystery and rumour, with stories of a ghost appearing nearby.
For travellers hoping to catch sight of the historic street, it’s easy to get to with Central Line connections on the Underground to Liverpool Street, and with quick and easy journey times to travel there and back, you’ll be able to head back in time for dinner at your favourite restaurants West End London.
Fleet Street
Fleet Street is one of the most well known streets in London, most popular as the home of the press and publishing industries in the city. While it is certainly most renowned for being the address of many of the country’s leading publications, the history of the street itself dates much further back to the Roman era, as an important thoroughfare in the newly established city, as it moves from east to west across the capital.
If you’re taking a historic tour of London, it’s worth checking out some delicious afternoon tea London deals to get you fuelled up, before you head for a long walk along this important part of London. The street has been home to a Roman amphitheatre, the infamous Fleet prison, and many other important landmarks that helped to the shape the city as it grew over the centuries. There was even a water conduit that ran through the street through the Middle Ages, that was filled with wine during the celebrations of the marriage between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIIII.
The publishing industry, for which Fleet Street is so famous, has been a part of the city here for over give centuries, with the first printers setting up a print shop at the start of the 16th century. In time, the street saw the city’s first daily newspaper in 1702, and many more over the years. Although the late 20th century onwards has seen many of the most established newspaper and publishing brands move on to cheaper and more spacious areas, the aura around Fleet Street remains.
Haymarket and the West End
Near the Piccadilly London hotels, you’ll find a number of famous streets that make up the famous area known as the West End, a hub for entertainment, music and theatre, as well as great food and drink in the city. The area is home to a number of famous streets, including Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue, Regent Street and more, which come up towards Piccadilly Circus, itself an iconic destination to visit in its own right, due to the stunning billboard displays it is so famous for.
Haymarket and the neighbouring streets are most well known as the addresses of some of London’s oldest and best theatres, as well as the pubs and restaurants that have served patrons to the arts over the centuries. A walk through the area always buzzes with the atmosphere and excitement of a great night out at the theatre, with crowds spilling in and out from matinee and evening shows. To get a taste of it yourself, book tickets to one of the top shows in the West End, and experience the area’s special magic.
Brick Lane
Dating back beyond the 17th century and earlier, Brick Lane’s name hints at one of the former industries that was so common in the area at its inception, where the local earth was used to make bricks. Over time however, the area has become home to various communities on the fringes of society, who made a strong mark on the area that stays to this day.
One of the most famous parts of Brick Lane is its thriving Sunday Market, which was established centuries ago for local traders. Today, you can still explore great bargains, unique finds and treasures at the market, as well as sample some delicious fresh cooked food, tasty snacks and tempting drinks, while you shop up a storm.
