LONDON on the Ground

The saint, a 12th century Archbishop of Canterbury, was famously murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, but he was a Londoner, born on Cheapside. Not long after Thomas Becket’s death in 1170, a biographer wrote: "Thomas adorned Canterbury by his setting and London by his rising". After more than 850 years, his legacy continues to adorn, or at least to imprint itself on, London today. In today’s City of London, the area of Becket’s birth, we can see many physical symbols of his

A small part of the City of London once gave immunity to criminals, entirely outside the control of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. In medieval times churches could provide 40 days of sanctuary, while monastic precincts came to offer wrong-doers unlimited shelter from the law. St Martin’s Le Grand, just inside the walls of the City of London near Aldersgate, was a notorious sanctuary. Walks available for booking For a schedule of forthcoming London On The Ground guided walks an

William FitzStephen wrote the world’s earliest description of ice skating in around 1174. Londoners and visitors enjoying outdoor ice...

From ruined royal residence to magnificent modern mansion. A 15th century gothic great hall, a stunning 20th century Art Deco...

A mosaic at the ancient harbour illustrates London's history since Roman times. Queenhithe is the only remaining inlet of the Thames in...