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The Untold Natural History Museum London: Behind the Fossils

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

If you ever got the chance, would you spend a night at the Natural History Museum?

Well, I wouldn’t. And trust me… it’s not because of the dinosaurs.

Now, most of London’s museums close their grand doors by early evening. But, I think the Natural History Museum does it out of necessity. To keep the whispers from turning into headlines.

You might ask…what whispers?

Oh, just the usual… security guards refusing to walk certain corridors alone, mannequins that allegedly blink back, taxidermy models that move on their own …and the lingering scent of pipe smoke when there’s not a soul around. You know. Tuesday stuff.

By day, it’s a family-friendly haven of science and wonder. But, after the sun goes down…the specimens claim this museum as their own. And there are 80 million such specimens. You can understand where I am going right?

Well… let’s just say that taxidermy isn’t the only thing that stares back.

Behind the elegant Romanesque arches and fossil-lined halls lie stories that never made it to the museum guidebooks. Neither they tell you about it on the museum map.

Now, don’t think of this blog as a ghost tour…rather, consider it as a part II of “Natural History Museum London- Where World Hides Its Oldest Secrets”

Let me tell you in this blog… there are no demons. No Victorian banshees. No “possessed porcelain dolls.” I believe, what lingers in this museum is subtler. Stranger. More curious.

And after this blog, no traveler can skip the Natural History Museum. Yes, it’s that interesting.

So, come on.

Haunting in the Museum

Let’s start with the million dollar question…”Is it haunted?” Well, officially it isn’t. But it depends on what you call “haunted” after you’ve heard the stories from those who swear it is.

  1. Sir Owen’s Rounds

Once one-night guard joked with a nervous laugh…“If the temperature drops suddenly, it’s Sir Owen doing his rounds”.

He meant Sir Richard Owen, the Victorian-era founder of the museum. Brilliant, yes. But also highly protective of his collections. His office once stood where the modern museum administration block now sits.

And, sometimes, in the grand hall some unusual things people report to experience. Such as footsteps hurriedly pacing in empty corridors, a sudden smell of old pipe tobacco and some even claim to see a shadowy man in a frock coat walking near locked exhibit rooms.

Seems like Sir Owen never quite handed over the keys.

So, next time you enter, be at your best behavior around the specimens. Because that’s all he cares.

  1. The Weeping Baby

Now, let me share with you an incident…

One night, a worker of NHM once found one of the baby chimpanzee models on the floor… several meters from its original case. No alarms. No broken glass…there was absolutely no explanation.

It happened in the Mammals Gallery.

Over the years, several museum security guards have reported hearing faint crying from this room and when they’ve gone to investigate, they found nothing at all…except the air was suddenly freezing cold.

This crying generally happens near the display of mother animals with their young, especially in the taxidermy mammal rooms.

Are you afraid? I bet not.

4. The Crocodile Whispers

This time, it was a paleobotanist. He quit mid-research, saying- “Something in that hallway spoke to me and it wasn’t living.”

Now, where was he? He was in the Paleontology department, near the fossilized skulls, particularly near the crocodilian skulls and prehistoric predator fossils.

And, later…some workers even reported hearing those whispers too when walking alone. But only if they stop.

5. Jars That Shift

Yes, in that infamous Spirit collection, there are the Victorian Jars that “Move”.

Well, some of the oldest specimens, especially the ones from the 1800s…are said to shift positions slightly overnight, despite being sealed in fluid for over a century.

Many a time, museum staff have returned to jars to find Labels mysteriously turned around, sometimes tiny creatures facing the opposite direction on their own.

Once, one particular jar containing a fetal primate “swam” very slowly to the edge of the jar over the course of weeks…as if trying to get closer to the glass.

What do you have to say here?

 It’s like the specimens are trying to scare someone or simply trying to get themselves out of there.

Weirdest natural mutations in the Museum

Let’s detour for a moment into science’s stranger side…The museum has a stunning collection of bizarre, mind-bending natural mutations that will make you question the limits of biology.

No, these aren’t mythical creatures at all. All of them are real animals and specimens affected by rare mutations, evolutionary anomalies, deformities, or bizarre adaptations that push the definition of “normal” in the natural world.

  • You know, behind the scenes in Spirit collection, there’s a chick embryo preserved in ethanol with two fully-formed heads sprouting from a single neck? Though the chick never hatched, but the preservation is immaculate… both heads have beaks, eyes, and brains.
  • Next, there’s a Cyclops Shark Embryo. It’s not on public display ever… just studied privately. Such a Shark Fetus was found inside the womb of a pregnant dusky shark caught by fishermen. Let me tell you, Cyclopia is a lethal mutation… and it’s a one-in-a-million mutation.
  • And then, in the Spirit Collection Vaults, there’s a Transparent Frog revealing every organ and bone inside its body. The fun part is that… you can literally watch its heart and see its circulatory system like nature’s x-ray. But, it’s no mutation. Isn’t it fascinating?

Still, there’s more… The Six-Legged Piglet, Two-Headed Snake, Albino Hedgehog, The Goat with Human-Like Face, The Mutant Flower That Grew Teeth, Chick with Three Legs and One Eye…, and so many more.

These mutations aren’t just oddities — they offer vital insight into genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary extremes. But let’s be real …some of them are fascinatingly grotesque.

While many of them are tucked away in research vaults, some are even on public display.

So, you never know, when you will get a glimpse of them.

Let me ask you a question now…based on all these events would you say the NHM is haunted? I don’t think so…It’s more like the museum is living in the past, and all these rumors and stories make one wonder about those forgotten past.

What do the staff say?

Like every other ghost story in the world, there’s nothing here you can pin down or prove with cold, hard evidence. It’s all in the similar stories shared by the staff…with similar sort of feelings and experience.

But yes, across decades many spooky happenings do take place.

Sometimes, at night there are footsteps behind people when they’re working late…as if something is keeping an eye on them. Then there are Exhibits that move slightly, even under climate lock and Jar lids start “sweating” as if something alive were inside.

Isn’t it creepy? Definitely.

Can they be some coincidence? Perhaps.

But there are some museum folklore…which the staff take surprisingly seriously.

No one knows exactly why, but…

  • Never whistle in the Spirit Vault.
  • It’s considered very bad luck. Enough said.
  • Always greet the Komodo Dragon in the jar.
  • Apparently, “he gets grumpy” if you don’t.

Now, I know, you will ask me….” why all this?”

Well, I believe the people who came up with these peculiar codes have seen things most of us couldn’t handle. Those who work in the archives speak in quiet tones about odd happenings… and follow an unofficial code with absolute conviction…

  • Never mock the dead.
  • Never take selfies with the Spirit Collection jars.
  • Always nod respectfully at the mummified animals.

Why, there are such strange rules? Certainly. But they weren’t written on a whim. These superstitions likely stem from years of trial, error… and a few accidents best left off the record.

Many a time, staff were seen fainted on the museum floors, they talked about strange dreams after touching some particular items, some scientists even reported hearing some auditory illusion with whispering, breathing, and all. Some incidents were dismissed. Others quietly documented. But the stories persist.

 It is believed that this museum has some allegedly cursed items, which come with their own eerie legends. And I’ll be honest…I won’t be listing those allegedly cursed artifacts here. Not because I’m scared (okay, maybe a little), but because each comes with a trail of bad luck — and frankly, I’d rather not tempt fate.

