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

For the Benefit of Pablo Fanque, the Greatest Victorian Showman

99 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💾 History Victorian Britain
  1. Pablo Fanque, Britain's first Black circus proprietor, inspired The Beatles and amazed London crowds.
  2. The lyrics in the Beatles song 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!' mention Pablo Fanque and his Fair.
  3. Many people may not realize that Pablo Fanque, referenced in popular culture, was a real historical figure who made significant contributions.

London's First Cyclists

99 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💾 History London history Transportation Innovation
  1. London had its first cyclists over 200 years ago, riding heavy, expensive bikes without pedals that still outpaced horses in certain situations.
  2. The early bikes were called 'velocipedes' and were a talk of the town in London, despite their limitations.
  3. Londoners showed interest in these 'dandy horses' even though they were primitive compared to modern bicycles.

Pelted with Offal, Mud and Dead Cats: A Travesty In Clerkenwell

39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ History
  1. The post discusses a shameful and forgotten chapter of London's LGBTQ+ history, focusing on an incident involving offal, mud, and dead cats.
  2. The author is arranging a tour of the Peek Freans Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey, known for the invention of popular biscuits like bourbons and custard creams.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

Who Was The First Woman To Fly Over London?

79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The forgotten teenager, Letitia Sage, was the third woman to fly over London and is better remembered.
  2. The Barbican Centre, known for performing arts, once saw the first flight in London with a large crowd witnessing the event.
  3. Subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine gives 7 days of free access to read this post and explore the full post archives.

Invite your friends to read Londonist: Time Machine

59 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Londonist: Time Machine is a reader-supported publication that delves into the city's history.
  2. Subscribers help fuel the Time Machine's travels through the city's past, making it possible to explore London's history.
  3. Readers can invite friends to subscribe and read along with them, spreading the enjoyment of Londonist: Time Machine.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Woman Who Stood For Parliament... in 1885

79 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💾 History Women's Rights Political Activism
  1. In 1885, a woman named Helen Taylor attempted to get elected to Parliament, 34 years before women were granted the right to vote in the UK.
  2. The voting rights for women in 1918 were limited to certain women who met specific criteria, stricter than those for men at the time.
  3. Subscribe to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial to read more about Helen Taylor's story and access the full post archives.

Behold, Charles Holden

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture History
  1. Charles Holden built a significant number of tube stations in London, deserving recognition.
  2. The article discusses a change in content focus in the newsletter to be more diverse and less predictable.
  3. Readers can access more content and a 7-day trial by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine.

5 Weekend Reads: 21 January 2024

39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art & Illustration Travel
  1. The storming of Centre Point by over 100 protesters marked a significant event in London history, bringing attention to the issue of empty skyscrapers.
  2. Londoners were once amazed by the sight of gulls, showcasing how perspectives on wildlife can change over time.
  3. The post offers insights into London's history, making it an interesting read for fans of the city's past.

Copperplate Map: The Place Names Explained

39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. This is a post about the Copperplate map and its place names explained.
  2. The map being discussed is London's earliest surviving one, dating back to the 1550s.
  3. The post is meant for paying subscribers and includes a special treat related to the Copperplate map.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History 19th century Transportation London Railways
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... Paternoster Square

39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. Paternoster Square is a relatively new area in London, built around 20 years ago to replace an unpopular 1960s development and the historic Paternoster Row destroyed during the Blitz.
  2. Paternoster Row used to be the center of London's book trade for centuries before being destroyed during the Blitz.
  3. Exploring Paternoster Square can reveal historic quirks and remnants of its past, making it an interesting area to visit in London.

5 Weekend Reads: 22 October 2023

59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🏝 Travel History London
  1. Londonist provides a weekly roundup of five London history links for paid subscribers
  2. Access to exclusive site visits and full post archives is available with a subscription to Londonist
  3. The post includes photos and commentary by Matt Brown on topics like the Bridge to Nowhere in south London

Who was the first person to ride on the Tube?

59 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
💾 History Celebrity
  1. About two million people use the London Tube every day, but who was the very first person to ride it?
  2. The London Underground has a history of trial runs and even had celebrities onboard before its official opening.
  3. To access more historical content and the full post archives about the Tube, consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial.

