top of page
To receive blog posts and walking tour schedules by email, please subscribe (for free) at the bottom of the home page
Search
Coffee houses, Exchange Alley and the 18th century
A network of alleys in a tiny wedge of land in the City of London left a legacy in the economic and social history of London, the UK and the world. On 25 March 1748 a fire broke out at Mr Eldridge’s, a periwig market, in Exchange Alley. The fire devastated a dense network of alleyways between Cornhill and Lombard Street in the City of London. In addition to residences, the fire consumed banks, booksellers, insurance offices, law firms, barbers, shops, taverns, alehouses and
London On The Ground
Jul 410 min read
Smithfield Market to turn lights out on a millennium of history
An 850 year old document describes a livestock market for swine, cows, oxen and woolly flocks at Smithfield. Smithfield meat market, the...
London On The Ground
Dec 2, 20245 min read
Old Tom, the Christmas goose that wasn't cooked
Before turkey's popularity, goose was the Yuletide meal of choice. One goose escaped the pot. Today, Leadenhall Market houses a number of...
London On The Ground
Dec 9, 20224 min read
St Mary Axe: what's in a (street) name?
The City of London's blend of old and new is a defining feature. Ancient Roman origins, highly recognisable modern buildings. And strange...
London On The Ground
Sep 18, 20216 min read
bottom of page