I believe the Natural History Museum isn’t just built from Victorian stone and scientific wonder. It’s built on centuries of death, discovery, and unspoken memory. Science hasn’t quite caught up with the strange happenings in this place. Maybe one day, it will. Till then, you’ll just have to wait.

On that note, I’ll pause this story for now. But do plan a visit to this museum. Who knows, maybe some of you can uncover the reasons behind these unexplained occurrences.

In my next London blog, I’ll take you somewhere equally fascinating.

Until then, stay curious, stay brave… and if possible don’t whistle in dark hallways while in NHM.

This is Rita, signing off.

Natural History Museum London- Where World Hides Its Oldest Secrets

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Ever come face to face with something so massive it makes you appreciate the tiny ant? Or stood before an object older than Earth itself?

In London, that’s not just possible—it’s waiting for you.

Welcome to the Natural History Museum.

Here, one moment you’re face-to-face with a dinosaur frozen in time, the next you’re craning your neck beneath an 82-foot blue whale skeleton that makes you feel wonderfully small. And just around the corner? Ancient meteorites that have seen more of the universe than we ever will.

It’s where nature’s greatest hits are all on display—and guess what? It won’t cost you a thing. Entry is entirely free. No catches.

So whether you’re on a solo adventure, dragging along your very curious (or very tired) kids, or just in search of something marvel-worthy on a rainy London afternoon…this is one London stop you can’t skip.

Now, with so much to see, where do you even begin? Glad you asked. That’s exactly what I’m here for.

So come on then.

Let’s start with a bit of History

Now, I know what you’re thinking… ‘Oh no, not a history lecture!’

Don’t worry, I am not in the mood to bore you with names and dates. But here’s something you should know…. “Why was this place built in the first place?”

Well, to give nature its own space in London.

Before this museum existed, all the natural specimens were stuffed into the basement of the British Museum in Bloomsbury…buried there under art, mummies, and Greek antiquities.

Nature was, quite literally, downstairs.

Then came Sir Richard Owen, the anatomist and paleontologist who coined the term ‘dinosaur’. He believed natural history deserved a dedicated cathedral of science, and he fought tooth and claw for years to make it happen. Finally, in 1864, he won when the government agreed to create a separate Natural History Museum.

And, thus began one of London’s most ambitious museum projects.

Construction kicked off in 1873, and the museum officially opened in 1881…though it wasn’t technically finished for next few more years. But, it officially parted ways with the British Museum in 1963, and since then, it has grown from 5 million specimens to over 80 million.

Yes, 80 million. Can you believe it?

Now, come to Architecture

Here’s the bit you didn’t expect to fall in love with- the building itself.

The architecture of this dedicated museum is just as jaw-dropping and legendary as the dinosaurs inside.

Just like Big Ben, in this case also a design competition was held to choose the architect for this grand museum of today’s.  Alfred Waterhouse, a young architect known for his distinctive Romanesque Revival style was chosen for the job. This last-minute dark horse was more into building a cathedral of natural science than a mere museum.

Mr. Waterhouse decided to model it after 12th-century Romanesque architecture, with influences from continental cathedrals featuring grand arches, columns, and vaulted ceilings to the museum.

Do you know, the museum was built using terracotta tiles? And, it wasn’t just for beauty, but because it resists London’s signature soot and smog. Practical and pretty. What do you say?

The best part about its architecture is that…it’s more of a storytelling. If you aren’t paying attention at 100%, you never know when you will miss those hidden creatures on the wall.

This is where the magic of Waterhouse design kicks in.  

He filled the building’s façade and interiors with hundreds of animal carvings, all hand-sculpted in stone. There are extinct animals, real species, and mythical creatures from frogs climbing pillars to apes peeking from arches.

On the west side of the museum, carvings focus on living creatures…while on the east, there are mostly extinct and fossilized species. If you look closely you’ll find bats curled into column tops, lizards on stair rails. Even the floor tiles are themed…very intricately styled with leaves, vines, and ancient floral motifs.

You must agree with me, that it’s a living building.

No doubt, Waterhouse was a genius. He built a building which doesn’t house nature. It is nature.

So, what’s inside the museum?

Honestly, where do I even begin?

There are so many things inside that this place needs its own postcode, let alone a separate blog (which I will be writing, by the way).

The grand entrance hall

Let’s start with the Hintze Hall (well, it’s the current name) which was the former home to “Dippy the Dinosaur”. However, in 2017, Dippy went on a UK tour and now “Hope”, a real blue whale skeleton, floats above you…a  4.5 tonne of grace, suspended in mid-air as if she’s still diving through time. Even this skeleton alone is so large that you’ll need to walk for several minutes to fully appreciate its scale.

Just beneath Hope, near the entrance, you’ll discover one of the world’s most complete Stegosaurus skeletons. And right across from the staircase, there he is….in this very hall sits Charles Darwin. Who knows, perhaps, he’s just observing the daily visitors to this museum.

Anyway, while still in Hintze Hall, be sure not to miss the fascinating meteorites and displays of extinct reptiles just above those stairs. Up on these balconies, there’s also a remarkable 2-meter tall Fossil Tree Trunk which is no less than 300 Million Years Old. They say, it’s from a prehistoric rainforest….and belonged to a species that predates dinosaurs. Older than dinosaurs? Wow!

After this hall, you need to decide where you want to go next depending on your interests…there’s red zone, green zone, blue zone, and the orange zone.

A Quick How-Not-to-Get-Lost Guide

First, let me tell you where the dinosaurs are…they are in the Blue zone.

There’s actually a life-sized animatronic T. rex which roars and moves in a dark jungle setup. If your kids seek the Jurassic Park T.Rex experience, this is where you need to bring them.

Also, don’t forget to step into the land of giants. This giant mammals hall of blue zone includes the full-size model of a blue whale, mammoths, a giant ground sloth, and many more. This is some place, where you will actually feel tiny. Your problems will feel even tinier.

And then? You need to see the Neanderthals, and early humans. For that, remember to visit Human Evolution Gallery. Also, this is where a replica of Lucy is, though the real lucy is in the national museum of Ethiopia. That 3.2-million-year-old ancestor of ours.

And, if you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, you’ll enjoy staring at those tiny Mystery skulls of human “Homo floresiensis”.

When I saw those, I couldn’t help but wonder….How can a human skull be only about the size of an orange? Yes, they are that tiny. As per historians, it belongs to a human species that lived in Indonesia about 50,000 years ago.

Just like many others, I initially thought, it was fake…or some kind of deformity. When it was found, some scientists also thought the same….until more skeletons were found. Yes, It’s real… and it rewrote human history as we know it today.

Now, let’s go to the Red zone next.

This is your portal to the Earth Hall and geoscience zone…where you will see a real moon rock brought back from Apollo missions, the Aurora Pyramid of Hope, and of course, you can experience a terrifyingly real earthquake simulation.  

No matter what you skip here, don’t miss the Nakhla Meteorite.

Why? What’s so special about it?

Well, it’s one of the few meteorites known to have come from Mars… and it was rumored to have killed a dog when it landed in Egypt in 1911. (Though that’s possibly an urban legend).

What most people don’t know about it is…Scientists discovered amino acids in the rock and this very rock was the reason which sparked decades of “life on Mars?” debate.

