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London Curiosities: The Capital's Odd & Obscure, Weird & Wonderful Places
London is full of curiosities. Who knew that beneath the Albert Memorial lies an undercroft resembling a church crypt? Or that there are catacombs under Camden? Who would expect to find a lighthouse in East London, sphinxes in South London, dummy houses in West London, or a huge bust of film director Alfred Hitchcock in North London?
How many of those who walk past Cleopatra's Needle pause to consider why a 3,000-year-old Egyptian monument stands beside the Thames? How many know that what was once London's smallest police station can be seen in Trafalgar Square? Or that pineapples are used in the architectural design of so many buildings? Or why there are memorials to the 'Mayflower' and Pilgrim Fathers in Rotherhithe?
These are just a few of the facets explored, described and illustrated here for anyone in search of the oddly obscure, wonderfully weird and surprisingly strange in this capital of curiosities.
How many of those who walk past Cleopatra's Needle pause to consider why a 3,000-year-old Egyptian monument stands beside the Thames? How many know that what was once London's smallest police station can be seen in Trafalgar Square? Or that pineapples are used in the architectural design of so many buildings? Or why there are memorials to the 'Mayflower' and Pilgrim Fathers in Rotherhithe?
These are just a few of the facets explored, described and illustrated here for anyone in search of the oddly obscure, wonderfully weird and surprisingly strange in this capital of curiosities.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2017
138 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 19, 2017
This was a pretty fascinating read. Packed full of hidden gems, this book takes you around London's curiosities, detailing long forgotten pieces of history. The best part of this book also happens to be the worst part... it features tons of unique pieces but at the expense of in-depth knowledge. I found myself wanting more than the page or two each "curiosity" was given, and the fact that I had so much information being thrown at me in such a limited space has sort of jumbled the facts in my head. I'd call this more of a coffee table book, something best picked up here and there, where you can process each piece without immediately flowing into more. I've never been to London, but I'll certainly be rereading this before I finally do go and making sure I check out some of these weird and wonderful places!
*Thank you Pen & Sword Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
*Thank you Pen & Sword Books and Netgalley for this review copy.
October 29, 2025
This was an interesting little find, packed full of information about landmarks of London, lots of which people probably walk past daily without a glance. There were lots of photographs to support the chapters which I enjoyed, but as this was a book I read on my kindle, I'm guessing it would have been better in the physical form.
Books like these really showcase how much of London is steeped in this fascinating history. My only complaint really is that the chapters seemed a little rushed, but otherwise this was well worth a read!
Books like these really showcase how much of London is steeped in this fascinating history. My only complaint really is that the chapters seemed a little rushed, but otherwise this was well worth a read!
May 25, 2021
Having lived in London for four years, I enjoyed learning the history behind so many London landmarks.
April 25, 2021
4 Stars
I would love to visit London again and find some of the more obscure curiosities listed in this book.
I would love to visit London again and find some of the more obscure curiosities listed in this book.
December 3, 2021
I'm one of those people who love the old stuff. Buildings, furniture, and monuments. This book was perfect for me. There were enough pictures to make me happy, although I'll bet they'll be so much better in a real book, and not the e-book! Loved the background information. Yep, I'd recommend this book. My thanks go out to Netgalley and the publisher Pen & Sword for providing me with a copy for review.
March 11, 2017
Although I now live in Australia, I was born and grew up in Kent, not far from London. I went to the city often and believe I know it reasonably well. However, I am always fascinated to learn more, so this book appealed to me the moment I saw it listed on NetGalley. I was thrilled when the publisher approved my request to view it, and when I read it, I wasn't disappointed.
Some of the fun, quirky facts Wade shares, I already knew. Nonetheless, there were plenty of things I'd never noticed or realised about familiar places and objects, so it was enthralling to discover the truth about them. I will certainly seek out a few of the spots Wade mentions on my next trip back to the UK. I would recommend this book both for Londoners keen to know more about the fascinating city in which they dwell, and for tourists keen to explore off the beaten track.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
Some of the fun, quirky facts Wade shares, I already knew. Nonetheless, there were plenty of things I'd never noticed or realised about familiar places and objects, so it was enthralling to discover the truth about them. I will certainly seek out a few of the spots Wade mentions on my next trip back to the UK. I would recommend this book both for Londoners keen to know more about the fascinating city in which they dwell, and for tourists keen to explore off the beaten track.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
June 14, 2017
I would like to thank Pen and sword for sending me a physical copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This is a fascinating book that looks at all of the hidden treasures around London. The author obviously knows the city well and takes you on a comprehensive tour. The book will delight those that do not know London and those that live their equally.