5 Historical Quirks to Spot in... Oxford Street

59 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History London
  1. Oxford Street in London has interesting historical quirks like a famous dancer and rooftop beavers to spot.
  2. Londonist's newsletter for paid subscribers highlights historical sights in well-known areas, this time focusing on Oxford Street.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and get a 7-day free trial by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... Bloomsbury

39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Historical Sites
  1. Bloomsbury in London has historical quirks worth exploring, such as London's first tower block, a hidden statue, and an apologetic plaque.
  2. The area of Bloomsbury holds secrets like foundling tokens, intriguing visitors with its historical richness.
  3. Exploring Bloomsbury's historical curiosities can be an exciting and educational experience for those interested in London's past.

5 Weekend Reads: 3 December 2023

39 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History London
  1. This post features 5 London history links curated for paying supporters, with a focus on a cat theme for the week.
  2. One of the articles discussed 'MONEY SWITCHEROO', touching upon the topic of the Great Re-Coinage.
  3. Readers can opt for a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine to access the full post archives.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... the Olympic Park

39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Historical Landmarks Architecture
  1. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has many unique and interesting architectural features like the pringle-shaped velodrome and the Orbit tower.
  2. The park also contains lesser-known historic quirks and hidden spots worth exploring.
  3. To learn more about the 5 historic quirks in the Olympic Park, consider subscribing to Londonist for a 7-day free trial.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot... in Smithfield

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🏝 Travel History
  1. Smithfield in London is a historically rich area with unique streetscapes and a deep layer of history.
  2. The area is known for its meat markets, medieval hospital, buried river valley, and complex railway infrastructure.
  3. Explore Smithfield to spot historic quirks like two historic houses, bits of embankment, and a distinctive post box.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot on... Blackfriars Bridge

39 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Historical Sites
  1. The post discusses 5 historic quirks to look out for on Blackfriars Bridge in London, including birds with hidden meanings and mysterious stumps.
  2. The newsletter, 'Londonist: Time Machine,' makes site visit announcements with the first one being free.
  3. Readers can subscribe to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... Canary Wharf

39 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Historical Sites Exploration
  1. Canary Wharf in London holds a long and fascinating history despite its modern appearance.
  2. There are unique historical sights, like living fossil trees and a memorial to an influential figure, to explore in Canary Wharf.
  3. The Londonist newsletter offers a collection of favorite historical spots in different areas, providing interesting insights for paying supporters.

Something old, something new

39 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
💾 History London history
  1. Londonist.com has a new weekly history newsletter called Londonist: Time Machine.
  2. The newsletter offers engaging London history content that connects dots and surprises readers.
  3. Readers can get a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives of the newsletter.

What Became Of the Empire Windrush?

39 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
💾 History Heritage Migration
  1. The Empire Windrush marks a significant part of Britain's history, representing the multicultural society that exists today.
  2. The ship was not the first to bring West Indian migrants to Britain, but it has become a powerful symbol of immigration and diversity.
  3. Despite its historical significance, the Empire Windrush is not currently accessible for public visits.

5 Historical Quirks To Spot In Holborn

39 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
💾 History
  1. The post discusses 5 historical quirks in Holborn, focusing on the little details that make a place unique.
  2. The author, Matt Brown, highlights the historical significance of Tudor buildings in Holborn and encourages readers to spot elements that may not be Tudor.
  3. Readers are offered a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives of Londonist: Time Machine.

5 Historical Quirks to Spot at... The Barbican

39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
💾 History Historical Sites Architecture
  1. The Barbican in London has historical quirks like stained glass skyscrapers, a vertical graveyard, and a musical tree.
  2. The Barbican is a 1970s maze of concrete and cultural centers with secrets from its Blitzed past.
  3. The Londonist newsletter for paid subscribers highlights historical sights in well-known areas, offering insights and recommendations.

5 Weekend Reads: 14 January 2024

19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History London
  1. The post features 5 interesting historical London-themed reads from the past week.
  2. There's an invitation for informal drinks at a historic London pub on January 31, with no set agenda, just a chance to meet like-minded individuals.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine.