I missed it the first time too – partly because I didn’t know it existed, and partly because I didn’t have much time to figure out what I’d missed. So, don’t make my mistake. Whenever you visit the museum, make a list of the items you’re eager to see.

Do you want more? There’s still a Green zone.

Totally focussed on Fossils, Minerals, and Treasures.

Here, you can come across those sea monsters that ruled this planet before the dinosaurs. And then in the Minerals Gallery, there are rows after rows of glittering stones, meteorites, and volcanic rocks. By the way, here in this zone…there’s a treasures gallery, where there is the first edition of On the Origin of Species by Darwin.

Also, here’s that 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite and an incredibly rare 2,000-year-old Dodo skeleton….We all know, that Dodos went extinct around 1681, making them the first species we recorded as wiped out by humans. Now, doesn’t that make it worth seeing? Yes, of course.

And finally, there’s Orange Zone with its Darwin Centre.

Ever heard about the Spirit Collection? This part of the museum is often missed by the casual visitors. If you forget about this section, you might miss over 8.5 meters long Archie the Giant Squid.

Do you want more? I can keep talking…for another hour or more. Believe me, there’s still so much more to still talk about, and more importantly, so many legends and stories to tell you all.

Don’t you wonder why London’s Paddington bear is so afraid of this Natural History Museum? Or where they are hiding that real Anaconda Skeleton? Or simply why on earth there are so many pigeon skulls next to Darwin’s book?

These are the kinds of questions that naturally arise, and they all deserve answers. That’s precisely why I believe the Natural History Museum warrants another dedicated article.

So, I’ll conclude this one here. Find me on my next London blog.

Until then, go, wander, wonder.

Poet’s Corner: Their final chapter in Westminster Abbey

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Is Westminster Abbey just a church to you? Or simply a must-visit in London?

Let me tell you, it’s far more than that.

Apart from being one of the most famous and historically significant churches in England, this thousand-year-old abbey is a perfect blend of history and mystery. It’s where Queen Victoria’s coronation took place, and for hundreds of years, the kings and queens of England have been crowned beneath its grand vaulted ceilings.

It’s the coronation church of England…. linked to the heart of the British Monarchy.

But is that all? Of course not.

Westminster Abbey is also a living monument to Britain’s literary past. Yes, the Abbey has a special corner. The Poet’s Corner.

Tucked away in the South Transept of Westminster Abbey, just a stone’s throw from the main altar…there it lies. Don’t worry, it’s not hard to find at all…after all, it is filled with tombs and memorials.

I agree, the corner isn’t that large… but none can deny the amount of cultural and literary significance it holds.

It\’s not every day we get to feel the presence of literary legends like Chaucer, Dickens, Austen, and Wordsworth beyond the pages of books. So when you get the chance, why miss it?

How did it all begin?

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Do you know…the tradition of honoring writers in Westminster Abbey actually began by accident?

Yes, it started with the burial of Geoffrey Chaucer, father of English Literature and poetry. Back then, Westminster Abbey served as the final resting place for monarchs, noble families, and high-ranking clergy rather than poets and writers.

So, why did they make an exception for Chaucer? Well, they didn’t.

The very first poet to be buried here wasn’t given the honor because of his literary brilliance, but because of his government position. He worked as Clerk of the King’s Works and happened to live within the Abbey precincts. Therefore, when he died in 1400, it was convenient to bury him near Westminster Abbey. His grave was completely unmarked at first… until 150 years later, a fellow poet, Nicholas Brigham commissioned an ornate tomb for Chaucer in the South Transept.

This sparked a trend…

In a way, the posthumous recognition of Chaucer as the \”Father of English Poetry\” turned his grave into the foundation of Poets’ Corner. From then on, the practice of honoring poets, playwrights, and writers here continued. Some were buried in the Abbey itself, while others were granted commemorative plaques.

Today, Poet’s Corner stands as a reason to visit Westminster Abbey.

So, who are buried under the Abbey?

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There are over 100 individuals memorialized in Poets’ Corner, but only about 50 are actually buried there. The rest have plaques or statues in their honour but interred elsewhere.

Though the tradition of Poet’s Corner started with Chaucer…the next literary burial came more than a century later in 1599. It was Edmund Spenser, the man behind The Faerie Queene.

You know, some say that his unpublished works still rest beneath the stone sealed away forever.

Legend has it… mourning poets of the time gathered around his tomb, slipping their own verses into his grave as an offering.

What an eerie offering! I just hope none of them got a reply from the grave.

Anyway, the tradition went on…

In 1637, Playwright and poet Ben Jonson was laid to rest here. Then, in 1700, came dramatic opera writer John Dryden…in 1721, it was British poet and diplomat Matthew Prior\’s turn…in 1784, the creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary, Dr. Samuel Johnson, joined them. And so, it continued.

You know, in 1870 when English novelist Charles Dickens died, all he wanted was a quiet burial. But, it was the public demand that brought him to this Poet’s corner.

And in case of Thomas Hardy in 1928, his ashes were interred here…but his heart is buried in Dorset.

Other than them, today, you can also see the burials of Rudyard Kipling, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning along with many others including actors and historians who have also found their final resting place within Poet’s Corner.

Where’s Shakespeare?

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Ah, sorry to disappoint you, but the most famous writer in the English language is not buried here. Instead, he rests far away from this abbey…beneath the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Why so?

Well, it’s because of the time when he died.

In 1616, Poet’s Corner wasn’t yet an established tradition for literary burials. It didn’t fully take shape until the 18th century. At the time, Westminster Abbey was still a place for royalty, noblemen, and high-ranking clergy, not playwrights. And, back then Shakespeare was still seen as a respected playwright and wealthy businessman.

By the time, literary burial in Abbey became a tradition, it was too late… Shakespeare had been resting in Stratford for over 100 years and moving his remains would have been considered disrespectful. Also, come on?

So, Shakespeare remains in his hometown Stratford-upon-Avon…

But, Shakespeare was too important to be left out entirely. In 1740, over 120 years after his death, a large statue of Shakespeare was added in Poets’ Corner in honor of his contributions to English literature. This marble statue shows Shakespeare leaning on a pile of books, with an inscription taken from The Tempest:

“The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces,

The solemn temples, the great globe itself,

Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve”

So, you can say…

Even in death, Shakespeare remains uniquely untouchable. His body in Stratford, his words in Westminster, and his legacy everywhere.

Who else has memorials but no burials?

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Let me break the news upfront…. Just like Shakespeare…Jane Austen, Lord Byron, John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, T.S. Eliot, Ted Hughes, and Philip Larkin are not there.

In the Poet’s Corner, these literary figures have only been memorialized.

Jane Austen did not achieve widespread fame during her lifetime when she died in 1817. Her novels including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility gained immense popularity long after her death.

But, the rebellious Romantic poet Bryon was denied burial in Westminster Abbey when he died in 1824.  I believe it is due to his controversial reputation and life of scandal…Actually, Byron never cared for the rules of society, and even in death, it took 145 years for Westminster Abbey to welcome him….

145 years, can you believe it? Long enough for Bryon to be reborn twice!

Now, it seems his epitaph rightly states,

“But there is that within me which shall tire,

Torture and time, and breathe when I expire.”

But, what about Keats and P.B.Shelly?

Well, these two Romantic poets died young and far from England. Keats died of tuberculosis at just 25 years old in Rome and Shelley drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Italy at 29 years old.

