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Horrible Histories Gruesome Guides #4
Loathsome London
Go underground to discover London's putrid past, take a trip to the terrifying Tower and then dip into the River Thames - London's largest toilet. Find out the ten worst ways to make a living in the city and the most disgusting way to die. History has never been so horrible! Ages 8+.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
56 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Terry Deary
823 books824 followersA former actor, theatre-director and drama teacher, Deary says he began writing when he was 29. Most famously, he is one of the authors of the Horrible Histories series of books popular among children for their disgusting details, gory information and humorous pictures and among adults for getting children interested in history. Books in the series have been widely translated into other languages and imitated.
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.
The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.
Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).
He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 8, 2021
This book is a great read and it tells you all about London through the ages. I liked reading this book really much and also hope to be able to find more Horrible History books to read. This book is a light read, perfect for some weekend reading. It shouldn't take too long and if it does, it is probably because you are trying to make sense of a really bad joke somewhere in the bookk.
December 23, 2023
This is a silly textbook/tour guide for tweens who think they hate history. It's very well done with an irreverent tone. The author breaks the 4th wall to address the reader (students) and makes history funny, gruesome, gory and gross. I studied in London and studied history of London in college and I can assure you I did NOT learn most of this! Not even authors of Georgian and Regency fiction get into this level of detail. I knew some of the names but not specifically who they were. This book even features a handy map so kids can mark off the places they want to visit. There's a quiz in the middle to test your knowledge. My big complaint is that history ends with WWII. Um what? I don't have an updated edition to know if later books get into modern times. It does acknowledge a quote from 2012 showing London is still gruesome. This book doesn't have an index. It's more of a history guide as background to visiting London than textbook.
The illustrations are so funny. There are little comics and diary entries. Don't look at the little comics next to the quiz and expect them to give you the answers.
This is exactly the book I was looking for to give my nephews some knowledge of what London is and some historical background. Beware parents: This book doesn't shy away from sharing stories about murderers, thieves, cut purses, highwaymen, drunks and other characters. It's pretty gruesome in spots.
The illustrations are so funny. There are little comics and diary entries. Don't look at the little comics next to the quiz and expect them to give you the answers.
This is exactly the book I was looking for to give my nephews some knowledge of what London is and some historical background. Beware parents: This book doesn't shy away from sharing stories about murderers, thieves, cut purses, highwaymen, drunks and other characters. It's pretty gruesome in spots.
February 11, 2024
Very gross, very fun
December 17, 2019
The first time I’ve begun reading a few pages from Horrible Histories Gruesome Guides: London was some years ago before visiting Britain's capital. However, when I came back, other books caught my attention, so I left it unfinished for a while. In March I finally picked it up again feeling determined to finish it.
In the introduction, Terry Deary puts side by side two testimonials of two priests regarding the London of 1190, which are complete opposites. What does that tell us about history? It is never accurate because everyone sees the world through one’s perspective. In order to understand how people really lived in London throughout the centuries, "this book will only tell you the horrible bits of London’s history –about the bad, not the brave, the horrible, not the happy, the dreadful, disgusting and dirty, not the dear, drippy and delightful." (Loc. 40-41)
And this book was gruesome indeed with a timeline that stretches from Ancient times to the Victorian era. You will read about legends linked to London and its history, interesting facts about The Tower of London, how horrible people treated animals for their entertainment in the Middle Ages and not only then, criminals and executions, ten dangerous and dirty jobs in London, stories about abused children and forced labour, some bits of information about some iconic buildings in London London’s underground and so on. Every time period has something interesting or disgusting to reveal. Besides the funny illustrations made by Martin Brown, there’s also a map of historical London at the end of the book.
Though the Horrible Histories books are usually very whimsical and you learn new thing while having fun, taking tests and laughing out loud at the jokes the author cracks, this time I think that the gruesomeness surpassed the humour because the animal beatings and fights, the stories about criminals and executions and those about child abuse, filth and disease made my stomach turn. However, I understand the purpose of this book. Usually, we learn at school about the bright side of history and about the brave or brilliant people who changed the world; but there’s also a darker or filthier side of history that is more appealing to us because it revolves around the ordinary people – the sick, the orphan the illiterate and the poor.
