History

The area was once owned by Westminster Abbey with the land being called ‘Convent Garden’ in the 1630’s.  However, recent archaeological digs unearthed the remnants of Saxon inhabitants of the area, which it is believed date back to approximately AD410.  This is around the time when the Roman invaders left their Londinium behind and abandoned their occupation of England.  History shows that the Saxons created a trading port to the west of the great city which covered the Covent Garden area, though this port and settlement (Lundenwic) was also abandoned as the Viking invaders exerted pressure in the areas inhabitants in the 9^th century.  The area then reverted back to agricultural use until the 17^th Century when the great town planning exercises of the time began.

Development

Based on ideas from Italian city architecture, the main square was surrounded by streets laid out in a grid, a far cry from the previous winding streets and alleyways that the city’s inhabitants had known.  It proved to be a turning point in the future architecture of the city.  The new ‘town square’ was designed as a public area, which proved very unpopular with the affluent residents of the area.

Many of the upper class residents moved out to more exclusive areas, leaving the area to the lower classes and their less than savoury past times.  However the area stared to attract artists and musicians which gave the place a new ambience and feel.  The fruit and vegetable market continued and expanded, especially after the great fire of 1666 when the other markets of the area were destroyed.  The area did acquire a somewhat dubious reputation during this time, with the theatre and bars around the square earning reputations of their own.

The Arts

Covent Garden has also always been associated with the Theatre, the oldest in the area being The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, its origins date back to the 1660’s.  The developments of smaller auditoriums lead to the development of the Covent Garden theatre in 1732.  New buildings were designed to blend with the existing iron and glass structures of the flower market buildings, most of which now form part of the Royal Opera House.  Always a home for artists, the area attracted writers and publishers with many famous theatre publishing houses making the area their home.

Today Covent Garden attracts millions of visitors each year, and though the area has been extensively developed a lot of the original features can still be seen.  It is a great place to explore, but be warned, with so much to see and do, and the fabulous market, you may go home with more than you bargained for.

History

This now vibrant area or London was once an area of open fields.  Used at a hunting ground in the 16^th Century, the huntsmen of the area, instead of calling out the traditional ‘Tally-Ho’ as they rode out, would cry ‘So-ho!’  The area soon became known as the ‘Soho’ fields.  In 1683 a large dwelling was built along one of the newly developed streets in the area and the building was given the name ‘Karnaby House’, giving the now famous street its name.  Karnaby Market was established soon after and so the history of the street began.

Development

The area of Soho is still home to one of the most colourful environments in the city.  The street really started to develop its unique atmosphere in the 1930’s, when the first jazz club was opened.  The Florence Mills Jazz club attracted folk from all over the city to its doors.  The 1950’s saw the arrival of the streets first fashion boutique.  Called ‘His Clothes’ its arrival there started an influx of other fashion houses and independent boutiques into the street.  The 1960’s saw the street become the epicentre of mod fashion and hippie style, with Mary Quant now having taken resident in the street.  With the influx of fashion and the youth that it attracted to the area, a number of underground entertainment venues and music bars came into being.

Pulling Power

With the street now considered to be ‘the place to be’ for anyone looking to be a part of its vibrant scene, rock stars and famous faces of the time made sure they were seen there.  The Rolling Stones were regular players at the areas Marquee Club and with the rich and famous deciding they had to be seen there it became the area most associated with ‘swinging London’ during the 60’s.  The street has since been immortalised in song by a number of artists from the 1960’s to the 1990’s, illustrating that the street has not lost any of its reputation or vibrancy over the years.

Carnaby Street has even made it into The Simpsons cult cartoon, showing both Bart and Lisa clothed in mod style.  The band U2 made the video to accompany ‘Even Better than the Real Thing’ in the street, and in the 2008 film ‘The Dark Knight’ The costume of the Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger was inspired by the famous Carnaby Street mod style.  The street will continue to influence modern style and draw visitors from around the globe, after all the sign at the top of the street does say ‘Carnaby Street Welcomes the World’.