I have visited London many times and have lived there, this book still gives me yet another insight into that beautiful city.
The writing could have done with being cut down, this is going to be a book that people dip in and out of rather than read cover to cover. It also would have been nice if the pictures were in colour.
This is a fascinating book that looks at all of the hidden treasures around London. The author obviously knows the city well and takes you on a comprehensive tour. The book will delight those that do not know London and those that live their equally.
I have visited London many times and have lived there, this book still gives me yet another insight into that beautiful city.
The writing could have done with being cut down, this is going to be a book that people dip in and out of rather than read cover to cover. It also would have been nice if the pictures were in colour.
March 19, 2017
What a fascinating read! An informative and often surprising journey around London and it's historical buildings and points of interest.
From Egyptian sculpture to a random nose stuck to a wall, (not a real one obviously!)
John Wades book is full of b/w photos and interesting facts that would please any tourist, local or history lover like myself.
I was lucky enough to receive an e~copy of this from NetGalley, and it was brilliant, but it would definitely be better and easier to read as a proper book as the paragraphs, chapters and photos were a little bit muddled on my device.
A high enjoyable couple of hours reading, with nuggets of info that will certainly stay with me, and hopefully, make me sound like an intelligent historian when I'm next at the pub! I might get a 'round' in at The Sherlock Holmes in Northumberland Street when I'm next in the capital. And perhaps I will start to notice just how much fascinating history is around that would normally go un~noticed. Little did I know that London has so many clocks, tunnels and other mysterious nooks.
I'd be very interested if the author did a similar book about Hampshire UK or my home town of Southampton.
4 stars out of 5
Thank you to the author, John Wade, the publisher, Pen & Sword Books Ltd and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
From Egyptian sculpture to a random nose stuck to a wall, (not a real one obviously!)
John Wades book is full of b/w photos and interesting facts that would please any tourist, local or history lover like myself.
I was lucky enough to receive an e~copy of this from NetGalley, and it was brilliant, but it would definitely be better and easier to read as a proper book as the paragraphs, chapters and photos were a little bit muddled on my device.
A high enjoyable couple of hours reading, with nuggets of info that will certainly stay with me, and hopefully, make me sound like an intelligent historian when I'm next at the pub! I might get a 'round' in at The Sherlock Holmes in Northumberland Street when I'm next in the capital. And perhaps I will start to notice just how much fascinating history is around that would normally go un~noticed. Little did I know that London has so many clocks, tunnels and other mysterious nooks.
I'd be very interested if the author did a similar book about Hampshire UK or my home town of Southampton.
4 stars out of 5
Thank you to the author, John Wade, the publisher, Pen & Sword Books Ltd and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
This is a lovely book that made me want to hop on plane and visit London. I have been to some of the attractions and have a photo of my son & I in front of the Roman wall near the Tower of London.
It is a lovely virtual visit.
It is a lovely virtual visit.
March 17, 2017
I will have a review up on my Blog closer to its release date so keep an eye out.
January 25, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I saw this book earlier in the week and as I was on annual leave from work I treated myself and it arrived the next day for me to read. I was really keen to get on with it and started it one evening and finished it the next, and I thought it was fabulous!!
The book is nice and bright, very well laid out and full of weird and quirky things that you can find when you are out and about in London, as well as curiosities that will peak your interest too as to why they are there and how they came to be about.
I do love reading books like this and whilst I was aware, and have seen a few of the things mentioned in the book, there was plenty in the book that was new to me and I now have a list of things that I will definitely be looking out for on my next trip down to London.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved the layout, there was plenty of photos which helped bring the book and the different “curiosities” to life.
I loved the touch at the end of the listing of the postcodes of where they are based so you can check them out too - I do love books like this – very highly recommended!
I saw this book earlier in the week and as I was on annual leave from work I treated myself and it arrived the next day for me to read. I was really keen to get on with it and started it one evening and finished it the next, and I thought it was fabulous!!
The book is nice and bright, very well laid out and full of weird and quirky things that you can find when you are out and about in London, as well as curiosities that will peak your interest too as to why they are there and how they came to be about.
I do love reading books like this and whilst I was aware, and have seen a few of the things mentioned in the book, there was plenty in the book that was new to me and I now have a list of things that I will definitely be looking out for on my next trip down to London.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved the layout, there was plenty of photos which helped bring the book and the different “curiosities” to life.