Even though they rest beneath the Italian sun, the poet’s corner has brought them close to the heart of England.

It’s possible that you won’t find your favorite writer or artist here, but let me tell you, the tradition of memorializing great writers in Poets’ Corner continues even to this day.

And, it means that literature’s always been an evolving legacy.

What they rarely talk about

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Ever heard about Ben Jonson? This famous English dramatist was buried standing up due to lack of space. Maybe, that’s why on his tombstone…one can find “O Rare Ben Jonson\” 

And, who knows…maybe for this reason, some visitors claim to have seen a shadowy figure near Jonson’s burial site.

Is it possible that his restless spirit is still looking for a better resting spot?

Let me tell you, the graves of Dickens and Chaucer aren’t any less haunted…as per rumors. It is believed by many that on every death anniversary, Charles Dickens comes to visit his tomb, and close to Chaucer’s it feels as if someone is reciting lines from The Canterbury Tales.

Of course, the Abbey officially denies these stories, but let’s be honest…would they really admit it if the poets were still hanging around? But, what couldn’t be denied so easily were those rumors about unexplained chills near certain graves.

So, it’s true that when you are in that poet’s corner you will feel these literary elites’ presence in one way or another.

And before I leave…

You already know Westminster Abbey is famous for royal burials…there are not just any royal, monarchs as in kings and queens are buried under this abbey.

The first royal burial in the Abbey started in 1066 with Edward the Confessor and continued till James VI & I in 1625. In the graves, you can find Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Henry III, Edward I…and many significant historical figures.

Beyond the royals, there’s a scientist’s corner as well…where you can find Sir Isaac Newton, right next to him there are Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking.

When you leave Poet’s Corner you will realize that even in death poets are alongside scientists, politicians, and respected royals. As they were in life.

So, try not to miss them while in Abbey.

If you need more convincing…I am there for that. Always. Simply, keep an eye out for my upcoming blogs.

National Gallery London: A journey beyond paintings

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Is visiting Trafalgar Square on your itinerary? If yes, then add another…it’s situated right on the north side of this square…Any idea what it is?

Yes, it’s the National Gallery London.

I know, many would think …” Oh, just another art gallery”.

But let me ask you…How many art galleries in the world house the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Raphael, Turner, and Rembrandt under one roof? Very few…I am telling you.

And if I am not wrong, this gallery has more than 2000 paintings from 1200 AD to modern days…Would you still miss the gallery?

I know you won’t.

So, while you are in London, carve out at least two hours from your jam-packed itinerary and come to this National Gallery London.

So, where exactly is this gallery?

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Well, it’s in central London… a stone’s throw from the National Portrait Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

You can hop on a bus, Tube, or bicycle…whatever suits you and head for Trafalgar Square. Once you are at Trafalgar Square, finding the National Gallery is a breeze.

It’s right there, on the northern edge.

Now, the story of its birth

For this, I must take you back to 19th-century London…a thriving, bustling city that had everything except a public art gallery. Sure, the wealthy aristocrats had their private collections of art, but what about the average Londoner? They didn’t have any access to the grand masterpieces of European art at all.

Things needed to change, there was no doubt about it.

Then came the year 1824, when a wealthy art collector urged the government to purchase a collection of 38 paintings from the estate of merchant John Julius Angerstein. Clearly, it wasn’t that simple. What followed was a series of heated debates, but finally…the historic decision was made.

British Government was ready to purchase the Angerstein collection for £57,000.

And just like that, the works of Raphael, Titian, and Rembrandt…became part of the National Gallery.

Though initially these paintings were housed in Angerstein\’s former townhouse, they needed a permanent home, a grander public space where a number of people could visit. That’s when the public space on the north side of Trafalgar Square came to notice and it was perfect in every sense.

The construction began…and in the next 14 years National Gallery was ready to open its doors to the world. The collection started to grow rapidly through acquisitions, gifts, and sometimes, through bequests.

The gallery was no longer just for displaying pretty paintings, but it decided to play a much more important role in fostering a sense of cultural identity among Londoners and to elevate their taste in fine art.

And what about its architecture?

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I would say, it’s a masterpiece in itself…

The original building of this gallery was designed primarily in a neoclassical style by William Wilkins. That’s why, upon entering you can see…those tall Corinthian columns and a central dome. As part of typical neoclassical architecture, he added several symmetrical designs here and there…just to maintain the balance and harmony of the space.

But, just like paintings…here also, some critics didn’t like the architecture at all. They thought it lacked originality and called it bland. But what they failed to see was … the building was deliberately designed in such a manner to complement Trafalgar Square and to give it a commanding presence.

Despite all the criticism, London kept on adding more collections to the walls of this gallery. As a result, the gallery had no other choice but to expand. They kept on adding new wings. The mix of classical stonework, modernist steel, and unique brickwork of these new wings introduced a modern taste to the existing neoclassical gallery. Over the years, the National Gallery has of course gone through several renovations which kept it relevant in the modern age.

Today, the gallery is ready to accommodate its ever-growing collection and to welcome more and more visitors. 

How not to get lost inside?

Trust me, it’s quite challenging not to get lost inside… at least, it was for me. I missed Van Gogh just because of it.

The gallery is big. Really big.

And, that’s why…to avoid the surprise of coming back to the same room again and again…don’t forget to pick up a physical map at the entrance or simply download the National Gallery app on your phone so that you can easily check the room numbers for some famous must seen paintings.

Talking about masterpieces, there are few paintings one shouldn’t miss at any cost…

Like The ‘Virgin of the Rocks’ by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, ‘Sunflowers’ by Van Gogh, ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ by England’s favorite William Turner, and ‘A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal’ by eminent artist Vermeer. To know their exact location in the gallery, you can always find the room number on the map or on the NG website.

There’s another thing you should know…the colour-coded room system in the gallery.

Yes, the colors aren’t chosen so randomly after all.

They used the color Red for those rooms where there are Italian Renaissance paintings…whereas, blue is for British art & Impressionists. And the green rooms are dedicated to only 17th-century Dutch & Flemish art. There are still yellow rooms…generally, those are used for temporary exhibitions. So, even if you miss the yellow rooms try not to miss the others.

But, if you have very limited time, I would suggest you opt for guided tours…generally organized during the afternoon hours.

Now, let me ask you a question….

Do you think the National Gallery is just an art museum?

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It didn’t feel like a mere museum to me…

The moment you enter the gallery, the chaos of London and its distractions fade into the background. It’s a whole different world.

And it starts under your feet as footsteps fall on the grandeur of the mosaic floors. You can’t feel anything but guilty for walking on it….Yes, the floors are even that beautiful. And, when you climb the next flight of stairs, you will find right above you those high neoclassical ceilings adorned with intricate designs and a touch of gold.

All of a sudden, you will feel like the entire gallery is asking you to listen and surrender to the experience that is about to unfold before your eyes.

Then comes the paintings. I believe these paintings don’t just hang on the walls… they breathe with longing, tremble with sorrow and wish to speak. After spending a few minutes quietly inside that gallery, it won’t be about looking at paintings anymore. You’ll feel them. You will try to see something more than just colours or figures. And at some point, you’ll start mirroring their emotions, tracing their stories, wondering about the hands that once held the brush.

And suddenly, you will realize that …this gallery didn’t just tell you some story of the bygone era, but made those paintings a part of you.

