As you might know, London is a city that has been gestating for nearly 2000 years. What was once a Roman bastion changed hands countless times and has left many fingerprints from its long and tumultuous past. From towering skyscrapers to Norman fortresses, the landscape and architecture of London is enough to draw in tourists in and of itself. Guests of the Luma Hotel Hammersmith are ideally located to get out exploring the city.
Whilst there are many Victorian and Georgian architectural delights in London, Mediaeval ruins are slightly harder to spot. This is in part because they can span up to a thousand years in age, and are therefore a little worse for wear. Nevertheless, there are plenty of examples scattered across the city that have been restored to their former glory or otherwise left as a fading mark of the city’s history. This blog will explore some of the most prominent examples of Mediaeval architecture in London, providing guests of boutique hotels in West London with vital insight into the city’s fascinating history.
The Tower Of London
The Tower of London is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city and was one of the first buildings to be erected in the capital after William the Conqueror’s conquest of England in 1066. Originally designed to defend against marauders, the Tower of London soon grew to symbolise the oppression of the English by their French rulers. The Tower of London and its infamous White Tower have seen many uses over the years, including as a treasury, armoury, prison and exotic animal keep.
St Olave’s Church
If you’re a guest of the Heeton Concept Hotel who’s planning a visit to the Tower of London, make sure not to miss St Olave’s, one of the oldest churches in London. Dedicated to the early 11th century King of Norway, a church has stood here since the mid-11th century and retained its Mediaeval foundations despite extensive damage during World War 2’s Blitz. To this day, there are still many embellishments in its interior that hark back to its Mediaeval Gothic origins.
Temple Church
Built as the headquarters for the Knights Templar, an important group of “proto-bankers” during the crusading period, the Temple Church on Fleet Street’s stretch of the River Thames dates back to 1185 and has a distinct round design. The stone effigies, gardens and atmospheric interior all add to its Mediaeval mystique.
Westminster Abbey
Competing with the Tower of London for most popular mediaeval era tourist attraction, Westminster Abbey is best known for being the resting place of not only many of the most famous kings and queens, but influential British figures not associated with royalty too. Stephen Hawking, Geoffrey Chaucer and many others are commemorated in this stunning Westminster based cathedral that has its roots in the construction of a 7th century priory on its site.
The Guildhall
Located in the City of London, guests of the Luma Concept Hotel Kensington may best know the Guildhall for its free to visit art gallery, courtesy of the City of London Corporation’s own acquired paintings collection. There’s more the Guildhall than just art though, the hall itself dates back to the early 1400’s, when it was used as the headquarters for the workers guilds of London. That being said, there is evidence of a Roman amphitheatre being located on the site from way further back in London’s history, which contributes to the great hall’s grand audience inviting design. With stained glass windows and 5 foot thick walls, the Guildhall and the crypts below its floors are some of the best examples of communal mediaeval architecture in the city.