20^th Century Influences

With the passing of the Great War, Lawrence Wright, also known as Horatio Nicholls – his professional name – took up residence in Denmark Street, at number 19, changing the name to ‘Wright’s House’.  Though this sounds pretty insignificant, it was from here that the now infamous ‘Melody Maker’ magazine was born in 1926, which he used originally as a method of promoting and selling his own music and songs.  It wasn’t long before other music publishers moved into the area and so the reputation of the area began.

The nickname of ‘Tin Pan Alley’ was taken from a similar hive of musical activity based in New York, around the city’s West 28^th Street.  By the end of the 1940’s practically all of London’s music publishing industry were based in Denmark Street.  1952 saw the arrival of ‘New Musical Express’ (NME) magazine the only rival to Wright’s ‘Melody Maker’ publication which grew to the point that it overtook and absorbed its predecessor.

Rock and Pop History

The first recording studio opened in 1962, owned by session violinist Ralph Elman and soon Denmark Street was the only place to be if you wanted to work in the music industry.  Buildings were adapted to accommodate all aspects of the industry, from the ground up every inch of space was dedicated to making, recording and publishing music.  Basements were turned into recording studios, ground floor spaces become shops for sellers of instruments and other equipment, back of shop areas were turned into instrument repair shops and at the top of the building were the publishing and distribution offices.

The recording studios in Denmark Street attracted all of the big names including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and the Small Faces, including artists from overseas like Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix.  Artists would come here not only to record, but to shop in the streets musical store with both Pete Townsend and Eric Clapton both buying guitars here.

Tin Pan Alley Today

Denmark Street is still an area rich in musical history and home to some of the best instrument repair shops you could ever hope to find.  Now in place of the wealth of recording studios and publishing offices the area hosts intimate music clubs that showcase new acts and new talent each night.  Take a walk down Denmark Street and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest musical performers of all time.

Park Attractions

The deer in the park are a mixture of Red and Roe Deer – they help to maintain the special grasslands in the park whilst they roam and graze each day.  Care should be taken during the rutting season (September – November) and visitors should always keep a respectful distance from these amazing animals, keeping dogs on the leash at all times.

A visit to the Isabella Plantation within the park takes you into a stunning woodland escape which contains a host of plant life that provides colour and interest all year round.  The woodlands are filled with lakes and ponds that are a haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and from within the woodland it is hard to believe that you are in such a large and exciting city like London.

Pembroke Lodge is a stately Georgian mansion set within its own landscaped grounds that is filled with ancient trees and stunning evergreen magnolias.  The Lodge is the perfect spot to sample a relaxed lunch and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Take a walk to the top of King Henry’s mound, originally constructed to allow the King an uninterrupted view across the park prior to the hunt.  Now legally protected, the view from the top lets you see across the city through to St Pauls Cathedral.

Richmond Park also houses its own 18 hole golf course complete with a driving range which operates on a ‘pay and place’ policy.  With two children’s play areas the whole family can appreciate the facilities that the park has to offer.

Sporting Activities

With a variety of sporting options available in the park it attracts people from all over the area.  A portion of the park, just north of Roehampton Gate is set out to accommodate three full size rugby pitches, complete with changing rooms and a clubhouse.  Horse riding is available across the park from several local riding stables, and there are plenty of bridle paths to follow.  The park is also hugely popular with cyclists with trails to suit all ages and abilities, a range of cycles can be hired in the park if you do not have your own.  One of the newest sports available at the park is Power Kiting.  Training is provided by qualified instructors and is carried out throughout the year.

Amaya

Located in Knightsbridge this elegant and sophisticated restaurant is ‘upmarket and unmissable’ (according to many reviewers).  Its rosewood panelled walls, Indian sculptures and leather upholstery transport you into another world.  This romantic scene is set for enjoying top quality food and wine.  “As much or as little” is the intelligent option offered by Amaya.  The heartiest appetite is satisfied and all at a reasonable price.

Chutney Mary

Head for the lively Kings Road and in Chutney Mary you can sample quality regional dishes like fish accompanied by ginger or mustard sauces combined with subtly flavoured vegetables.  Leave room for a dessert, the choice is sublime!  If you fancy a leisurely brunch on Sunday accompanied by live entertainment a three course meal will set you back about £22.  At prices like this you can sit back and relax!