It’s such an experience, I bet no other building in London can give you. For this, you have to come to the National Gallery making time out of your busy schedule. To convince you more, I have some interesting facts about the gallery….

What’s more interesting?

Well, do you know during World War II, the gallery had a secret hideout? Many do not know, but yes…most of the paintings were secretly moved to a Welsh slate mine in Snowdonia to protect them from bombings. There was only 1 painting left in the entire gallery as requested by Winston Churchill to remind Londoners of their cultural heritage.

I have another surprising fact for you…

Can you guess how much was the price of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks” when the national gallery bought it? Back then, it was just £300. Can you believe it? Such an unbelievably low price for a painting which is now considered priceless.

And then comes Room 32…is it just the largest room in the gallery? No…not at all. You know, it allowed many British political figures to make crucial decisions here. Seems like they wanted those paintings to be the witness while those decisions were made.

And what could make such a grand gallery more interesting without some ghosts and legends?

Do you know the gallery has a painting that is believed to be cursed? Yes, my friend…even the staff claimed that this tragic painting brings misfortune whenever it is moved. Apart from this, there’s always room no. 61…the room is rumored to be “haunted”.

Do you need more? For that, you have to wait for my next London blog…

On that note, now, I am signing off…until next time!

Paddington: A bear that stole London’s heart

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

“Please take care of this bear. Thank you.”

Do you remember seeing this anywhere? I bet you have seen it on a tag while passing through some souvenir store in London, especially in Paddington. Yes, this tag is often found around the neck of Paddington Bear soft toys.

And to know more about this little bear, you have to step into Paddington station. There, amidst the rattle of trains and hurried footsteps of Londoners, you will find a small bronze statue of a little bear…very easily to overlook if you aren’t watchful.

But, let me tell you, that is no ordinary bear…..it’s Paddington Bear, the most well-mannered and well-loved bear in Britain.

I know there are so many questions coming to your mind now…same thing happened to me when I first saw the hype about this Paddington bear. Now, I have answer to all these questions…and I decided to write this article so that next time you meet this bear, you don’t feel like you are meeting a stranger.

So, come along.

The Arrival of Paddington

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Paddington was born in the mind of British Author Michael Bond in 1956.

Yes, Paddington is not a real bear. He’s a literary character…but the way Londoners have showered love on this bear, it feels as if someone like Paddington bear actually walked the earth. For a city as busy as London, Paddington is the symbol of kindness, curiosity, and adventure.

But how did a bear in a duffle coat from the \”darkest Peru\” capture not just London’s heart but the entire world\’s?

To know that you have to journey back to the Christmas Eve of 1956 when Michael Bond spotted a lone teddy bear on a shelf at Selfridges. He bought it for his wife… but little did he know at the time that he was about to change the literary world forever. Inspired by stories of wartime evacuees and displaced refugees, he began writing about a bear who finds himself lost in a new world.

He wrote ‘A Bear Called Paddington’

… and that’s how Paddington bear was born…a polite, marmalade-loving bear from “darkest Peru” who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase and a note around his neck.

With his blue duffle coat, red hat, and perpetually sticky paws, Paddington Bear symbolises something deeply British…their unwavering belief in kindness, resilience, and, of course, an undying love for tea and toast.

As the story goes…this little refugee bear came to London and wandered into the Brown family’s lives (and ours). He came to London in search of a home, but initially all he received was rejection as a bear and got chased by a few pigeons. Tired and disappointed…the bear was ready to crash on a station bench for the night…that’s when he was found by this family and from then on, he was…. ‘Paddington’.

The best part is…Paddington is both an outsider and a beloved member of the family…an immigrant finding his place in the heart of Britain. Perhaps that’s why he resonates so deeply with Londoners…in a city built on diversity, where everyone, no matter where they come from, can find a home.

How Paddington found its way through London’s culture?

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I don’t think Paddington is just childhood nostalgia for Londoners… is it?

He is that rare spirit of every Londoner who has ever offered directions to a lost tourist, shared an umbrella at a bus stop, or left a book on a train seat for a stranger to find.

It seems…for Londoners, this little bear is a reminder that Kindness isn’t just a virtue…it’s a way of life. He represents the warm and welcoming soul of London…where despite the fast-paced chaos, there’s always time for a bear who believes in the goodness of humans.

Apart from this, I honestly think that many residents of London whether born here or having arrived from elsewhere…see a bit of themselves in that Paddington bear who found a home in London just like them.

And that’s why…London knew it needed to do something to keep this Paddington Bear alive.

Apart from the popular bronze statue of this bear, Paddington station also has an official Paddington bear shop…where one can find everything from classic plush toys to limited-edition collectibles.

Funny how Paddington bear has given adults a fair excuse to buy soft toys.

You know, even in Paddington underground station there are reminders of this little bear to make commute a little brighter for the passengers. If you check out the market hall shops of Paddington station, you’re likely to find a few bottles of marmalade ready to be sold…. it’s all in the memory of that beloved bear.

And the Paddington craze of Londoners doesn’t end here…

The success of the Paddington films made some places of London extra famous…such as Portobello Road Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral and of course, the Paddington station. In fact, now a days…there are Paddington themed tours across London…Isn’t that amazing?

It looks like anything with the name of Paddington bear becomes extra special for Londoners…Over the years, Paddington has become the symbol of British Hospitality.

How do tourists get to know Paddington?

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It happened many a times that tourists had no idea about the legacy of this Paddington bear…

But do they stay ignorant for long? I don’t think so.

The bookstores and London Souvenir shops remind them again and again to familiarize themselves with this bear…and come on, if you see a particular thing everywhere, curiosity will naturally lead you to search for that thing. Same happens here with Paddington bear as well.

The face of Paddington bear is everywhere in London….on books, bags, trolleys, souvenirs everywhere… It’s almost impossible to leave the city without seeing his friendly face on a book cover or something else.

And on top of that, Paddington statues are found in the most visited tourist destinations of London….such as Leicester Square garden, Paddington station underground interchange.

I bet, tourists leave London with a special soft corner in their hearts for this gentle bear.

Finally, some rarely known facts about Paddington bear

With its cute face and gentle gesture, this furry cop Paddington Bear is already one of the most interesting and beloved character of London…but here are some interesting facts you might not know…

Okay, here’s the first one.

Can you imagine this little bear almost had another name? ‘ Barnaby’

I wonder how different things could have been if this bear wasn’t named after London’s most popular rail station.

Here’s another….The author took inspiration from real-life evacuees while creating Paddington. And that is why, Paddington is dressed like those children who evacuated from London during World War II…in duffle coats and well-worn luggage tags.

Paddington can be a refugee bear, but he always had another home…and that’s in Peru. To honor world’s most beloved bear, Lima also erected a statue of Paddington in its supposed home country.

…and then to take its legacy a little farther, a small Paddington figurine was sent into space in 2015.

This bear has truly set the bar really high…I don’t think any other bear would ever dare to challenge him?

And there’s still more.

You know, some say there’s a secret platform at Paddington Station…where one can actually see Paddington bear. But for that, you have to truly believe in him. Rumour has it that if you whisper “I trust you, Paddington” near the bronze statue, you might just glimpse it.

It seems like a harmless and risk free adventureto try to catch a glimpse of Paddington at that station…Wanna try?

If you really decide to go to Paddington station for him, you should know about another urban legend of “the great marmalade heist”…and if you want, you can also leave behind a few marmalade jars there for that old friend.

