LONDON, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a city steeped in history, culture, and intriguing facts. From hidden tunnels to unusual laws, here are 30 fascinating facts about London that will amaze you!
- London Has the World’s Oldest Underground Railway
The London Underground, also known as the Tube, opened in 1863 and is the world’s first underground railway system. Today, it has 272 stations and serves millions of passengers every day.
- Big Ben is Not the Clock
Most people call the clock tower “Big Ben,” but Big Ben is actually the name of the great bell inside the tower, now officially known as Elizabeth Tower.
- The Great Fire of London Had Few Casualties
The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of the city, but surprisingly, only six deaths were officially recorded.
- Secret Tunnels Run Beneath London
London has an extensive network of underground tunnels, including abandoned Tube stations, war bunkers, and secret escape routes.
- The Tower of London’s Ravens Have a Special Duty
According to legend, if the six resident ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. To prevent this, their wings are clipped to keep them within the premises.
- The World’s Smallest Police Station is in Trafalgar Square
Hidden in plain sight, Trafalgar Square houses a tiny police station, originally built so officers could monitor protests.
- A Hidden River Flows Beneath Buckingham Palace
A secret river called the Tyburn runs beneath Buckingham Palace, flowing towards the Thames.
- The Shard is the Tallest Building in the UK
Standing at 310 metres, The Shard dominates London’s skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city.
- The Original London Bridge is Now in the USA
The 1831 London Bridge was dismantled and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, after being sold to an American businessman in 1968.
- London Has 32 Boroughs
The city is divided into 32 boroughs, each with its own unique identity and local government.
- More Indian Restaurants Than Mumbai
London has over 10,000 Indian restaurants, which is more than Mumbai or Delhi!
- London’s Black Cab Drivers Take a Tough Test
Black cab drivers must pass a notoriously difficult test called “The Knowledge,” requiring them to memorise 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks.
- London is the Theatre Capital of the World
London’s West End has more theatres than Broadway and is home to world-famous productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
- The World’s First Traffic Light Exploded
Installed outside the Houses of Parliament in 1868, the first traffic light exploded after just one month in operation.
- A “Ghost” Tube Station Exists
Aldwych Station closed in 1994 but is now used for film shoots and special tours.
- Feeding Pigeons in Trafalgar Square is Illegal
Since 2003, feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square has been banned.
- Carrying a Plank on a Pavement is Illegal
An old law from 1839 makes it illegal to carry a plank of wood along the pavement.
- It’s Illegal to Die in Parliament
A popular myth states that dying inside the Houses of Parliament is illegal – but it’s not actually enforced.
- You Can Drive Sheep Over London Bridge
Freemen of the City of London traditionally had the right to drive sheep over London Bridge, and the practice is still carried out symbolically today.
- It’s Illegal to be Drunk on Public Transport
Being drunk on the London Underground or any public transport is against the law.
- The Queen Owns All Unmarked Swans in the Thames
By royal decree, all unmarked swans in the River Thames belong to the British monarch.
- Buckingham Palace Has Secret Tunnels
The palace is connected to a network of underground tunnels, linking it to various important buildings in the city.
- London’s Oldest House Dates Back to 1140
The city’s oldest surviving house, located at 41-42 Cloth Fair, dates back to 1140.
- Every British Monarch Since 1066 Has Been Crowned in Westminster Abbey
For nearly 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey has been the site of every royal coronation.
- Downing Street Has a “Chief Mouser”
A cat named Larry officially serves as the “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office” at 10 Downing Street.
- London Has More Billionaires Than Any Other City
London is home to more billionaires than any other city in the world.
- Red Phone Boxes Are Becoming Rare
Most red phone boxes have disappeared, but some have been converted into libraries and coffee kiosks.
- Sherlock Holmes’ Address Wasn’t Always Real
221B Baker Street, the famous address of Sherlock Holmes, only became real when the Sherlock Holmes Museum was established.
- London Buses Weren’t Always Red
Before 1907, different bus routes had different coloured buses.
- Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾ Exists at King’s Cross
At King’s Cross Station, you can visit Platform 9¾, where a luggage trolley appears to be disappearing into the wall – perfect for Harry Potter fans!
London is a city full of surprises, blending history, mystery, and modern innovation. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover! Which fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!