Sometimes referred to as the Old Smoke, the city of London has enchanted the world for centuries. With it’s rich culture and fascinating history, London is one of the most recognizable places on Earth and a place many of us would like to travel to and explore! But did you know that there’s so much more to this amazing city then big red buses and Big Ben?

London is rich in culture and history!

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Black Cabs

New York has its yellow taxis and London is just as famous for it’s Black Cabs! But did you know that not just anyone can drive a Black Cab around London? In order to achieve this prestigious license, drivers have to prove that they know every street and every landmark throughout the city. This incredible foundation of information – or test – is called The Knowledge and it’s not easy, it takes around 3- 4 years to memorize and complete.

Rainy Days

Even though the British are used to their bad, rainy weather and are often depicted with an umbrella in hand, London actually gets less rain on average than New York!

Off to Neverland!

J.M Barrie, the author of the famous works; Peter Pan, signed all the rights over to Ormond Street Hospital, the world famous children’s hospital in the city. After gifting them the rights in 1929, the hospital has received all royalties which helps fund treatment for children and the hospital itself.

The Underground

Did you know that even though the London Underground is called as such and is the main mode of transport throughout the city, around 55% of it’s lines and stations can be found above ground!

The Dome

The Millenium Dome, or the O2 Area as it is now called, was so big when it was first opened that you could place the Statue of Liberty inside or the Pyramid of Giza! It was the largest structure of it’s kind in the world at that time.

Big Ben

Many people don’t realize that Big Ben is actually the name given to the bell inside the famous clock tower. It also chimes in the key of “E”.

The Black Death

London was decimated by the Black Death when the outbreak hit in 1665. The Great Plaque cost millions of lives throughout Europe and as such, there is actually a mass grave of around 1,000 Plaque victims underneath Aldgate Station!

Traffic

Did you know that in 1868 the world’s first traffic light was actually erected outside the houses of Parliament? It was also destroyed the next year!