Talking about this old friend, I would like to tell every Londoners who moved to London from other countries….if you ever feel lost in London, just remember- somewhere, in the heart of London, a small bear in a blue coat is waiting with open arms and a jar of marmalade, ready to remind you that no matter how far you’ve travelled, you are always welcome here.

Before I leave, I would like to say…if you reach out, you will always find a friend in Paddington.

So, till then, keep a marmalade sandwich handy!!

Paddington: From sleepy village to the connecting hub of London

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment
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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Paddington?

I bet it’s the little bear from Peru with a duffle coat, a battered suitcase, and an insatiable love for marmalade sandwiches. But long before Michael Bond introduced the world to Paddington Bear in 1958, this corner of London was already famous…yes, it truly was.

It would be a mistake if you consider Paddington as just a train station. It’s much more than that…I believe, Paddington is the living, breathing guardian who has proudly watched the London grow, evolve, and thrive.

Yes, Paddington is that old.

In last 200 years, Paddington has seen young Queen Victoria step off a train at Paddington Station in 1842… witnessed how the discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming changed countless lives within the walls of St Mary’s Hospital. Paddington even remembers that smile of late Princess Diana in 1982 when world met little Prince William.

As you can see, Paddington’s always been about people… their journeys, their stories, and the moments that define a city like London. Its history has been written by those who have passed through its platforms.

Between those arrivals and departures of trains, Paddington has silently noticed those tearful goodbyes of soldiers heading for War and the uncertain gazes of their wives and children waiting on its platforms.…It remembers the thrill in the eyes of Victorian travellers stepping onto Paddington platform for the first time. Padding can tell you more about London than the city itself. Paddington has stood as a bridge between this city’s past and present.

Therefore, I believe the story of Paddington isn’t just something to be read, it’s something…that should be felt.

And no matter how many articles people write about Paddington, there’s always something more to say…This brings you to my blog today.

Let’s begin.

Early History of those Platforms

Do you know long before the roar of diesel engines and the hurried footsteps of commuters, Paddington was merely a whisper of a village located on the western fringe of London? In those early days, Paddington was just a cluster of homes, surrounded by some fields and streams outside the ancient city walls.

But this village wasn’t meant to stay quiet for long. Fate had bigger plans for it…

As London expanded, this humble village came to notice…due to its position as a natural gateway to the west. Paddington offered best of both worlds….the proximity to London and yet a convenient access to the vast West Country.

Then, in the early 19th century, along came a man with his top had and a grand vision for Paddington—he was none other than the famous Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. With the stroke of his genius, Paddington became the London terminus of the Great Western Railway (GWR) in 1838 connecting Bristol to the capital. And then in 1854, his next masterstroke arrived as a grand main line station…which is still there in Paddington after 200 years.

If this Engineer were alive today…I wonder how he would feel seeing today’s Paddington station.

The connecting hub of modern London

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Paddington’s rise into London’s ultimate connecting hub today was no happy accident at all….it was always in London’s strategic vision. As the railway network expanded with time, Paddington became the launching pad for all those journeys across England and deep into Wales.

It seems like Paddington was inviting England to a modern era…and it certainly looked the part with its expansive iron-and-glass train shed which covered around 13 platforms then. Given the dates when it was constructed…well, I believe it is no less than an Engineering Marvel.

Do you know Paddington is the home to World’s first underground railway? Yes!

It was in 1863 when Metropolitan Railway opened its line from Paddington to Farringdon Street…and back then it was for steam locomotives only. Later, other underground lines such as Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines were further integrated into the transit network of London.

And after all these, Paddington was not ready to stop. It dreamed something bigger.

Today, this station is known for its long-distance intercity services to South West part of England and the South of Wales. Not only, this but one can avail passenger services from Paddington to west London and the Thames Valley also.

And then, in no time, Paddington became famous to most popular station in London when it was also made the eastern terminus of Heathrow express in 1998.

 Just imagine, you can reach Heathrow to Paddington in just 15 minutes? That was truly a dream come true for Londoners. No more ‘stuck in traffic’ when you have a flight to catch.

Finally, came the Elizabeth Line.

It redefined Paddington. Overnight, it became the Central Transport Hub of the city dramatically shortening the journey time for travellers. It a nutshell, this Elizabeth line of 2022 added that missing touch of contemporary comfort to the rich history of Paddington station.

Today, Paddington is London’s one of the most vital interchanges.

Truly, how much more a mere station can become? Seems like Paddington has never been in the mood to stop surprising London.

A masterpiece of Victorian Engineering

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I have been to this station… and like countless others, I was awestruck by its unique look. I couldn’t help but gaze up at those magnificent ceilings for a few seconds.

Beyond its soaring barrel vaults, the station boasts of its 200 prefabricated iron arches allowing natural light to filter beautifully through the glass. It’s fascinating to know that even in the 19th century engineers prioritized welcoming a bit of sunshine into their constructions. What do you think?

I think Paddington is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

You know, this eye-catching station is incredibly spacious…everyday, it accommodates the constant throng of travellers stepping off at Paddington. And speaking of crowd…Paddington is the second busiest railway station in Great Britain after London Liverpool Street.  

But let’s come back to the architecture.

One might say Paddington Station is the Rolls-Royce of railway architecture…Why?

Well, I think because it is luxurious in design yet built with the robustness to withstand the perils of rush hour. From its ornate stonework to its allegorical sculptures, it’s astonishing that a railway station can feature such meticulous detailing. It’s just a treat for the eyes of travellers.

For its architectural beauty alone, I’d say Paddington is worth lingering in for a few extra minutes. Nowadays, the station is not just a transit hub but a lively destination in itself. The newly added market halls bring food traders into the mix creating a more lively atmosphere.

So, next time when you arrive early in Paddington station, stop by M&S or Sainsbury’s to grab a bite. Then find a public bench, and enjoy the station’s grandeur while you eat. I must say…Paddington Station treats travellers with a certain sense of comfort placing everything they might need—food, essentials, even medicines—within easy reach.

 Looking at the Paddington of today, one can’t help but feel proud of how it has evolved from a sleepy village into the nerve centre of London’s travel.

What a journey it has made through history and time!!!

Before I wrap up this article let me leave you with something interesting about this station—something that has nothing to do with the famous Paddington bear.

You think you know Paddington?

I don’t think so.. Paddington is hiding centuries of secret in its platforms.

Say, for platform no. 1… staff and passengers have reported sightings of a shadowy figure. Some even claim to have heard whispers and footsteps in the quiet hours of the night, long after the last train has departed.  Many believe that it’s the spirit of a man who tragically lost his life on the tracks many years ago…looks like Paddington Station has its resident ghost there on Platform 1.

Other than these, have you heard about the mysterious underground passages right below the Paddington station? There’s a rumour that these were secret escape routes for high-profile figures during wartime. But, the full extent of these underground passages remains unknown till date.

And maybe, that is why there’s some more to these rumours….it is speculated that the passages lead to abandoned stations and even forgotten government facilities.

I smell some mystery here…do you?

Let’s see what else is there…oh, there’s the rumour that during the construction of Paddington Station in the mid-19th century, a time capsule was buried somewhere within its foundations. People say that it contained letters from Brunel himself, sketches of his early train designs, and even a bottle of Victorian-era whiskey. However, despite various renovations and restorations over the years, no such capsule has ever been found—yet.

