Londonist: Time Machine

Londonist: Time Machine is a specialized newsletter exploring the intricate history and development of London through detailed investigations of maps, landmarks, and historical events. It utilizes a range of resources, including colorized historical maps, to reveal London's past from before its establishment to modern times, covering literary connections, forgotten places, and the evolution of cultural practices.

Historical Maps London Landmarks Literary London Historical Events Urban Development Cultural History

The hottest Substack posts of Londonist: Time Machine

And their main takeaways

Crystal Palace: The Prequel

119 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History Architecture Events Literature
  1. The Crystal Palace, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, was a marvel as the largest glass building ever seen. Its architect, Joseph Paxton, had previously built another impressive glass structure called the Great Conservatory.
  2. Paxton's Great Conservatory, completed in 1840, was a massive glass building that showcased innovative construction and design. It was created in collaboration with architect Decimus Burton and was meant to be a tropical paradise.
  3. The experience gained from building the Great Conservatory was instrumental for Paxton when planning the Crystal Palace. The conservatory was designed to accommodate a central thoroughfare wide enough for two carriages to pass, illustrating its grand scale.

The Ten Ages of London in One Short Walk

419 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🏝 Travel History
  1. The post discusses a time-travelling walking tour in London that covers ten different historical ages in a short distance.
  2. It mentions starting in prehistoric days and moving through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian, and modern London.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe to Londonist: Time Machine for full access to the archives and enjoy 7-day free trial.

Five... London Statues of Extraordinary Women

139 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Women History London
  1. The post discusses five London statues of extraordinary women who have significantly contributed to shaping the city's history.
  2. The importance of recognizing and commemorating women in public statues, considering the historical disparity in representation compared to men.
  3. Women's History Month serves as a reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women who have made a difference.

Five... Historic London Gardens You Can Explore Next Month

79 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🏝 Travel
  1. Open Gardens in London is an event happening in June where over 100 private gardens open to the public, providing access to historic locations.
  2. One of the gardens to explore is Emery Walker's House in Hammersmith, featuring a garden rich in history with a grapevine from Hogarth's house and terracotta tiles from the late 1800s.
  3. These London gardens offer a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of historic buildings and enjoy beautiful views.

Five... Things about the 1715 Solar Eclipse in London

99 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
💾 History London Enlightenment Astronomy Monarchy
  1. The 1715 solar eclipse in London, known as Halley's Eclipse, marked a significant astronomical event during the Enlightenment period.
  2. Edmond Halley's accurate prediction of the eclipse's timing and path highlighted the importance of science over superstition in the 18th century.
  3. The 1715 solar eclipse coincided with a time of political uncertainty and doubt about the monarchy, emphasizing the intersection of science, superstition, and politics.
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Five... Portraits of St. Paul's Cathedral

79 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art History
  1. The post features depictions of St. Paul's Cathedral from different centuries, including maps, essays, paintings, and wartime photography.
  2. One of the depictions is a Copperplate map of London from the 1550s, showing Old St. Paul's Cathedral before the Great Fire of 1666.
  3. Another depiction is a painting by Canaletto from around 1754, showcasing St. Paul's Cathedral in its historical setting.

Five... Historic East End Pubs

79 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
🏝 Travel London Architecture
  1. Explore historic East End pubs in London for a unique experience with centuries-old charm.
  2. Visit The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, London, known for its riverside terrace and long history of serving beer since 1520.
  3. Discover the rich history of The Prospect of Whitby, where famous individuals like Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys once visited.

How London's West End Streets Got Their Names

299 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History Travel
  1. London's West End streets have interesting origin stories that explain their names like Charing Cross and Soho.
  2. Some streets in London, like the Strand, have intriguing naming conventions that differ from common usage, such as 'the Strand' being officially labeled as 'Strand' on street signs.
  3. For more detailed insights on the history of London's West End streets, subscribing to 'Londonist: Time Machine' offers access to a wealth of information with a 7-day free trial.

Tower Bridge: Hidden Rooms and Secret Spaces

239 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Architecture Exploration
  1. Tower Bridge has hidden rooms and secret spaces that are not typically seen by visitors.
  2. The inside of Tower Bridge features a complex network of staircases and a riveted steel structure, contrasting the fairytale towers above it.
  3. You can access more information about Tower Bridge's hidden areas and historical details by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine with a 7-day free trial.

Historic Buildings With Lofty Views

119 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏝 Travel
  1. Discover 11 high-up places in historic buildings that offer impressive views.
  2. Consider exploring the Peek Freans Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey, known for inventing iconic biscuits.
  3. Access exclusive content with a 7-day free trial on Londonist: Time Machine.

