Historic London Buildings
Freemasons' Hall - Kensington Palace
An A-Z of historic buildings and other historic attractions in the heart of London. See also historic attractions in the Greater London area, and for more on royal palaces see Royal London.
This grand structure in art deco style, covering over two acres, was built between 1927 and 1933 by HV Ashley and F. Winton Newman to act as the British headquarters of United Grand Lodge of England (the Masons). It was originally called the Masonic Peace Memorial, in honour of Masons who perished in WWI. The name was changed to Freemason's Hall when the Second World War broke out.
60 Great Queen Street,
London,
Greater London,
England, WC2B 5AZ
Heritage Rating:
Heritage Highlight: The only art deco building in London still used for its original purpose.
Nearest: Self Catering
The former residence of the Bishops of London, Fulham Palace houses a museum set in lovely riverside gardens. The museum illustrates the history of Fulham Palace itself, plus displays of fine art, archaeology, local history, and artefacts associated with the Bishops of London.
Bishop's Avenue, Fulham London,
Greater London,
England, SW6 6EA
Heritage Rating:
Heritage Highlight: Important 17th century gardens
Nearest: Self Catering
The George Inn is the last of London's historic galleried inns. The George stands in a small yard just off Southwark High Street, a short stroll from Southwark Cathedral. During the 17th century, the George was a major terminus for coaching routes to and from south London.
The George Inn Yard, 77 Borough High Street London,
Greater London,
England, SE1 1NH
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering
Ham House is a lovely red-brick Stuart mansion, on the River Thames. Built in 1610 and the home of the Earl of Dysart and his daughter, the Duchess of Lauderdale. The house retains many of its original furnishings, with a large collection of Dutch art. Beside the house are a 17th-century still house and an 18th-century dairy.
Ham Street, Richmond upon Thames London,
Greater London,
England, TW10 7RS
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering
A red-brick palace built in grandiose style by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, advisor to King Henry VIII. Henry liked Hampton Court so much he took it over from the unfortunate Wolsey. The palace was later redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren to create an English version of Versailles Palace on the banks of the Thames. The palace is surrounded by justly famous gardens, including the earliest hedge maze in Britain and a recreation of a Tudor knot garden.
London,
Greater London,
England, KT8 9AU
Heritage Rating:
Photos
of Hampton Court Palace
Nearest: Self Catering
A historic Victorian cemetery in the north London suburb of Highgate. Several luminaries are buried at Highgate, notably Karl Marx, founder of communism, whose rather grand memorial is a popular attraction for followers of his writings.
Swain's Lane, Highgate London,
Greater London,
England, N6 6PJ
Heritage Rating:
Heritage Highlight: Karl Marx is only one of many notable people buried here
Nearest: Self Catering
Just 5 minutes walk from Chiswick House, this was once the home of artist William Hogarth, famous for his renderings of the highs and lows of English society in the Georgian period. There are copies of many of Hogarth's paintings and engravings on view.
Great West Road, Chiswick London,
Greater London,
England, W4 2QN
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering
Only two buildings survived the fire that devastated the medieval Palace of Westminster in 1834. The stone-built Jewel Tower is one. The Tower was built 1365-66 as a safe storage space for Edward III's silver plate (his treasures), and it was originally known as the King's Privy Wardrobe, or simply, Jewel House.
Abingdon Street, Westminster London,
Greater London,
England, SW1P 3JX
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering
Romantic poet John Keats lived in this simple Regency house in Hampstead, north London, from 1818-20, and it was here that he wrote his best-loved poetry. The house is now a museum dedicated to the poet's life and work.
10 Keats Grove, Hampstead London,
Greater London,
England, NW3 2RR
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering
Kensington Palace began as a simple 2 storey rectangular house built in 1605 for Sir George Coppin. At that time the Kensington location was an area of farmland, far from the bustle of London. However, over time, the city has spread to encompass the area.
State Apartments, Kensington London,
Greater London,
England, W8 4PX
Heritage Rating:
Nearest: Self Catering