Looks like a thorough search of Paddington is needed…just imagine if the time capsule really exists!!!

You know what? when it comes to Paddington, there’s no end to such stories. And there’s even more…

On this note, I am going to sign off now… if you are interested to know more about Paddington and this city of London, keep an eye out for my upcoming blogs.

Bye!

That Green Bridge of London: Story of Westminster Bridge

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

If you think of London, I know the first thing that comes to your mind is Big Ben. But what comes next? Obviously, the thing that catches your eye, right?

The Westminster Bridge, of course.

That spooky green bridge stretching across the River Thames allows you a stunning view of Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance. And hardly anyone would believe you if you say…you didn’t fantasize about taking a classic Instagram-worthy photo on this bridge keeping Big Ben in the backdrop. Seeing those Uber boats gliding under the bridge, I bet everyone will wish they were on one of them.

And just like that, this bridge clears up your mind on where to go next… London eye? South bank walk? Or a cruise on the River Thames.

But, yes…when my turn came…instead of choosing anything else, I decided to spend a little longer on the bridge. Why?

Well, the bridge struck me differently than any other landmark in London.

Of course, it was the perfect place for sunrise and sunset photography, but I was more intrigued by how the bridge has been breathing over the centuries or what it has witnessed. I felt something different standing there…and that’s why my curiosity led me to do more research on this landmark…and hence, coming up with this blog.

I know, many out there would argue that years of hype around Big Ben has made westminster bridge england really famous. Is that really the case?

To answer this question let me take you back to November 1750.

A Bridge Born to unite London

Yes, the story of Westminster Bridge begins in the early 18th century. It’s that old…probably older than your great-grandfather’s grandfather.

Back then, the only way to cross the Thames in central London was via the medieval London Bridge, which was miles away. With time, the growing population and commercial activity in Westminster made it clear that the city needed a new passage over the river. But, of course, not everyone was thrilled by the idea. The watermen who ferried passengers across the river didn’t like any such proposition …. they feared losing business of course and therefore, put up a strong resistance delaying the bridge’s construction for years.

But, fate had other plans…South Bank wasn’t supposed to stay lonely forever. Hence, after many heated arguments over tea, the construction of Westminster Bridge finally began in 1739. And, after 11 years, in 1750 the bridge was ready opening up access to the South Bank of London.

However, with the turn of the century, it needed something more than a renovation….a complete rebirth. This time, with the help of Victorian Engineering from the architectural masterminds of then London…the westminster bridge design had seven graceful arches and a cast-iron structure which made the bridge stand the test of time for several centuries. For a finishing touch, the bridge chose a striking green hue for itself…perhaps, deciding to be just as iconic as its famous neighbor big ben.

… and it was ready.

Strategic Importance of the Bridge

Well, it was not just a crossing for tourists seeking the best view of majestic Big Ben or the House of Parliament’s sunset on the River Thames. The bridge was born to play crucial roles in the history of London.

It physically linked Westminster—the political heart of the United Kingdom—to the bustling london south bank. In the last 300 years, this bridge has witnessed countless royal possessions, farewells, revolutions, and reconciliations. During World War II, the bridge stood unshaken through the Blitz.

In 1953 during the coronation, Queen Elizabeth II along with the Duke of Edinburgh crossed the bridge in the grand Gold State Coach waving to the cheering crowds lining the streets. Then again in 1977, Westminster Bridge once again took center stage in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Queen’s reign.

Looks like, the bridge has a soft spot for the British Royal family.

Not only this, once upon a time, William Wordsworth famously stood on Westminster Bridge and the bridge didn’t fail to inspire him to write his sonnet. Even today, artists come to the bridge, set their easels, and try their best to capture the beauty of Big Ben in its sunset glow.

And what about tourists?

Do you think tourists love this bridge just because it gives a perfect shot? Well, no. There’s more to it.

I know, you have guessed it.

Westminster Bridge is a gateway. Cross it, and suddenly, the entire South Bank is at your feet. There, greeting the South Bank Lion, tourists can stroll along the Queen’s Walk… where they pause for a while…unable to choose whether to pop into the London Dungeon or visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

But, finally, they decide to hop on the London Eye… eager to see the city from above. They love the view of the Golden Big Ben, Parliament House, and of course the green Westminster Bridge in the backdrop of blue London Sky.

Believe it or not, a bridge like this can set the mood for tourists.

Next time, when you are there…I would ask you to take a moment’s pause, forget about the next stop, and soak in the vibe of London from Westminster Bridge. Lean against those green railings and watch the birds fly past this bridge. As you spend some time watching that small white flight flying above Big Ben, a red double-decker bus might roll by or a cruise boat may glide under the bridge beneath you.

But despite those sounds of hurried footsteps around you, you will find a strange sense of calm…just like other thousands of people who choose to walk on this bridge every day.

But…other than all these, you may be feeling something else as well, especially after sunset or before sunrise.

Legends that linger

Being the oldest of its kind, Westminster Bridge has its fair share of myths and eerie tales as well.

Let’s start with the less spooky ones.

It’s known to many that the green color of the bridge was chosen to match the benches in the House of Commons. But, conspiracy theorists argue that the shade was chosen based on an ancient Celtic tradition, where green symbolized protection from malevolent spirits.

Do you think those Victorians knew something that they didn’t bother to tell us?

I don’t know whether there’s any spiritual motive behind choosing the color…but yeah, I must say that it was a very wise decision to add a green bridge to London’s aesthetic.

Anyway, let’s move on to other interesting facts.

Do you know…many say that the mood of the bridge is different during times of national crisis and great celebration? Yes, they even claim to feel it in the air while walking on it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to feel anything of this sort while I was there.

But from Londoners, I heard something else…some old legends, which sent a shiver down my spine. The bridge was spookier than I could imagine.

There are some legends they strongly believe and locals say there are real witnesses.

Have you heard about the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper? Well, the legend is about him. Many believe that he threw himself into the Thames from westminster bridge england. On foggy nights, as the clock nears midnight, some claim to have seen him in a shadowy form lurking on the bridge.

I can simply wonder how the ghost of such an infamous serial killer can be if those people are telling the truth…Someone, please tell me that the story is made up to scare people only.

The next one’s quite sad though. It’s the tale of the weeping woman. Many talk about her appearing sometimes at the bridge’s edge in those old Victorian attire. She sobs inconsolably and when anyone approaches her…she throws herself into the River Thames disappearing before hitting the water. Some say she was a heartbroken lover who ended her life at the bridge, while others believe she is trapped in an endless loop repeating her final moments again and again. But, I am yet to reveal the most terrifying part of the tale…she whispers something, that no one could understand ever.

I remember when I first heard about this legend…Of course, I won’t admit that I was scared. But, it was really difficult for me that night to keep the lights off.

You know, there’s more of such stories. Let me tell you another.

There’s the tale of a Headless monk who appears on the bridge at midnight and vanishes into thin air in a twinkle of an eye. But, it is widely believed that his appearance is only a premonition of an impending disaster for the city.

Well, I have just told you a few…there’re still more. Many more.

But, there’s no concrete evidence behind these tales. These are just part of urban legends I believe.

Anyway, don’t worry at all…none of the ghostly activities (even from those legends) start before midnight. So, as long as you catch the last bus or the tube, you’ll leave Westminster Bridge with nothing but beautiful memories. After all, there are much better things to do in London at night.

