19 Fun Facts About London That Will Blow Your Mind
London—one of the world’s most famous cities—holds a treasure trove of fascinating facts. From iconic landmarks to quirky traditions, this city is brimming with surprises. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a fan of strange trivia, London has something to blow your mind. Here are 19 fun facts that will change the way you see this incredible metropolis.
1. The London Underground Is Older Than Cars!
The London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, began operating in 1863, making it older than the car. The first line, the Metropolitan Railway, initially used steam engines and covered just over 4 miles. Today, it stretches over 270 miles!
2. The Queen’s Guard Aren’t Just For Show
While the Queen’s Guard are often associated with ceremonial duties, they also play an important security role. They are highly trained soldiers responsible for protecting Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle.
3. There’s a Hidden River Beneath London
London is built on top of several ancient rivers, but one of the most fascinating is the River Fleet. Buried underground for most of its length, it once served as a major waterway and was known as the cleanest river in medieval London.
4. Big Ben Isn’t the Name of the Clock!
While people often refer to the clock tower as Big Ben, the name actually refers to the 13.5-ton bell inside. The tower itself is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
5. London Has More Than 170 Museums
From the British Museum, which houses ancient treasures like the Rosetta Stone, to quirky ones like the Museum of Brands, London is a haven for museum lovers. There’s a museum to suit every taste, and many of them are free to enter!
6. The ‘Shard’ Is London’s Tallest Building
Standing at 1,016 feet, the Shard is currently the tallest building in London. But here’s the mind-blowing part: it’s so tall that on a clear day, you can see it from up to 40 miles away!
7. The Great Fire of London Wasn’t So Great for a Single Reason
In 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city, but it’s often misunderstood. The fire actually killed only six people, but it devastated the medieval city, leaving 87,000 people homeless. The fire also helped modernize London’s fire safety regulations.
8. There Are More Than 1,000 Churches in London
It might be known as a modern metropolis, but London still retains a deep connection to its religious heritage. With more than 1,000 churches, the city is home to places of worship for every faith, from Christian to Hindu and beyond.
9. London Is Home to the World’s Oldest Toy Store
Hamleys, the famous toy store located on Regent Street, was founded in 1760. It boasts seven floors of toys and games, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting London, especially with children.
10. There Are 6,000 Pubs in London
Londoners love their pints! With more than 6,000 pubs in the city, it’s no surprise that there’s a pub for almost every occasion. From historic watering holes like The George Inn (which dates back to the 16th century) to modern gastropubs, there’s something for every taste.
11. The London Eye Was Initially Temporary
When the London Eye was first constructed in 1999 to celebrate the millennium, it was only intended to be a temporary attraction. Yet, due to its popularity, it became a permanent fixture on the skyline, offering breathtaking views of the city.
12. The Thames Is Home to Some Unusual Creatures
The River Thames may be one of the most famous rivers in the world, but did you know it’s home to a surprising variety of wildlife? You can find everything from seals and dolphins to more than 120 species of fish, making it a vibrant ecosystem.
13. The London ‘Bobby’ Was Born in 1829
The Metropolitan Police, or ‘Bobbies,’ were established in 1829 by then-Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel. The police force is one of the oldest and most well-respected in the world, and the term “Bobby” is still used today.
14. London Was Once Home to an Ancient Roman City
Long before it became the bustling metropolis it is today, London was the Roman settlement of Londinium. You can still visit remnants of this ancient city, like the Roman wall near the Tower of London and the ruins of a Roman bathhouse in the City of London.
15. There Are Over 10,000 Royal Parks in London
While Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park are some of the most famous, there are actually more than 10,000 parks in London that were once part of royal estates. These green spaces are open to the public and offer a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
16. London Has a ‘Ghost Station’
There are abandoned underground stations all over London, and one of the most famous is Aldwych Station. This station closed in 1994 but has been used for numerous film shoots, including scenes for James Bond and The Dark Knight.
17. The Tower of London Was Once a Zoo
The Tower of London, known for its dark history, was also home to a menagerie of exotic animals. From lions to elephants, these animals were kept in the tower as a display of the monarch’s wealth and power. The zoo was eventually moved in the 19th century to form what is now the London Zoo.
18. London Has Its Own ‘Time Zone’
While most of the world follows GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), London operates on what is called ‘British Summer Time’ during the summer months, when the clocks are pushed one hour ahead to make the most of daylight.
19. The First Ever ‘Public Transport’ Ticket Was Sold in London
In 1829, London introduced the first “Omnibus” service, an early form of public transport. People could purchase a single fare ticket for the service, and it was an instant success. Today, London’s iconic double-decker buses are a symbol of the city.
Conclusion
London is a city full of history, mystery, and hidden gems. From the tales of the Thames to the secrets buried beneath its streets, there’s no end to the fascinating facts that make London such a unique and captivating place. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, these fun facts are a great way to rediscover the magic of the British capital.