I loved the touch at the end of the listing of the postcodes of where they are based so you can check them out too - I do love books like this – very highly recommended!
April 24, 2017
From Roman Remains to the original London Bridge all the way into the 20th century, John Wade has collected more than a hundred structures around London's 600 square miles that curious visitors might find interesting.
November 8, 2021
This new travel book takes readers through the unique quirks that London holds. From tiny houses to weird buildings to lighthouses and tunnels, readers find out all sorts of oddities that pop up around one of my favorite cities in the world. From a nose popping out of the Admiralty Arch to why there are fake houses in West London's Bayswater, this is packed full of fascinating facts.
I found it extra interesting to read about places I've seen in person, like the OXO tower and the Winchester Palace rose window (and a few that I somehow missed by not looking up enough apparently, like the King's Cross lighthouse), while also loving how much it sparked my wanderlust for my next trip to London. My only caveat was that the entire book was in black and white, which I think lessened the impact of it slightly and made it less exciting than I think it could have been overall. Otherwise, a fun read for fans of London from afar or those of us who have visited it and fell in love with the city!
Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
I found it extra interesting to read about places I've seen in person, like the OXO tower and the Winchester Palace rose window (and a few that I somehow missed by not looking up enough apparently, like the King's Cross lighthouse), while also loving how much it sparked my wanderlust for my next trip to London. My only caveat was that the entire book was in black and white, which I think lessened the impact of it slightly and made it less exciting than I think it could have been overall. Otherwise, a fun read for fans of London from afar or those of us who have visited it and fell in love with the city!
Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
July 22, 2021
This new travel book takes readers through the unique quirks that London holds. From tiny houses to weird buildings to lighthouses and tunnels, readers find out all sorts of oddities that pop up around one of my favorite cities in the world. From a nose popping out of the Admiralty Arch to why there are fake houses in West London's Bayswater, this is packed full of fascinating facts. I found it extra interesting to read about places I've seen in person, like the OXO tower and the Winchester Palace rose window (and a few that I somehow missed by not looking up enough apparently, like the King's Cross lighthouse), while also loving how much it sparked my wanderlust for my next trip to London. My only caveat was that the entire book was in black and white, which I think lessened the impact of it slightly and made it less exciting than I think it could have been overall. Otherwise, a fun read for fans of London from afar or those of us who have visited it and fell in love with the city!
November 8, 2025
Loved this! Such a fun wat of getting to know interesting facts about London.
October 4, 2020
London is one of my favorite cities and I like learning lots of quirky details about its history.
June 19, 2017
This is such a cool book! Its a listing of all the odd left overs from buildings, bridges, or odd historical relics that have been left around the city of London. The chapters break down various categories such as Clocks, Monuments and Memorials, Roman Remains, etc.
Many of the objects in question are surrounded by myth, which are mentioned as well as the real history behind them. For instance, there is a nose that is on a wall in Admiralty Arch. There is a myth that the nose was from a statue of Nelson. However, it was actually placed there by an artist and represented invasion of privacy. There is both modern and ancient objects discussed all through this book. I wish there was a book like this for various cities through the world!
Michmustread.com
Many of the objects in question are surrounded by myth, which are mentioned as well as the real history behind them. For instance, there is a nose that is on a wall in Admiralty Arch. There is a myth that the nose was from a statue of Nelson. However, it was actually placed there by an artist and represented invasion of privacy. There is both modern and ancient objects discussed all through this book. I wish there was a book like this for various cities through the world!
Michmustread.com
October 5, 2017
If you are planning a visit to London, then you should definitely take a look at this book. It is packed full of unique pieces of London’s history. These are the places that you won’t find in the typical tour guide. The book is organized into categories including Surprising Building, the Pineapple Trail, Tunnels Under London and many more. The text was an easy and enjoyable read and there are pictures of everything mentioned. If you’ve been following me, you know I like the odd and quirky and this book totally nailed it for me. I will definitely have it in my bag if I find myself in London again. Top marks to the author for putting this together.
Read
August 3, 2021Another one of the collective historical/travel books I’ve been reading lately. These descriptions of still existing London locations provides interesting little details to the most fascinating city in the world.
Some of the items are just odd. Other sections describe the origins of terms and practices pertinent to
London.
I found parts of the book fascinating, ut other parts tedious. For example, the monuments section contains everything from the Albert Memorial to a bronze cat.
There is some overlap with the Stephen Halliday book, which has poorer illustrations.
