Where to See Free Historical Sites in London
The Homes & Haunts of Famous People, Places & Events in History
Sep 3, 2009
The city of London, UK is well known for its museums, art galleries, shops, stadiums, colleges, universities and hospitals. However, visitors to London can also experience age-old traditions and inconspicuous pieces of history throughout the city as well as at greens, parks, restaurants and among neighborhood homes and streets.
Hidden Historical Places to Visit
- Barnes in the Hammersmith area, is situated by the river, ideal to view the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, a long-standing annual tradition. The Sun Inn in this peaceful suburb is surrounded by greens that overlook a large tranquil pond; a perfect place to relax or picnic. Barnes is also the location of the London Wetland Center with over 40 acres of ponds and lakes just a few minutes from Central London.
- Greenwich is known for its farmer’s markets, bookshops and cafes. It is also the home of the famous Trafalgar Tavern, said to be a favorite dining spot of Victorian era novelist Charles Dickens, the author of such popular classics as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
- Richmond is located in west London along the river Thames. A quiet escape with quaint cobbled streets, Richmond has been a traditional afternoon or weekend getaway spot for royalty and city professionals alike, for hundreds of years. Stroll along the river and visit the historic 17th century Ham House and Paladian Marble Hill House.
- Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath is a beautiful stately home with one of the most famous libraries in the world. It also contains a rare collection of paintings including Rembrandts and Reynolds.
Visit Homes and Landmarks of Famous People That Lived in London
Take a stroll in London and walk in the footsteps of a remarkable number of people who shaped hearts, minds, ideas, countries and history.
Historical plaques throughout London mark buildings and locations associated with artists, scientists, writers, composers, philosophers, poets and more. These include a surprising number of familiar names such as:
- The composer Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791), composed his first symphony in a house on Ebury Street in 1764.
- The pioneering nurse and activist Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), lived in Westminster.
- Scientist and philosopher Isaac Newtown (1642-1727), lived close to Trafalgar Square.
- Naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882), lived in Camden in 1838.
- Artist Vincent Van Gogh lived in Stockwell, South London in 1873
- Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) lived in Gloucester Place.
- Poet John Keats (1797-1821) lived in Hampstead.
- Novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870), lived in Camden in 1839.
- Dramatist and Writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) who wrote Dorian Gray, which has now been made into a movie, lived in Kensington and Chelsea.
- Novelist of 1984, George Orwell also lived in Camden in 1935, where he wrote one of his most famous works.
- Novelist of Dracula, Bram Stoker (1847-1912) lived in Kensington and Chelsea.
- And in living memory, Guitarist and Songwriter Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) lived in Mayfair in 1969.
Blue Plaques Identify Historical Sites
Blue markers also signify locations of homes and work places of people who would become leaders and revolutionaries, such as:
- French Emperor Napoleon III (1808-1873), who lived in St James in 1848.
- Founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah (1876-1948), lived in Kensington and Chelsea in 1895.
- Latin American Liberator Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) lived in Westminster in 1810.
- Founder of modern day Vietnam Ho Chi Minh, worked at the Carleton Hotel in Haymarket in 1913.
- Philosopher and Social Scientist Karl Marx (1818-1883) lived in Westminster in 1851
These are only some of the many free sites and variety of history to discover in London, off the beaten track and outside the museums and galleries. These places and others are easy to find by traveling on the tube, trains or buses and on foot with a street map.
Additional Information:
Find more information on free historical places to visit in London and blue plaque landmarks to discover, here.
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