Benares

Situated in  the classic Berkeley Square House within easy access of Green Park Tube station Benares attracts “celebs” and “serious foodies” alike.  Polished dark wood clad walls and illuminated flower filled water pools ooze romance and style.  Well marinated meat and fish dishes cooked divinely are accompanied by innovatively spiced vegetables.  Wash each course down with your own choice of wine from an exciting list and enjoy “celeb” spotting!

Quilons

When reviewers rave: “Outstanding service and truly extraordinary food” and others comment on the unhurried atmosphere and wonderful presentations, they have dined in St James at Quilon’s. This is coastal Indian cooking at its best; the food is refined, and what one would expect from a Michelin starred restaurant.  Their approach is modern, combining the creative variety of dishes with a traditional respect for quality and presentation.  Highly recommended are their curries, but particularly the Korallum fish curry.  Indeed all their fried fish is delicious.  The wine list is extensive and effortlessly compliments the food.  It is more expensive when dining at night but the set meals and lunches are well within reach and won’t dent your pocket.

The Cinnamon Club

Get ready to open your eyes and ears and to satisfy your appetite any time of the day and night and feel part of Westminster’s vibrant world.  The Cinnamon Club is housed in the Old Library and is a reminder of a past era.  Expect to see the Prime Minister or other Parliamentary figures.  This is their local and you can dine with them at breakfast, lunch time or in the evening.  The atmosphere is stimulating and the high quality menu changes daily.  Locally sourced produce is their staple and lovers of exciting food will not be disappointed.  Service is lively but discreet and the excellent wine list completes the picture.  Think tradition but the best of ‘now’.

What to Expect

With live actors, incredible shows, interactive special effects and even rides you will be part of a unique experience that you will never forget.  Everything that you see portrayed within the dungeons is based on 1000 years of historical fact, though two fictional events are also portrayed in the Sweeny Todd segment and Vengeance Ride.  See for yourself the ravages of the plague, the destruction of the Great Fire of London, and the brutality of the torture chamber and experience the fear that stalked the streets of Whitechapel during the reign of Jack the Ripper.  Prepare to be thrilled and chilled by the experience that awaits you.

The Experience Timeline

Prepare to begin your journey in the crypt of ‘All Hallows Church’.  In the pre-17^th Century surroundings you will be introduced to the crypt keeper who will relate tales of strange happenings and ghostly occurrences as you enter the ‘Labyrinth of the Lost’.  1665 sees the bubonic plague sweeping the city, bodies lay in the street and a bell tolls as a voice cries “Bring out your dead!”  The Great Fire of London hits the city in 1666 and you find yourself inside a small bakery on Pudding Lane the sounds and smells of the blaze filling the room.  Primitive surgery techniques are illustrated in ‘Blood & Guts’ and not all of the patients are willing to undergo their procedure.

Next, and not for the faint hearted comes the torture chamber, filled with implements for inflicting pain and producing confessions, be careful what you volunteer for! An 18^th Century courtroom is the next port of call where you may face being placed on trial by the judges and sentenced whether guilty or not.  Journey through ‘Bedlam’ in a state of fear and confusion, your destination is Traitors Gate where a journey down the Thames to meet your executioner is in store.

Take a trip to Fleet Street to meet Sweeny Todd and Mrs Lovett, perhaps stay for a (very) close shave before leaving for a Victorian séance in the most haunted house in Victorian London.  (This is the Dungeon’s unique 5D experience).  If you make it through the séance, 1888 and Whitechapel await.  Visit the scenes of butchery left by Jack the Ripper and hear stories of murder and mutilation.  Back in the chapel you will face the judgement of Bloody Mary before taking the final ride on the Drop Rise to Doom, your journey to the gallows.

Guidelines

The London Dungeons are not for those of a nervous disposition or very young children.  Children under 15 years old will not be allowed entry unless accompanied by an adult.  Height restrictions apply to rides.