And lastly…whether you come to Westminster Bridge for views, history or simply to chase the ghosts, one thing is sure….this iconic bridge will leave an impression on you.

And on that note, I’ll wrap up here today. Stay tuned for my next London Blog!

Cheerio!

Decoding Big Ben: Is it just a tall clock tower?

Published on by Rita MLeave a comment

Anna Quindlen once wrote, “London opens to you like a novel itself… it\’s divided into chapters, chapters into scenes, the scenes into sentences; it opens to you like a series of rooms, doors, and passages.”

Today, I finally decided to open the chapter titled Big Ben.

Ever since my childhood, London was the city of my dreams. I do not remember imagining the city ever without its Big Ben. This 164-year-old Big Ben always seemed more romantic to me than being an architectural masterpiece. It’s like… if you stand under the clock tower with clothes warm enough to keep you cozy, without meaning to, your fingers will reach for your partner’s. You will want to kiss them, share some sweet nothings with them.

And just like that… Big Ben ceases to be a mere landmark. If a place can make you feel that way, isn’t it perfect in every sense?

If you just want the facts—height, age, history, basic details—there’s always Wikipedia and thousands other websites. But, none of them would tell you how Big Ben etches itself into your soul and makes a permanent place in your memory with its unbeatable charm. You can’t call Big Ben just a clock tower, it’s definitely more than that. It’s the heartbeat of a city, a silent constant of London’s skyline whispering stories through time. If you truly wish to feel London to its core and let its spirit wrap around you… begin with Big Ben.

And where better to start than at its very birth?

A tower born from Fire

Yes, the story of Big Ben began in tragedy. In 1834, a fire ravaged the old Palace of Westminster. It left London in desperate need of a new parliamentary complex. But this time, it couldn\’t be about rebuilding only. London wanted something extraordinarily symbolic to the spirit of Britain. So, a competition was held to design the Westminster’s new Palace.

And it was British Architect Sir Charles Barry’s design of clock tower which

emerged victorious making him the chief architect of the Big Ben project. But, unfortunately, Barry was no expert in clock making—that responsibility fell to Edmund Beckett Denison, an amateur horologist who would go on to design one of the most precise timekeeping mechanisms in history. Later, the Gothic Revival-style tower of Big Ben was finalized by Augustus Pugin, who added several intricate design to this masterpiece.

Anyway, the construction, which began in 1843, was anything but smooth. It took 16 years of relentless craftsmanship, endless problem-solving, and patience before Big Ben was finally ready in 1859. The greatest challenge was the designing of the Great Clock which intended to be the most accurate public clock in the world. The big ben designers were trying to incorporate a revolutionary gravity escapement mechanism that can make sure that external factors like the weather couldn’t interfere with its precision. Though it took time, but they successfully implemented the mechanism to the clock. However, the journey to perfection was paved with broken bells, rust issues due to London’s damp air, and countless setbacks.

But it was all worth it when in 1859 this 316 feet tower stood tall, ready to mark history with its unmistakable big ben chimes.

Now for last 165 years, Big Ben has stood tall, a silent witness to history’s grandest moments. It heard the first shots of World War I and the last echoes of World War II, chiming through the reigns of Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. Once known as St. Stephen’s Tower, the clock tower big ben stood undaunted as the Blitz raged over London, its bells unwavering even as the city rebuilt itself.

Beneath its gaze, the Hansom Cab once ruled the streets, giving way to the Lanchester 10 HP, the regal Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the suave Aston Martin DB5, and now, the silent hum of Teslas gliding into the future. Through farewells, and the birth of a new millennium, Big Ben remained unchanged—a steadfast guardian of time in a world forever racing forward.

An Architectural Love Letter

Big Ben isn’t just a pretty face, it represents the height of Victorian engineering and craftsmanship. The chimes of big ben have marked historic moments being the silent witness to everything London went through. This grand clock tower has also inspired countless clock towers across the globe, from the Peace Tower in Ottawa to Mumbai’s Rajabai Clock Tower.

I believe Big Ben is in true sense a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, isn\’t it? Its verticality, pointed arches, and meticulous detailing give it an almost celestial aura…never failing to impress its audience. The tower has four faces ( big ben clock faces), each 23 feet in diameter being one of the largest in its own category. But, the iron-made hour hand stretches only to 9 feet, while the minute hand to an astonishing 14 feet. The bells inside the tower are made of bronze and weigh around 13.5 tons, delivering a chime so deep and resonant that it feels like it is the sound of London breathing.

Here’s a fun fact—do you know that the name ‘Big Ben’ originally referred to the Great Bell inside the tower? Later it was decided to call the entire structure Big Ben. Oh another thing, if you decide to ever go inside Big Ben, don’t expect an elevator. Unlike other world-famous clock towers, Big Ben gives you a chance to climb a 334-step spiral ascent allowing you to relish that old school tower charm.

Honestly, 334 steps is no joke, I understand. If you are an Asthma patient or suffering from chronic Arthritis, reconsider climbing these many steps.

Have you noticed one thing about the clock dial of Big Ben recently? Since the last restoration, it’s been brought back to the original Prussian blue color, this was the color Architect Pugin selected initially in mid-19th century.

Before I stop rambling about architecture (I promise, just one last thing!), here\’s a little secret hidden within Big Ben’s towering grandeur. Tucked away behind its stately façade lies a tiny prison cell—yes, you read that right. It was historically used as a temporary detention room for MPs who breached parliamentary conduct rules. In 1880, an Atheist MP, Charles Bradlaugh earned himself a detention in this room for refusing to swear a religious oath and he was locked there overnight until he learned a lesson. Though the room no longer holds MPs thrown out of the chamber, but it still exists.

Now, don’t you think that you can check out this special prison room- it’s not for tourists or common people to enter. It’s concealed behind a special door which can only be accessed through a particular chamber in Parliament.

Legends, Myths & Mystique around Big Ben

Did you really think the storytellers and legend-weavers would leave Big Ben untouched? When has the world ever resisted spinning myths around an icon? No. And that is why, Big Ben also has its fair share of whispered tales.

There’s the eerie tale of Big Ben striking 13 times at midnight…How can a clock strike more than 12th time? Apparently, British believers mark it as an omen of doom, particularly for the Royal Family. Also, the folklore suggests that, if Big Ben clock strikes 13th  time at midnight the stone lions at Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square will awaken and they will walk around the streets of London.

Apart from these two, there isn’t much of weird speculation about Big Ben …except for one. Even today, some still believe the name of Big Ben came from Sir Benjamin Hall, a rather large man who oversaw the bell’s installation. I am glad that many still do not believe in it… I so want the name of Big Ben to be born out of something grander.

One can’t measure the value of Big Ben in hours and minutes, but in moments only- it guards memories, holds secrets of heart and stands as a silent witness to our every fleeting moment. To me, Big Ben will always remain the thrill of a first kiss beneath its towering face. Somewhere, it gives me a comforting certainty that no matter how far I wander, I know that if I ever return, Big Ben will still be there—ready to listen to my side as if it had been waiting for me all along..

Big Ben truly helps one realize that time isn’t meant to be chased. It’s meant to be cherished…After all, when time is wrapped in history and emotion, it is never just time- It’s Magic.

And on that note, let’s move on to my next London blog—before reality tries to dull the magic…