Literary Sights In The City Of London

London, the capital city of England, has always been a hub of literary inspiration. From renowned authors to iconic literary works, the city is brimming with historical and cultural significance for literature lovers. Exploring the literary sights in the City of London is like embarking on a literary pilgrimage, where you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite authors and their beloved creations. Let's take a journey through some of the most prominent literary sights that grace the streets of London.

1. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

No literary tour of London is complete without a visit to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Located on the South Bank of the Thames, this reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse takes you back in time to the days when Shakespeare's plays were performed. Attend a live performance and experience the magic of his timeless works, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, in the very place they were originally staged.

Literary Sights in the City of London: From Chaucer to Harry Potter, sites and sights associated with the writers, artists, musicians and others in the ... London (City of London guide books Book 1)

by John Dunlavey (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35993 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

2. Charles Dickens Museum

Step into the world of one of the greatest Victorian novelists at the Charles Dickens Museum, which is situated in the author's former residence. Explore the rooms where Dickens lived and wrote, surrounded by his personal belongings and manuscripts. The museum offers a glimpse into the life and works of the man behind classics like Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities.

3. The British Library

For bookworms and literary enthusiasts, The British Library is a treasure trove of knowledge. Housing an extensive collection of written works, the library is home to some of the world's most precious literary treasures, including the Magna Carta, original manuscripts of Jane Austen's works, and the Gutenberg Bible. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in literature and discover rare insights into literary history.

4. Dr. Johnson's House

Visit the former home of Dr. Samuel Johnson, the renowned writer and lexicographer who compiled the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Dr. Johnson's House is a charming 18th-century townhouse that showcases his literary accomplishments and provides a glimpse into his private life. Explore the rooms where he worked on his dictionary and admire the collection of books and artifacts that belonged to him.

5. The Sherlock Holmes Museum

Enter 221B Baker Street, the famous fictional address of the world's greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is dedicated to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character and recreates the atmosphere of Holmes' Victorian-era residence. Explore the rooms filled with memorabilia, solve mysteries, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.

6. Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey

Pay homage to some of the greatest literary figures buried or honored at Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey. This section of the famous abbey is dedicated to poets and writers, including William Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and many others. The exquisite memorials and monuments make it a must-visit site for literature buffs seeking to pay their respects to these literary legends.

7. The Harry Potter Platform at King's Cross Station

Harry Potter fans will delight in visiting the iconic Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station, where the Hogwarts Express departs for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Pose for a photo with the famous platform wall and a trolley partially disappearing into it. A visit to this spot is sure to awaken the magic within and transport you into the enchanting world created by J.K. Rowling.

8. Keats House

Explore the former residence of the romantic poet John Keats in Hampstead. Keats House invites visitors to experience the tranquil surroundings where Keats wrote some of his most celebrated works. Walk through the gardens that inspired his poetry and immerse yourself in the beauty that captured the heart of this renowned poet.

9. The Samuel Pepys Diary

Delve into the 17th-century world through the well-preserved diaries of Samuel Pepys, a famous London diarist. The Samuel Pepys Diary takes you through his vibrant descriptions of life in London during significant events such as the Great Fire of London and the plague outbreak. This remarkable collection provides a unique glimpse into the life and times of Pepys and the city he called home.

10. The Hunterian Museum

Discover the anatomical wonders at The Hunterian Museum, which houses the collections of surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. While not strictly literary, this museum showcases the interplay between science and literature during the 18th century. Explore the vast array of preserved specimens and learn about the advancements in medical science that influenced writers and their works during this period.

Literary sights in the City of London offer a captivating journey through centuries of literature and the lives of beloved authors. From Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, each location provides a unique experience that celebrates the power of words and the impact of literature on society. So, venture forth and immerse yourself in the literary richness that London has to offer.

Literary Sights in the City of London: From Chaucer to Harry Potter, sites and sights associated with the writers, artists, musicians and others in the ... London (City of London guide books Book 1)

by John Dunlavey (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35993 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This book is ideal for students, tourists and lovers of literature.

The City of London is at the heart of the capital of the UK and the vast array of cultural connections within the city reflect this. Major events such as the dissolution of the monasteries, the Plague, the coming of the railways, the Blitz, and now Covid and Brexit are reflected in the cultural and scientific history of the city. Below is an A-Z of cultural and scientific associations with visible points of reference such as plaques, buildings, statues and locations. It is fated to be incomplete and will have future revisions to ensure it’s upto date. The focus here is on visible pointers to the cultural and written history of the city. Stephen Fry compares the language to the city and highlights the centrality of the city’s figures to the development of English in “the ode less travelled”: ““The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane. Each sentence we produce, whether we know it or not, is a mongrel mouthful of Chaucerian, Shakespearean, Miltonic, Johnsonian, Dickensian and American.”
This guide aims to signpost some places associated with these giants.
In the words of Dr Johnson: “The chief glory of every people arises from its authors” Samuel Johnson A dictionary of the English Language , Preface 1755