The Infinite Wonder Of... London Street Furniture

259 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Design
  1. London street furniture like phone boxes and bollards can hold infinite surprises and creativity, from book-swaps to woolen decorations.
  2. Interesting initiatives like converting phone boxes into unique shops and decorating post boxes showcase the creativity in London's streets.
  3. Even seemingly mundane objects like bollards have gained online popularity and inspired products like bollard-themed tea towels.

Five... Pieces of London's Kubrickian History

39 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture History Film Travel
  1. London offers locations where you can explore and experience Kubrick's legacy, as he spent much of his career working around London.
  2. Beckton Gas Works in London was a notable filming location for movies like Full Metal Jacket, For Your Eyes Only, and 1984, showcasing its versatility on the silver screen.
  3. John Rogers' book 'This Other London' highlights how certain areas in London have changed over time, offering a unique perspective on locations featured in Kubrick's films.

Five... London Women of the Second World War

99 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💾 History World War II
  1. During the Second World War, London women played crucial roles in espionage, codebreaking, piloting planes, and inventing key military modifications.
  2. Christine Granville, born Maria Krystyna Skarbek, was Britain's longest-serving female secret agent who undertook daring missions like infiltrating occupied territories on skis and rescuing British agents from the Gestapo.
  3. Despite her exceptional bravery and contributions, Christine Granville faced post-war struggles, disbelieved war records, and tragic personal circumstances, highlighting the often overlooked challenges faced by women war heroes.

What's the Best London History Book?

179 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
📚 Literature Book recommendations History
  1. The author recommends 'London: The Biography' by Peter Ackroyd as a top London history book.
  2. The book is praised for being a comprehensive and enduring exploration of London's history.
  3. Readers can access more content and archives by subscribing to Londonist with a 7-day free trial.

On the Importance of Plaques to People You've Never Heard Of

99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Heritage
  1. The importance of plaques to people you've never heard of is discussed, highlighting the value of looking them up.
  2. Consider the significance and stories behind plaques that may seem insignificant at first glance.
  3. Exploring the history and context of these plaques can provide valuable insights and connections to the past.

Five... Places to See Pieces of Canadian History in London

59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🏝 Travel History Art Architecture Culture Exhibitions
  1. London has various places with fragments of Canadian history, often overlooked, that can be explored.
  2. 128 Regent Street holds significance as the location where Lord Stanley purchased the original Stanley Cup trophy in 1892.
  3. Canada House, located in the heart of Little Canada in London, offers a gallery promoting Canadian art across different regions and eras.

Five... History Walking Tours You Can Join in June

39 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🏝 Travel Architecture London Walking
  1. June 1, 2024 marks the start of the 20th London Festival of Architecture with various activities like talks, walks, tours, and workshops celebrating the city's architecture.
  2. Walking tours during the festival offer a chance to explore hidden historical sites such as the lost Walbrook River, providing insights into London's rich architectural history.
  3. The festival includes a mix of well-known landmarks and lesser-known architectural wonders, making it a diverse and exciting event for architecture enthusiasts.

Weekend Walk: Follow London's Roman Walls

219 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Historical Sites
  1. Exploring London's Roman walls can reveal new fragments and unique places along the route
  2. Signage in Aldgate aids in following the course of the Roman walls
  3. Consider a subscription to Londonist: Time Machine for full access to posts and archives

How Can I Discover More About London History?

199 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💾 History London history
  1. The post discusses various resources like books, podcasts, blogs, archives, and social media accounts to learn about London's history.
  2. The content is part of a newsletter called Londonist: Time Machine, and offers a 7-day free trial for access to full post archives.
  3. There is a specific mention of ancient scrolls at the Parliamentary Archives for those interested in researching old legislation.

What I Learned Reading London: The Biography

99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History
  1. The post shares insights on reading 'London: The Biography' highlighting stats and bloopers.
  2. The author thanks new paying subscribers and mentions a successful feature on London: The Biography that attracted many new readers.
  3. There was a recent drinks night with a dozen readers, creating a sense of community and engagement among the subscribers.