Habitats and Enclosures

With the huge shift in public opinion regarding keeping wild animals in captivity, the zoo has invested greatly in upgrading and improving animal habitats to meet the ideals of a 21^st century audience.  The renovation project to replace the old cages with enclosures that recreate the animal’s natural environment has been popular with animals and humans alike.  ‘Walk through’ areas allow the visitor to mix with birds, butterflies and monkeys, perfectly at home in an open and natural space.

Many of the habitats allow the visitor to have hands on experience with the animals, especially in the children’s zoo which features the usual inhabitants of pet’s corner as well as aardvarks, meerkats and porcupines.  At 65,000 sq ft Gorilla Kingdom is a reproduction of a forest clearing, planted with edible plants and herbs that the residents can help themselves to.  As well as the four impressive gorillas in the enclosure, Nile Monitors, Sooty Mangabeys and Diana Monkeys also share the space.

Famous Animal Residents

Winnipeg Bear, aka Winnie was an American Black Bear donated to the zoo in 1914 by Canadian Lieutenant Harry Colebourne.  A young boy by the name of Christopher Robin was so taken with the bear that his father A. A. Milne created a series of stories for him, and Winnipeg Bear is now known by millions as Winnie the Pooh.  On Guy Fawkes Night in 1947 a Western Lowland Gorilla arrived at the zoo from Paris, his keepers named him Guy and over the 32 years he lived at the zoo he became one of its best loved residents, Guy died in 1978 and is commemorated in a life sized bronze statue in the zoo’s Barclay Court.

The Zoo on Film

Used as a film set more than once the zoo has appeared in blockbuster moves like Harry Potter, the Burmese Python scene was filmed in the reptile house.  An American Werewolf in London sees the lead character waking up naked in the wolf enclosure.  The cult classic Withnail and I has a sad Withnail standing in the pouring rain next to the former wolf enclosure reciting Hamlet.  The zoo has also been used as a backdrop to television series like Primeval and has also appeared in music videos.

History

The caves have been attracting tourists since the early 1900’s.  During the First World War the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich used the area as an ammunition depot.  Their usage changed in the 1930’s, with the cool, dark and damp atmosphere being turned over to the cultivation of mushrooms.  However, during the Second World War the caves really came to prominence.  In September 1940 with the aerial bombardment of London wreaking havoc across the city the caves were used as an air raid shelter.

As the raids continued electric lighting was installed and it as it became a safe, if temporary home for at least 15,000 Londoners, the caves even boasted their own chapel and hospital.  The shelter was closed shortly after VE Day.  However, during those war years it did see the birth of one new life, safe from the aerial bombardment of the blitz, a little girl who was named Rose Cavena Wakeman, in honour of her birthplace.

Cave Mythology

With the labyrinth having been in existence for so long, a theory was presented by the then Vice President of the British Archaeological Association, Mr William Nicholls, that the mines had been created by the Roman and Saxon population of the area, possibly even Druids.  This theory was related to several of the cave features appearing to be druid altars and showing aspects of Roman architectural style, the theory even prompted the renaming of several parts of the labyrinth.  There is however no documentation to support this hypothesis as written records only exist from 1250 AD.

Modern Usage

Since the 1960’s the caves have appealed to the media industry.  They have been used as a popular music venue with the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Status Quo and the Rolling Stones performing underground there.  The Chislehurst Caves have also found themselves on screen, having been used as film sets for Doctor Who (‘the Mutants’) and the film The Tribe, amongst others.  The caves and tunnels are a popular venue for a live action role playing game called ‘Labyrinthe’.  They have also been the backdrop for a music video for metal band ‘Cradle of Filth’, and featured in an episode of ‘Seven Natural Wonders’.

Visiting Chislehurst Caves

Tours of the caves occur twice weekly (daily during school holidays).  Visitors should dress appropriately for the venue; the temperature underground is cooler than on the surface and with uneven ground to cover, shoes should be appropriate to the terrain.  Visitors are required to carry an oil lamp throughout the tour, torches are not permitted.