In the introduction, Terry Deary puts side by side two testimonials of two priests regarding the London of 1190, which are complete opposites. What does that tell us about history? It is never accurate because everyone sees the world through one’s perspective. In order to understand how people really lived in London throughout the centuries, "this book will only tell you the horrible bits of London’s history –about the bad, not the brave, the horrible, not the happy, the dreadful, disgusting and dirty, not the dear, drippy and delightful." (Loc. 40-41)
And this book was gruesome indeed with a timeline that stretches from Ancient times to the Victorian era. You will read about legends linked to London and its history, interesting facts about The Tower of London, how horrible people treated animals for their entertainment in the Middle Ages and not only then, criminals and executions, ten dangerous and dirty jobs in London, stories about abused children and forced labour, some bits of information about some iconic buildings in London London’s underground and so on. Every time period has something interesting or disgusting to reveal. Besides the funny illustrations made by Martin Brown, there’s also a map of historical London at the end of the book.
Though the Horrible Histories books are usually very whimsical and you learn new thing while having fun, taking tests and laughing out loud at the jokes the author cracks, this time I think that the gruesomeness surpassed the humour because the animal beatings and fights, the stories about criminals and executions and those about child abuse, filth and disease made my stomach turn. However, I understand the purpose of this book. Usually, we learn at school about the bright side of history and about the brave or brilliant people who changed the world; but there’s also a darker or filthier side of history that is more appealing to us because it revolves around the ordinary people – the sick, the orphan the illiterate and the poor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
I've always loved Terry Deary and this book does not disappoint. Thank you Mr Deary for bringing history to life and thank you Martin Brown for your amazing illustrations
November 24, 2025
this book is really good it says all about how London is hell(but on earth of course)I knew how strict London was (no offense London) and how most people where murderers and how normal citizens where tortured and the kings where horrible I also love the pictures and mini comics and I also thank the illustrater: Martin brown and the author: Terry deary and how he makes HISTORY FUN I know that these two word would never match together even in forever but this guy made it happen and I also find that the old English people very creative in finding ways to suicide and without the guards noticing so yeah I learned a lot more in my free time than I usually do so I will continue reading horrible histories and maybe even horrible geography anyway I will go upgrade my goal to more books so yeah goodbye 👋
November 23, 2021
Yikes! You definitely would not have wanted to live in London in the distant and somewhat near past. I was familiar with some of the tales of grime, poverty, disease and crime, related to this city, but not all. The illustrations accompany the text, perfectly and add a layer of humour - often on the black side (this IS a Horrible Histories book, after all) and pun filled at times.
March 22, 2017
London is always become one of the cities in the world that captivate me. It is filled with interesting things right from the time of Londinium, to the sooty, bleaky, grim, Dickensian London, until now. This book, skipped the good things that can be said about London and jump right to the horrible, gruesome things that ever happened in and to London. A very interesting and hilarious book.
September 3, 2012
This book is part of Terry Deary's "Horrible Histories" series of books. This book, in particular, focuses on London. The book begins with a timeline of Ancient London; some legends, history and even things historians cannot agree on (did the Romans build London?). It covers a history of Middle Age London, the 'Terrible Tudors', 'Slimy Stuarts' and a modern London timeline. More specifically, it covers the wars, executions, crimes, disease, plagues and riots in London's colourful history.
The book is aimed at ks2 children. It is written in a way that is fun and interesting. The language is descriptive and dramatic, for example; the use of alliterations throughout the text (Suffocating Schools, London's Lousy jobs, Horrible Hooligans). There are also illustrations throughout. These are almost comic book style and add character to the timelines and stories within.
Overall, I think it is a very entertaining and unique way of presenting historical facts. Additionally, it's intermittent quizzes, examples and illustrations make it interactive for children.