5 Weekend Read: 7 January 2024

19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏝 Travel History
  1. The post discusses Tube history, a 70-year-old London yearbook, and the City gates.
  2. There is a mention of a potential meetup at a historic London pub on January 31.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

5 Weekend Reads: 31 December 2023

19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🏝 Travel London Walking
  1. The post features '5 Weekend Reads: 31 December 2023' centered around walking in London with a historical perspective.
  2. There is a paid subscription offer with a 7-day free trial to continue reading content on Londonist: Time Machine.
  3. The post includes links to explore London through walking and access paid subscriber content on Londonist.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... Celebration of '24

19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
💾 History Events Culture Exploration Heritage
  1. The post explores historic quirks related to the number 24, offering a unique perspective on the upcoming year 2024.
  2. The writer delves into oddities surrounding the number 24 with references to their previous work on exploring London across all 24 hours.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe for more intriguing content and access to the full post archives.

5 Weekend Reads... 24 December 2023

19 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Art
  1. The post shares five Christmas history articles from Londonist.com.
  2. One article discusses the origin of Christmas crackers linked to Finsbury Square.
  3. Readers can sign up for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

5 Weekend Reads: 17 December 2023

19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🏝 Travel History London
  1. The post shares 5 weekend reads about London history, specifically focusing on Greenwich Park and its terraces from Charles II's time, currently undergoing excavation and restoration.
  2. The content is exclusive for paying supporters, with the promise of weekly roundups of historical links every Sunday.
  3. Readers are encouraged to join and get a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives and continue enjoying Londonist's content.

5 Historic Quirks to Spot in... Tooley Street

19 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🏝 Travel
  1. Tooley Street in London has historic quirks worth exploring, like 'Nancy's Steps,' which has a misleading historical claim related to Oliver Twist.
  2. Londonist: Time Machine has reached its 50th article and has gained nearly 6,000 subscribers since starting in June, with many opting for paid subscriptions.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives of Londonist: Time Machine with a 7-day free trial, providing an opportunity to explore more historic content about London.

5 Weekend Reads: 15 October 2023

19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🏝 Travel London Museums
  1. Londonist shares five interesting London history links for paid subscribers every Sunday
  2. One of the hidden gems in London is the beautiful library tucked away in the upper levels of St Paul's Cathedral
  3. Readers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access full post archives on Londonist: Time Machine

5 Historical Quirks to Spot in... Mayfair

19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💾 History London Historical Sites Tourism
  1. Mayfair in London has interesting historical quirks to discover, like a lost river and hidden photographer.
  2. Mayfair is known for high society living, exclusive shops, and being the most expensive square on the Monopoly board.
  3. The article offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and access more historical insights about Mayfair.

5 Weekend Reads: 17 September 2023

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
💾 History London history Paid Subscribers
  1. The post features 5 interesting reads related to London history for the week of September 17, 2023.
  2. One of the topics covered includes 3-D dinosaurs and the intriguing question of 'Who was the first celebrity to ride on the Central line?'
  3. Paid subscribers have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive content and events related to London history through Londonist.

5 Weekend Reads: 27 Aug 2023

19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The post shares 5 weekend reads on London history, including topics like Smithfield Market and a mini-model of St Paul's inside the actual St Paul's.
  2. The Londonist newsletter offers a weekend links roundup every Sunday for history enthusiasts to enjoy.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine with a 7-day free trial and browsing the full post archives.

5 Historical Quirks to Spot in... Covent Garden

19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💾 History Places Facts
  1. Covent Garden has some fascinating historical quirks to discover, like a giant coin, a vomiting god, and historic asses.
  2. The area of Covent Garden, specifically the piazza and its church, is rich in unique and interesting sights worth exploring.
  3. Consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for more historical insights on different areas and attractions in London.

A New Map Of Medieval London

1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Maps History Research Archaeology Cartography
  1. A detailed map of medieval London has been created, showing intricate parish boundaries, city structures, and landmarks from the 13th century.
  2. The Historic Towns Trust has produced detailed maps of Tudor and medieval London, using extensive research and archaeological knowledge.
  3. Mapping the city's past presents challenges due to gaps in historical records, uncertainties in field boundaries, and complexities of plotting locations like churches in ancient London.

5 Weekend Reads: 19 November 2023

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History Travel Media
  1. The post features 5 weekend reads about London history, curated for paying supporters.
  2. The content includes an article about the history of neon lights in London.
  3. Readers can access the full content and archives with a 7-day free trial subscription.