Some of the items are just odd. Other sections describe the origins of terms and practices pertinent to
London.
I found parts of the book fascinating, ut other parts tedious. For example, the monuments section contains everything from the Albert Memorial to a bronze cat.
There is some overlap with the Stephen Halliday book, which has poorer illustrations.
October 26, 2021
I usually love all things historical London. And while this book had many interests interesting places to point out, it somehow felt a little dull.
Maybe it was because of the way it was gathered. For example, I got a little tired of reading about 12 tunnels in a row, because it became monotonous. Maybe if it had been arranged by neighborhood it would have held my interest more?
And it badly needed proof reading and editing. There were misspellings, grammatical errors and unclear text.
Again, I did enjoy reading about some of these finds, but it was not as fun as I had hoped it would be.
Maybe it was because of the way it was gathered. For example, I got a little tired of reading about 12 tunnels in a row, because it became monotonous. Maybe if it had been arranged by neighborhood it would have held my interest more?
And it badly needed proof reading and editing. There were misspellings, grammatical errors and unclear text.
Again, I did enjoy reading about some of these finds, but it was not as fun as I had hoped it would be.
December 5, 2022
What a fascinating and informative read! I learned so much about London. It's amazing stuff you'll find packed in this book! I felt like I personally went on a sight-seeing tour. It was explained well, includes photos -- yes, I felt like I was practically there. At the very least, I have so many "fun facts" about London to pester my family and friends with (ha ha!). Some very obscure hidden gems are included. So much fascinating history to be found in this volume. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone with an interest in England at all, travel, etc. Perfectly gift-worthy!!
January 6, 2024
Excellently written with detailed information on landmarks and oddities that you would otherwise walk past in London (as I have many times!). Laid out in a simple structure with photographic references, this book was a quick and easy read with a handy section at the end of the book with postcodes and street names/areas from the book to explore for yourself! The only issue I had with the book was that some bits of information were repeated as each chapter had its own genre (with some overlapping) which made for occasional repetitive reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2020
A fun read if you have curiosity about the layers of history that still remains in physical form in the British capital. I will take it with me on my next trip, if and when they let Americans back in. I knew the stories of some, but not all, of the items included in the book and was even inspired to think of others that could have been included (the Pearl King, for example, in Covent Garden. But I really enjoyed this. Thank you to Susan for sending it to my Kindle as a "no reason" gift!
January 5, 2025
A very interesting book about history behind some of Londons most famous monuments as well as the many weird and wonderful pieces of history hidden in plain sight.
Sadly my interest trailed off somewhat around midway through when the subject turned to bridges and tunnels and such, but that's just personal preference.
Overall still very enjoyable and I'll be thrilled when I get to dish out some facts to my London loving mother.
Sadly my interest trailed off somewhat around midway through when the subject turned to bridges and tunnels and such, but that's just personal preference.
Overall still very enjoyable and I'll be thrilled when I get to dish out some facts to my London loving mother.
November 6, 2021
An excellent collection of the eclectic sites
If you have a weakness for wired places and things, this an outstanding book to read. Even if you're in the U.S., it gives you enough detail and background to thrill the armchair traveller, and is an excellent starting point to plan you next trip
If you have a weakness for wired places and things, this an outstanding book to read. Even if you're in the U.S., it gives you enough detail and background to thrill the armchair traveller, and is an excellent starting point to plan you next trip
December 30, 2017
If you have ever been to London you quickly realize the city is full of wonderful architecture, monuments and parks. This book tells the back story behind both the famous and the obscure sites in the city. This is a must read if you intend to travel to the city with a pair of eyes.
July 9, 2020
Several glorious walking tours
This been is he delight. Well written and wonderfully illustrated, it takes he reader to places in London they never knew existed and gave background to more familiar sites.
This been is he delight. Well written and wonderfully illustrated, it takes he reader to places in London they never knew existed and gave background to more familiar sites.
April 12, 2024
Interesting.
I liked the choice of subject as one born in Fulham, London. The help to find them was priceless. A guidebook for anyone exploring the capital, even from their armchair!
I liked the choice of subject as one born in Fulham, London. The help to find them was priceless. A guidebook for anyone exploring the capital, even from their armchair!
August 23, 2024
A perfect guidebook before a trip to London. An easy read, but one full of good memorable information, in a layout that makes it easy to read and then trace back through when trying to find particular monuments.
May 26, 2017
Fun to read, can't wait to take it with me on my next trip.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews