The London-born artist William Hogarth died at his home at Leicester Square today in 1764. Read here about his life thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/wil…

The St. Katharine Docks were opened today in 1828. To create them 11,000 people were displaced from their homes and an ancient and historic church destroyed. Read here about the creation of the St. Katharine Docks thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/st-…

The opulent Dudley House is one of the last surviving grand houses on Park Lane. It was rebuilt for the Earl of Dudley in the 1820s, replacing the former house of the Earls of Dudley that was acquired by the family in the 1740s. It remains as a private residence.

The East India Docks were opened at Blackwall in East London in 1806 for ships bringing tea, spices, silk and other goods from the Far East. Read the history of the East India Docks here thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

This wall survives from the notorious Marshalsea Prison at Borough in South London, which closed in 1842. The father of Charles Dickens was imprisoned there in 1824 and it features in two of his books, David Copperfield and Little Dorrit.

Fulham Palace, beside the Thames in West London, was the home of the Bishops of London for almost 1,300 years. Read the history of the palace here thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

David Garrick, the most famous actor of his time, made his London stage debut today in 1741 at Goodman’s Field Theatre playing his celebrated role of Richard III. Read here about the life of David Garrick thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/dav…

Bedford Square, east of Tottenham Court Road, was laid out in the 1770s on land owned by the Duke of Bedford to provide residences for London's upper middle class. The last house was completed in 1784. It remains as one of the capital's best-preserved and scenic garden squares.

By serendipity, came across the statue of MP, journalist and activist John Wilkes in Fetter Lane today on his 299th birthday.

Serious anti-German riots took place in Deptford today in 1914 following the outbreak of the First World War. Read here about London's thriving German community before the war thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

The Dorchester on Park Lane opened as a luxury hotel on the site of the former 19thC Dorchester House. It was built by Sir Robert McAlpine using the new steel and reinforced concrete method. It was opened in April 1931 by Lord Astor.

A wonderful institution. Good to hear. theguardian.com/food/2026/oc…

Holborn Viaduct, and the street that passes across it, were constructed in the 1860s as part of a major road improvement scheme. It created a bridge over the River Fleet (which had already been covered over), to avoid the difficult descent or ascent of the sides of the valley.

The oldest part of the Tower of London was initiated by William the Conqueror to guard against the hostile Saxon people of London. It was enlarged by various kings in later centuries. It has been a defence, menagerie, mint, prison, and secure storage of royal jewels and costumes.

The earliest references to St. George the Martyr church at Borough date from the 12th century, long before George became patron saint of England. It was where London's aldermen welcomed Henry V following the Battle of Agincourt. The present building was completed in 1736.

The first stone of the original Waterloo Bridge was laid today in 1811. The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova declared it worth visiting London just to witness the completed bridge. Read here about the original Waterloo Bridge thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

Today in 1874 a major explosion destroyed Macclesfield Bridge on the Regent's Canal. Read here about the creation of the Regent's Canal thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

In the 16thC a wide wall was created along the side of the Thames to protect the low-lying marshy area at Wapping from flooding. Wapping High Street developed on top of the wall, eventually lined with tall wharves and warehouses. Many have now been converted into apartments.

The original Hammersmith Bridge was opened today in 1827. It was the first suspension bridge in the London area, something quite new at that time. Read here about the original Hammersmith Bridge. thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/the…

During WW2 a bunker was constructed below Goodge Street tube station, completed in 1942, for use by the Allied forces, with this separate entrance in Chenies Street. Prior to D-Day it was used by the US Army Signal Corps (but not by General Eisenhower as is often stated).