The book is aimed at ks2 children. It is written in a way that is fun and interesting. The language is descriptive and dramatic, for example; the use of alliterations throughout the text (Suffocating Schools, London's Lousy jobs, Horrible Hooligans). There are also illustrations throughout. These are almost comic book style and add character to the timelines and stories within.
Overall, I think it is a very entertaining and unique way of presenting historical facts. Additionally, it's intermittent quizzes, examples and illustrations make it interactive for children.
May 13, 2024
I do love a good Horrible Histories book! They just never seem long enough and some of the things I find most interesting I want more information on. But that's the nature of a children's book and I can remember absolutely adoring these books growing up, and still loving them on my rereads over the last few years.
What I liked about this one on London is the chronological format and information on lots of different things like crime, jobs, places, and accounts of different people, and not just the rich and famous. The format is great, like adverts and newspaper articles to tell the stories. As it is part of the Horrible Histories series it doesn't shy away from the gruesome and horrible aspects, and leans into them instead. I imagine it could easily engage children and teenagers who are less interested in more traditional history.
It's a lovely light and funny read, brilliantly illustrated by Martin Brown with comic strips and jokes throughout. I prefer the original covers rather than these redesigned ones though, they had more of a vintage feel. But I love that it still has an index! A history book isn't a history book without an index frankly, even if it is a funny children's book.
What I liked about this one on London is the chronological format and information on lots of different things like crime, jobs, places, and accounts of different people, and not just the rich and famous. The format is great, like adverts and newspaper articles to tell the stories. As it is part of the Horrible Histories series it doesn't shy away from the gruesome and horrible aspects, and leans into them instead. I imagine it could easily engage children and teenagers who are less interested in more traditional history.
It's a lovely light and funny read, brilliantly illustrated by Martin Brown with comic strips and jokes throughout. I prefer the original covers rather than these redesigned ones though, they had more of a vintage feel. But I love that it still has an index! A history book isn't a history book without an index frankly, even if it is a funny children's book.
May 19, 2020
Like many other parents, adults or school teachers out there, I find Terry Deary's efforts to make history appealing and entertaining for children to be commendable.
Despite the book's title, 'Loathsome London', Deary does admit that there are a lot of good things about one of the most fascinating capital cities in the world which he didn't mention in this book but he says that only has space for the bad things. However, he does provide some comparisons between good and bad things some people said about London during the same period of history, highlighting the fact that most 'facts' are a matter of opinion at the end of the day. This is a very important thing for children to learn, that history contains a lot of varying opinions about the same things so it's important to take most of them into consideration
The only 'bad' thing about 'Loathsome London' is that I already knew most things mentioned in this book about London so I didn't find it as interesting as some of Deary's other works in the 'Horrible Histories' collection like those on the second world war and other civilizations.
Despite the book's title, 'Loathsome London', Deary does admit that there are a lot of good things about one of the most fascinating capital cities in the world which he didn't mention in this book but he says that only has space for the bad things. However, he does provide some comparisons between good and bad things some people said about London during the same period of history, highlighting the fact that most 'facts' are a matter of opinion at the end of the day. This is a very important thing for children to learn, that history contains a lot of varying opinions about the same things so it's important to take most of them into consideration
The only 'bad' thing about 'Loathsome London' is that I already knew most things mentioned in this book about London so I didn't find it as interesting as some of Deary's other works in the 'Horrible Histories' collection like those on the second world war and other civilizations.
June 1, 2021
Despite the fact I am currently hurtling towards my 40’s (but ssssh, we’re not dwelling on that), I’m fairly certain this is the first book I’ve ever read in the Horrible Histories collection.
My children, of course, are fans, and my 7-year old recently chose this particular read from the library. As he settled down to finish off one of the Dog Man offerings, I decided to see what all the HH fuss was about.
Obviously, I write this from the perspective of someone who is very clear NOT the target audience. For me, whilst informative in parts (I did actually learn a couple of things), I disliked the random jumping around. Equally, the “jokes” are just, well, not to put too fine a point on it, they’re really annoying, pathetic and distracting.
