London S Secret Square Mile

The streetscape of London's historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City's busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Using his wealth of local knowledge, historian David Long guides you through these ancient rights of passage – many dating back to medieval times or earlier – their evocative names recalling old taverns, notable individuals and City traditions. Hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of London's banks and big business, these survivors of modern development bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

The streetscape of London's historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City's busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Most are ancient survivors dating back to medieval times or earlier, their colourful and evocative names recalling old taverns, trades and City traditions. Others commemorate individuals associated with the seemingly unstoppable rise which has seen the area around an old Roman wharf become the global financial powerhouse that London is today. Maintaining that position means that few of these old rights of way have escaped the attention of developers, but their survival rate has been surprisingly good. Because of this, hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of the banks and big business, these little corners continue to bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

Pomp, pageantry, power and prestige are just a few of the words to sum up the history and vibrancy of the City of London. Beyond its fame as the financial heart of London, this new guidebook explores the Square Mile of London revealing the secrets hidden in its rich treasure trove. Neither square nor a square mile, the City of London seems to lie beyond the limits of logic. From St Paul’s, Wren’s Masterpiece to the Barbican, Europe’s largest centre for Arts, the City of London is a compelling blend of diverse visitor attractions waiting to be explored. Whether you pop into the Old Bailey, the scene of many a courtroom drama, amble through Lincoln Inn Fields or drool over the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London there is never a dull moment in the City... Learn why the Bank of England is known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street and the importance of Mansion House, home to the Right Honorable The Lord Mayor of London and looks at the traditions behind the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The original edition of Unseen London. Peter Dazeley has gained access to the hidden interiors of some of London's most iconic buildings, from Tower Bridge to Battersea Power Station, Big Ben to the Old Bailey. His photographs of these buildings - some derelict, but many still working - are astonishing. Here is a collection of some 50 extraordinary locations, with a thoughtful text by Mark Daly which tells the story of how each of these places was created, how they are used, and what they reveal about the currents of power flowing through the city. Unseen London takes you backstage at some of the capital's great theatres, into the changing rooms of some of our greatest temples of sport, into the heart of the Establishment, the boiler room of the city's infrastructure and behind the scenes at some of the most opulent buildings in the Square Mile.

The streetscape of London’s historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City’s busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Using his wealth of local knowledge, historian David Long guides you through these ancient rights of passage – many dating back to medieval times or earlier – their evocative names recalling old taverns, notable individuals and City traditions. Hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of London’s banks and big business, these survivors of modern development bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

Hidden city

Before Jack the Ripper, there was Whitechapel. Located in the East End of London. The East End was London’s dark, dirty secret that people knew about, but was never discuss. Whitechapel was the home for the slums, the poor, filthy conditions, and disease. The life expectancy was 30. One square mile for 180,000 residents. Within this dangerous square mile were 5 women that walked these dark streets without hesitation for their safety. Take a journey with a young woman from Bath England to these very slums. Where vice and murder is an everyday occurrence. Travel with her to the 10 Bells Pub, the Britannia, Christ First Church, the London, and the Turkish Baths on Commercial St. Where on these dangerous streets she makes friends with these 5 women who history will remember as the Jack the Ripper victims. Polly, Annie, Lizabeth, Catherine, and Mary Jane Kelly who befriends Velvet as she rents a room at Miller’s Ct #22. While in Whitechapel she will have an encounter with Edmund Reid from H Division, who months later will be in charge of the Ripper case. Driven by torment, and guilt while staying in Whitechapel. And why the incident is always calling her.

Delve into London's architectural curiositites and discover the unexpected gems waiting around every corner. London is full of extraordinary, enigmatic and, above all, unexpected buildings: a pirate castle in Camden, an art gallery made of shipping containers, underground ghost stations, and much more. Here David Long reveals the very best of the capital's extraordinary buildings, some of which are passed by every day, hidden in plain sight.