However, I understand that the book would have felt crowded if there were illustrations for each curiosity. I love the brief overviews provided in the book: quick snapshots of a building, signs, streets, etc. The illustrations are all drawings, both color and black and white, which are sprinkled throughout the text. I feel like I learnt so much about Londons history from these pages, in such an interesting way - like how much building regulations were changed post the great fire of 1666, how the pavements used to be paved in wood, and the history of how some street names came to be (or the unconfirmed folklore tales, in some cases) to highlight only a few. Maybe I will never get to see the recycled railings or hidden history but my life is enriched by reading this book.

All told this is for the intrigued traveller, and not the person wanting everything fed to them while they grow their waistband on their couch. The information presented will allow me to take a different look at my surroundings and take a unconventional tour of sorts, compared to the average tourist.The book is divided four sections: Stepping Through Time (tracing the history of the city); Cracking the Capital's Code (unusual signs and symbols and what they mean); Part of the Street Furniture (things you might walk by without a glance, but which have fascinating backstories); and It's Only Natural (natural features such as bodies of water and parks). Whether you’ve always wondered why there are cattle troughs on your route to work, why bollards often look like upside down cannons or wanted to know what a Victorian stink pipe is – this book will provide the tools to decipher London’s secret code, and introduce you to a treasure trove of hidden spots to explore. There is a lot of variety in the places of interest on each of the walks to entertain everyone in a group.

We haven't all got the Knowledge, and so some better guide to where these things might be would help us navigate and plan our expeditions. Each entry is precisely the right length to create a harmonious balance with the headings and illustrations. In 2021 I took part in Open City’s Golden Key Academy guiding course and in October 2021 started running my guided walks of London’s hidden history. Each section ends with a map and a guided walk where you can see items mentioned in the chapters (although each walk contains things mentioned in more than one chapter). I enjoyed reading through the book and have found a more than a few things to look for on my next trip across the pond!Jack Chesher’s London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers gives a lot of material for a few themed walks through London, ranging from historical building details to signs and street names to lost rivers of London. But I doubt you'll find a better designed one, for if it was larger it could be described as a coffee table art book.

From the stories behind unusual street names, to the trees in our parks; railings made from recycled WWII stretchers, to shrapnel damage on walls; the hidden symbols on post boxes, to prehistoric tree trunks - there is a rich history hidden in the oft-overlooked details of the city's streets, gardens, parks and buildings. Receiving no public funding, the RA depends on the continuing generosity of our supporters and Friends.Whether you’ve always wondered why there are cattle troughs on your route to work, why bollards often look like upside down cannons or wanted to know what a Victorian stink pipe is – this book will provide the tools to decipher London’s secret code, and introduce you to a treasure trove of hidden spots to explore. Many of the places featured are locations where I have been but it points out small details that I have missed. Each section does finish with a walk that nicely echoes its theme, but the book works equally well as a “dip and see” of “what do I know and what’s new. I particularly like the maps for self-guided walks after each section - as an introverted traveller, I'll be using those a lot!

I had a few hours of fun browsing through this book and making a few mental notes of things to look at if I’m in London. Why did I only read this now that my best friend has moved back from the Cambridge to Germany after 5 years? It has a great knack for not only giving specific examples but making you think about similar things you might find on your wanderings around this endlessly fascinating City of ours. This richly detailed and beautifully illustrated book provides a miscellany of historic features and curiosities to spot as you wander around the capital.When in London or other ancient cities, especially those I've visited multiple times, I constantly remind myself to look up, as well as all around as I've noticed many gems are underfoot or above my head. From the stories behind unusual street names, to the trees in our parks; railings made from recycled WWII stretchers, to shrapnel damage on walls; the hidden symbols on post boxes, to prehistoric tree trunks – there is a rich history hidden in the oft-overlooked details of the city’s streets, gardens, parks and buildings. I love that in addition to listing out places, there are actual designated walks through different parts of London that point out the features. The featured items include architectural details, urban features, and easily overlooked evidence of historical events. Overall I think this is a brilliant book, and is not only handy if you’re planning on going for a stroll around London, but also if you simply want to learn some interesting facts and know more about the city’s history.