Five... of London's Historical Musical Instruments, in Action

79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration London Museum History
  1. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performs on historical instruments or faithful replicas, bringing a unique sound experience to their chamber music gigs in London pubs
  2. The Musical Museum in Brentford houses a remarkable 1929 Mighty Wurlitzer Cinema Organ, a rare piece used for silent films and currently looking for crowdfunding to avoid closure
  3. Exploring London's historical musical instruments offers a glimpse into the city's rich musical past and the unique experiences these instruments can provide

How the Victorians HATED London's Best Buildings

139 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Architecture History
  1. Victorians had negative opinions about London's most famous buildings like Tower Bridge and Big Ben.
  2. Modern buildings in London continue to receive harsh criticism similar to what the Victorians expressed.
  3. Criticism of architectural design has been persistent over time, with different eras having differing viewpoints.

Five Things About... London Winters Through The Centuries

79 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Travel Literature
  1. London has a long history of winters with various activities like jousting on ice, showcasing a mix of high-energy events and brutal sports.
  2. Despite the cold, Londoners have found ways to embrace, enjoy, and even incorporate extreme sports into their winter experiences.
  3. Historical accounts show that Londoners have both celebrated and complained about winters since ancient times, highlighting a mix of perspectives on the season.

Past Futures: How Londoners Imagined 21st Century Dining

139 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary History
  1. Victorians and Edwardians had creative and sometimes bizarre ideas about future dining, such as Victorian protein pills and cubic luncheons.
  2. Londonist's newsletter 'Time Machine' explores past visions of dining in the 21st century.
  3. Join Londonist's Time Machine newsletter to access more articles and delve into interesting topics like historical imaginations of food and dining.

Five... Moments from London's Baseball History

19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
🎾 Sports Baseball London History
  1. London has a surprisingly rich history of baseball dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. One of the first large-scale baseball events in London involved teams from Boston and Philadelphia in 1874 at Lord's.
  3. The UK's first recorded baseball game was in 1749 in Walton-on-Thames, involving notable figures like the Prince of Wales.

5 Historic London Buildings You Can Explore For Free

79 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. There are 5 historic London buildings that you can explore for free, and 4 of them do not require booking.
  2. January is a great time to plan visits to places in London for the upcoming year, starting with free attractions.
  3. Consider subscribing to platforms like Londonist for access to more detailed information and trial periods.

Five... Things about the History of Eels in London

39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
💾 History Food & Drink London Economic History
  1. Eels have played a significant role in London's history, from being a vital food source after the Great Fire to a currency and social indicator.
  2. The trading laws of Billingsgate Fish Market included a monopoly on trading eels for Dutch fishermen, showcasing the importance of eels for supplying food in London.
  3. Over time, the market for jellied eels in London has shrunk and moved towards the coast, reflecting wider social shifts.

She Drove The Tube Train 100 Years Ago: How a Woman Launched a Rebuilt Northern Line

99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💾 History Engineering Transportation Women London
  1. The Bank branch of the Northern line was rebuilt in 1923, including widening the tunnels, in a remarkable engineering feat.
  2. The reconstruction involved meticulous planning and a terrifying explosion, highlighting the challenges faced during the project.
  3. Despite the significant efforts and historical importance of the project, this story is often overlooked and forgotten in history.

You Won't Believe What I Found Down The Pub

119 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
💾 History London
  1. London's historic pubs hold a variety of surprising and unusual objects, like a stuffed Victorian parrot, a fortune in dollar bills, and old baps.
  2. Exploring the city's drinking dens can lead to unique discoveries of historical artifacts and curiosities.
  3. Consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for more intriguing stories and access to full post archives.

Doomed! The Prophecy That Spooked London... Twice

119 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💾 History Events London Prophecy
  1. London has been evacuated multiple times due to events such as fires, plagues, enemy actions, and superstitions.
  2. In 1750, a prophecy led to a significant portion of the population fleeing to the hills.
  3. To access the full post archives and continue reading, a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine is available.

Past Futures: Predictions For London In The Year 2000

119 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💾 History London Future Vision
  1. Past Londoners predicted 21st-century London to have multistorey towers, epic commutes, verdant roof gardens, and Manhattan-like skyscrapers.
  2. The past future predictions for London in the year 2000 included aspects of urban development and technological advancements.
  3. Londonist's 'Past Futures' explores how people from the past imagined what London would be like in our current time.

Five... London Films from the Golden Age of Silent Cinema

39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film London
  1. The post discusses five London films from the Golden Age of Silent Cinema and where to watch them.
  2. These era-defining films are available to watch online, and some have upcoming London screenings.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine and getting a 7-day free trial.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... King's Road

79 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Landmarks
  1. The post discusses 5 historic quirks to look out for on King's Road in London.
  2. One of the mentioned quirks involves jumping over a hidden river to view bollards with Mick Jagger.
  3. The content may require a paid subscription to access, providing exclusive access to posts and archives.