However, again, I’m not a 7 year old boy (or girl) so I’m probably looking for something with a bit more meat on the bone.
As a parent, anything that engages children in reading, and offers the chance to actually teach them something (without them being aware) is always going to be a winner for me.
I'll have to update my review when the Boy Wonder has finished it :)
My children, of course, are fans, and my 7-year old recently chose this particular read from the library. As he settled down to finish off one of the Dog Man offerings, I decided to see what all the HH fuss was about.
Obviously, I write this from the perspective of someone who is very clear NOT the target audience. For me, whilst informative in parts (I did actually learn a couple of things), I disliked the random jumping around. Equally, the “jokes” are just, well, not to put too fine a point on it, they’re really annoying, pathetic and distracting.
However, again, I’m not a 7 year old boy (or girl) so I’m probably looking for something with a bit more meat on the bone.
As a parent, anything that engages children in reading, and offers the chance to actually teach them something (without them being aware) is always going to be a winner for me.
I'll have to update my review when the Boy Wonder has finished it :)
May 23, 2019
Horrible Histories is a landmark series of books written by Terry Deary. As the tag line suggests - it’s history with all of the nasty bits left in.
“London” is part of a series of gruesome guides to individual British cities. It is a book that tells of the horrible bits of London’s history (not the nice bits that all the other history books will tell you!). Here you’ll find out about lousy jobs, barmy buildings, and what was going on under ground covering a historical timeline from ancient (1100BC) to modern (late 1800s) London.
While aimed at kids these books are fascinating reading for kids and adults alike. Informative, funny, and easy to read the reader is actually in danger of learning something whilst being entertained.
Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide to London gets 4 overflowing toilet pits out of 5!
“London” is part of a series of gruesome guides to individual British cities. It is a book that tells of the horrible bits of London’s history (not the nice bits that all the other history books will tell you!). Here you’ll find out about lousy jobs, barmy buildings, and what was going on under ground covering a historical timeline from ancient (1100BC) to modern (late 1800s) London.
While aimed at kids these books are fascinating reading for kids and adults alike. Informative, funny, and easy to read the reader is actually in danger of learning something whilst being entertained.
Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide to London gets 4 overflowing toilet pits out of 5!
March 30, 2024
I would probably give this book a 3.5 stars. Loved the content in it and thought it was super interesting. While it is clearly a book geared to children, I wish the author would have refrained from so many children references like comparing a story to fighting with a little brother or wanting to fight a teacher. I found it to be kind of silly and unnecessary even for a kids book. The information stood alone as interesting without needing the child like comparison. It feels like an adult trying to relate to a kid rather than just letting a kid perceive the info for themselves.
The information was really interesting though. I got a copy at the British Museum on my trip there and read it while we had down time on the tube. Super easy read for a few days!
The information was really interesting though. I got a copy at the British Museum on my trip there and read it while we had down time on the tube. Super easy read for a few days!
June 15, 2022
Ah, I definitely remember reading this one as a kid. I think it was during one of our few trips down to London to take my brother to the hospital there, and I was bought this to keep me entertained for the day. I think I read it about as quickly as I did today which means it didn’t entertain me for as long as was needed but oh well.
These in depth guides into cities are actually quite helpful as it’s sometimes better to focus on one area rather than just the whole country. And the fact that London is the seat of the British Royal Family and has been for god knows how long means there’s more than enough history to go around in the city.
These in depth guides into cities are actually quite helpful as it’s sometimes better to focus on one area rather than just the whole country. And the fact that London is the seat of the British Royal Family and has been for god knows how long means there’s more than enough history to go around in the city.
April 7, 2023
Tento svazek mne bavil o něco víc než díl nazvaný "Anglie" - možná to bylo dané tím, že Ohavný Londýn je asi tak o polovinu kratší, takže jsem neměla pocit, že bych v druhé polovině knihy zabředávala do uvadajícího humoru, jako se mi to stalo u té Anglie.