Highgate History and Publicity

Originally opened in 1839 Highgate Cemetery was part of a programme designed to ease the stresses on inner city graveyards, many of which had become overcrowded and were becoming severe health hazards to surrounding residential areas. The initial design for the cemetery was drawn up by architect Stephen Geary, and it soon became a very desirable if not fashionable place to be buried, becoming quite the attraction for London’s Victorian population. The Victorians had a macabre fascination with death; mourning jewellery from the period alone is testament to that, but on a much larger scale Highgate Cemetery became a showcase of Gothic architecture and ornate tombs the like of which cannot be found in any other graveyard in the country.

It was perhaps the Gothic facade of the mausoleums within its walls that lead to the belief that the cemetery housed a vampire. Purported to be the un-dead persona of a Romanian (Wallachian) nobleman, who had been interred in the area before the cemetery was built. In March 1970 the story lead to a public invasion of the cemetery to participate in a vampire hunt. Every cemetery has its ghost stories and Highgate is no exception. Apart from its previously mentioned resident vampire the area has been the site of numerous reports of ghostly apparitions. Though accounts vary, popular descriptions include a woman in white, a ghostly cyclist and a face glaring out from behind a locked gate.

Features

The older part of the cemetery has been left in part to the mercies of the natural environment, the woodland has moved in and moss and lichen have dressed the stones in cloaks of rich green velvet. The Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon house tombs that have been carved into the hillside, though some may now be cracked and aged they still show the splendour and pride of a bygone age. Mausoleums stand proud, their stained glass reflecting their original splendour whilst visitors break the silence of the dead with their whispers and footfalls.

The Friends of Highgate Trust have maintained both parts of the cemetery since 1975 and offer regular guided tours, pointing out the tombs of their most famous residents and providing visitors with a wealth of knowledge about the site. Photography is permitted within the cemetery although images may not be published without written permission.

Ziggys

Home to some of the most fashionable haircuts in London, Shoreditch is the place to go if you want to hang with the cool kids.  This is where the scenesters congregate, so if you’re into wacky art, alternative music and late-night bar hopping, Shoreditch should be top of your list.  Read on for your guide on where to go.

Zigfrid von Underbelly

Known affectionately by many as ‘Ziggy’s’, this cosy little nook is home to very quirky décor and delicious cocktails. Order yourself a Bellini and curl up on one of the massive armchairs to catch up with a friend, or head out to the decked seating area outside to watch the goings on in fashionable Hoxton Square.  With an impressive list of DJs doing their thing on a regular basis, Ziggy’s is a great spot for late-night drinking and dancing, or an off-beat place to have your lunch if that’s the sort of thing you’re after.

Banksy

Banksy is something of a British institution: primarily an incognito graffiti artist, he’s also a political activist, painter and film director.  His art is dotted all over London (and the world) but you can find many of his originals in Shoreditch. The Banksy Chopper can be found above Franco’s Fish and Chips in Old Street, earning the eatery lots of visitors!  A helicopter with a pink ribbon tied to it appears to swoop over the entrance.

This and many more of Banksy’s contributions can be found spray-painted across the great city of London.  Shoreditch is a particular hub for discovering more about this enigmatic character, so make sure you do your homework while you’re there.

Shoreditch House

This little tip may well be moot seeing as Shoreditch House is a members’ only club, but if you were born with the gift of the gab, know the right people or can barter your way in, you will end up having a rather fantastic time.  Occupying the top three floors and roof of an old converted warehouse, the club is topped by an open air pool where a lot of late-night revelling takes place: this is where you will find the… ahem… ‘celebrities’.

The food is great, the cocktails are gorgeous and the crowd is beautiful.  If you get the chance, head here for a night you’ll never forget.

Hawksmoor

Earning rave reviews across the web, Hawksmoor Spitalfields is a fantastic steakhouse that’ll fill you up and have you coming back for more the next night.  The meat comes from lauded London-based butcher the Ginger Pig.  Specialising in fantastic Longhorn steaks, the restaurant also regularly features ‘guest’ breeds on the menu.

The staff are well-trained in helping punters pick out the best meal for them – and they’re friendly to boot which puts Hawksmoor above other establishments in the area who seem to deem friendliness ‘uncool’.  The décor won’t have you reaching for your camera, after all the restaurant is housed in a fairly drab building, but the food is simply fantastic.