London is one of the most historic cities in Europe, not because it’s necessarily the oldest, but because of the important, world-changing events that took place here. Just under two thousand years old, it might not contend with Italian old timers like Cagliari or Messina, but London still has an incredible number of landmarks and historic buildings that speak volumes about its founding and its character. Guests of hotel deals in Paddington London are well placed to explore many of these.
Whilst there are plenty of Victorian era landmarks and Elizabethan attractions across the city, this blog will explore the remnants of early Mediaeval, Norman and even Roman London. Guests of accommodation in London Paddington have easy transport links to these areas and should tick at least a few of them off their London sightseeing list.
The London Wall
The London Wall is one of the oldest relics of London from the Roman era. Probably built around AD 200, the London Wall still remains in part around the City of London Ceremonial Borough. The wall was originally built as a way to defend the proto-city from invaders during the Roman occupation and was further developed under William The Conqueror and the Tudors. You can find remnants of the London Wall in the London Bridge area and the Barbican.
The Guild Hall – 1440
The Guild Hall is thought to be where citizens in the early Medieval period would pay their taxes, essentially acting like old London’s bank. This assessment comes from the fact that “guild” in Anglo Saxon means “payment”. Based in the Barbican area of London, the Guildhall’s earliest references date back to 1128, and it’s now used as an art gallery for the City of London Corporations collection of works. These include the large painting – The Defeat of the Floating Batteries of Gibraltar by John Singleton Copeley.
Westminster Abbey
Whether in the city for an afternoon visit to restaurants near Paddington London or for a week long trip, one landmark you simply can’t miss is Westminster Abbey, originating in the 10th century when Benedictine Monks were installed on the site. The abbey itself however, was created in 1042 on the priory site as a burial place for Edward The Confessor and became the memorial church for 30 different monarchs. Rebuilt in the 13th century, the present Abbey is a majestic hall across the road from the Houses of Parliament and is one of the best preserved relics of English power and heritage.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Though the current church was built by Sir Christopher Wren after 1666’s Great Fire of London destroyed the first one, this Gothic Cathedral in the City of London has roots in the early 7th century. Guests of hotels with swimming pools in London can see St Paul’s from many viewpoints in London thanks to its strategic and symbolic location on Ludgate Hill.
The Tower Of London
Located on the northern side of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London was built by William The Conqueror upon his arrival in London in the 1060s’ and became a symbol of Norman rule over England. The Tower has played many roles over the last 10 centuries, including jail, treasury and exotic animal menagerie.
