Marvelous Marvels Quirky Historical Sites in London

Cleopatra's Needle and the Sphinx that guards it are situated on the banks of the river Thames. This magnificent 3500 years old obelisk was given by the Egyptian government to Queen Victoria in 1877. A marvellous treasure.

Trafalgar Square is home to a small hidden gem. Built in the interior of an ornate light fixture is Britain's smallest police station. Original built for the police to keep a watchful eye on demonstrations in the square, it has enough space for two policemen. It is no longer in use.

Covent Garden is one of the prettiest areas in town. Originally a fruit and vegetable market it is now a bustling area great for shopping and dining, We will visit the Opera House and a banana warehouse that is now a food court.

bow street

Freemasons’ Hall stands on Great Queen Street in Covent Garden, on a site that has been used to hold meetings for Freemasons since 1775. It is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London, built during 1927-33 to commerate the thousands of masons that lost their lives in the WW1.
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. Its roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
Freemasons use four important guiding principles to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

Lincoln’s Inn is a professional institution for barristers in England and Wales. A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court and providing legal advice. The Inn has been established for 600 years, its primary aim is the education and training of student members and practising members.
The Ostler's Hut in Lincoln's Inn is widely considered to be London's smallest listed building.The hut is a small cabin that was built in 1860 to provide a place for the ostler to rest.The ostler was responsible for caring for the horses of visitors to Lincoln's Inn.
Together we will visit this magnificent site which is like a little village tucked away inside London. This historical area is a glorious mishmash of eras and architectural styles.

The Old Bank is one of the most stunning pub interiors in the city of London. The pub resides in the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England which operated from 1888 to 1975. It is filled with memorabilia from the days when it was a bank. Its hidden treasure is a vintage Routemaster red bus where you can relax and enjoy a drink.

The Temple Church is one of the most historic and beautiful churches in London.
The Knights Templar were a religious military order who built the Temple Church. The church was modelled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem The Knights Templar were founded in 1118 to protect pilgrims in Jerusalem.They came to England in the mid-12th century and were dissolved in 1312, however their legend lives on.
We will explore this truly beautiful area filled with historical buildings, lawns and squares.

William Waldorf Astor founder of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel NYC owned Two Temple Place and was known for many years as Astor House. Astor commissioned the construction of Two Temple Place in the 1890s as his office and home away from the United States. It is a Neo-Gothic building situated near Victoria Embankment and is known for its architecture. It is now used as a public gallery and home to the charity the Bulldog Trust.

The Blackfriar is a historic and unique public house in Blackfriars. It was built in about 1875 on the site of a former medieval Dominican friary and then remodelled in about 1905. It is one of London's most famous pubs, and you'll see why before you ever step in the door. This wonderful building is an art nouveau architectural curiosity — wedge-shaped and adorned with mosaics, ornamental balconies and a guardian black friar. This quirky pub has the most stunning interiors.
We will conclude our tour here where I will leave you to soak up the atmosphere or you can continue on your voyage of discovery. There is an Underground station close by.