Opět to je hlavně zábavné čtení o historii - spíš než naučná publikace, po které by člověk sáhl kvůli informacím. Mladé čtenáře to podle mne zaujme, dospělého možná méně. Ale stejně jsem ráda, že mi to prošlo rukama. V době mého dětství tahle série docela dost frčela, ale mne to bůh ví proč míjelo. Tak si aspoň takto zpětně doplňuji přehled.
3 hvězdy mi přijdou na místě.
Opět to je hlavně zábavné čtení o historii - spíš než naučná publikace, po které by člověk sáhl kvůli informacím. Mladé čtenáře to podle mne zaujme, dospělého možná méně. Ale stejně jsem ráda, že mi to prošlo rukama. V době mého dětství tahle série docela dost frčela, ale mne to bůh ví proč míjelo. Tak si aspoň takto zpětně doplňuji přehled.
3 hvězdy mi přijdou na místě.
July 8, 2024
Obviously this is a children's book but it was still entertaining and informative! I definitely learnt some new facts about London and in particular the gruesome things that took place there through the centuries. There's a map inside with certain horrible locations marked, which I think would be ideal to follow on a day trip with children who were interested in history, or could be tempted in that direction! Some of the facts were REALLY horrible - and as such I think maybe more sensitive, youngsters might be a bit traumatised - however, maybe I'm judging children by my own delicate standards!
October 25, 2024
A place of plague, pestilence and fire, plus the brutal Blitz and the eye-watering Great Stink. It's loathsome London as the tourists never see it - with all the hidden horrible bits! In this gruesome city guide, Terry Deary takes you on a tour of Britain's biggest city, exposing all its scurrilous secrets. Take a trip to the terrifying Tower (but try to keep your head on). Dip into London's largest toilet, the ruthless River Thames! Peer into creepy St Paul's Cathedral! It's a blood-spattered trip you simply daren't miss!
March 26, 2021
I was learnt this book by a child in my class who knows I love Horrible Histories. I have been reading on my lunch breaks and have enjoyed learning more about London, particularly the earlier history as I was pretty ignorant about a lot of it. A solid addition to the series.
December 5, 2022
You won't get a positive view of London if this is your only source of information, that's for sure! It is a fun concept to center a HH book around a city instead of a time period and makes for interesting reading.
December 11, 2022
Hace poco fui a Londres, y como tenía este libro a mano, empecé a leerlo en el tren, tanto en la ida como en el vuelta. Es uno de los libros de Horrible Histories que más gracia me ha hecho, me iba riendo a carcajadas en el tren. La verdad es que me ha descubierto parte del Londres malvado y revolucionario del cual no tenía ni idea, y me ha servido para recordar, entre otros a Jack the ripper, y mi tour por Whitechapel londinense por la noche.
February 19, 2025
Wrong Book.
The content is to the usual standard of Horrible Histories. But unfortunately the kindle version of this book is not London it is actually Gorgeous Geogians. The colour version is the right copy so I don’t know why it isn’t for this one.
The content is to the usual standard of Horrible Histories. But unfortunately the kindle version of this book is not London it is actually Gorgeous Geogians. The colour version is the right copy so I don’t know why it isn’t for this one.
January 6, 2019
Horrible Histories are always an enjoyable read. I e got the entire collection so going to read these this year.
November 15, 2019
It turns out that I am progressively tired of the telling techniques.
June 4, 2020
This is a great book for those who would love to know the history of London. This is a simplified version of the complicated history of London.Thus, it is easier for me to understand.
June 5, 2020
read for the primary school nostalgia and subtle dark humour I wouldn't have picked up on!
August 25, 2021
5 stars because Pg 120 has the greatest joke I've ever read in a book.
August 29, 2021
Love this series. I wish that these had been around when I was a kid.
September 6, 2021
Dnf because it's just too kiddie and not in the mood
November 7, 2021
Needed a super easy read after a busy week and opted for an old classic! Learnt a bit more about my hometown and had a few laughs too
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews