William Shakespeare
This is an engraving of a painting in the National Portrait Gallery –
much of William Shakespeare’s life (1564-1616) is a mystery, but this portrait is a strong
contender as a true likeness. As well as visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace, you can
explore many London links to Shakespeare, including the Globe Theatre and other sites
where his plays were performed.BACK

The 'Gherkin'
The ‘Gherkin’ at 9 St Mary Axe, City of London. This 40 storey building is by Foster and
Partners (2003) – whose work on London’s architecture now exceeds that of Sir Christopher
Wren, who designed St Paul’s Cathedral. London has an amazing range of history and
contemporary architecture – nowhere else can you find Roman remains, Dickensian alleys
and classical masterpieces within a short walk. BACK

City Hall
London consists of two cities – the City of London and City of Westminster – and 32 boroughs
which were once villages around the old centre. The Greater London Authority is the overall
administration for London and this is where the Mayor works, in a building designed by Foster
and Partners overlooking the Thames – and Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. There’s a
great view from the newly landscaped area around the City Hall. BACK

British Museum
The earliest national public museum in the world: starting with the collection of a doctor,
Sir Hans Sloane, in 1753, the British Museum is now a museum of world culture spanning all
ages. Mummies, marbles and so much more: admission is free, except for special exhibitions –
and the Great Court shown here is a popular meeting place. BACK

Oliver Twist
Written 1837-9, Oliver Twist is one of Charles Dickens’ best loved novels – you can explore the
London sights that inspired Dickens – or take an excursion to Chatham, once a lively dock area,
to see where he spent his early days. BACK

The Museum of Garden History
Tucked away in Lambeth, almost opposite the Houses of Parliament on the other side of the
Thames, the Museum of Garden History is well worth a visit. The museum is housed in a 900 year
old church, no longer used for services – and the exquisite 17th century styled garden also
incorporates the old grave yard and a monument to Captain Bligh, of Mutiny on the Bounty fame.
Small entry charge. BACK

Tate Modern
Now the most visited art gallery in the world, Tate Modern is in a brilliantly remodelled power
station (architects Herzog and de Meuron) with changing exhibitions in the Turbine Hall and
outside – this sculpture has now moved on but there’s always some new excitement. Free
admission (except for special gallery exhibitions) and late opening until 10pm on Fridays and
Saturdays. BACK

Sherlock Holmes
The Great Detective – created by a doctor, Conan Doyle – although if you visit the Sherlock Holmes
museum in Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Hotel or the Sherlock Holmes Pub you’ll begin to
think that he really existed. Take a walk on the trail of the ‘medical detective’ to hear some great
stories, including that of a real medical detective, Dr John Snow. I’m the secretary of the John Snow
Society – take a look at the website on www.johnsnowsociety.org BACK

The White Cube
The White Cube art gallery in the east end of London shows modern, often controversial exhibitions
in an old warehouse cunningly extended by two storeys of glass by MJ Rundell & Associates. Just
one of hundreds of galleries in London… BACK

Scroll down the page to find the stories behind the pictures.

John Snow
The great Dr John Snow, who proved that cholera was waterborne, is one of the very few doctors with
a pub named after him – he was a teetotaller, so might not have approved! The pub, in Soho, is near
the site of the famous water pump that Dr Snow traced as the cause of an epidemic of cholera in
1854. Below a close up of the pub sign. BACK