The hottest London Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The 1746 Rocque Map Of London... Now In Colour

Londonist: Time Machine • 718 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Maps Color Cartography History London
  1. The 1746 Rocque Map of London is the first detailed map of the city, showcasing individual alleys, courts, and more in color.
  2. John Rocque used meticulous techniques for accuracy in his map, and aimed to record street names for detailed insight into 18th-century London.
  3. Adding color to the map helps reveal the complexity of land use, highlights water channels, and brings out details that were difficult to interpret in black and white.

London's First Vegetarian Restaurant

Londonist: Time Machine • 539 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Vegetarian Restaurant History London Diet
  1. London had its first vegetarian restaurant as early as 1879, way before the trend of vegetarianism became popular in the 1960s.
  2. The Alpha Food Reform Restaurant reflected eccentric health beliefs of its founders, Dr. Thomas Low Nichols and Mary Sargeant Gove Nichols, who also promoted questionable health practices like using water baths for curing diseases.
  3. The success of London's first vegetarian restaurant led to the rise of many more vegetarian restaurants across the city, marking the start of a sustained movement that continues today with a growing number of vegan and vegetarian eateries.

How To Collect The Lost Churches Of London

Londonist: Time Machine • 359 implied HN points • 15 May 24
💾 History London Collectibles Maps Urban Development
  1. The Lost London Churches project offers 110 collectable cards depicting City of London churches, encouraging exploration of historic buildings and supporting maintenance through donations.
  2. Collectors can visit surviving churches to pick up packs of five random church cards for free, promoting a sense of discovery and community engagement.
  3. In addition to the cards, a Collector's Booklet provides detailed information about the churches and includes a beautifully reworked version of the 1677 Ogilby and Morgan map, offering a rich experience for London history enthusiasts.

Flying Squad: 90 Years Since London's First Police 'Helicopters'

Londonist: Time Machine • 239 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💾 History Police London Aircraft Events Technology
  1. The concept of police helicopters has roots dating back to the 1930s in London, with the use of autogyros for aerial surveillance and traffic management.
  2. Autogyros, precursor to helicopters, were notable for their innovative design, flight capabilities, and utility for police operations.
  3. The early days of police autogyros involved significant milestones such as monitoring public gatherings, assisting in traffic control, and capturing aerial images for police work.
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Into the Sewers: Exploring London's Historic Bowels

Londonist: Time Machine • 339 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Exploration History London
  1. The post explores London's historic sewers, an underground network rarely seen by the public, despite its importance in daily life and discussions about wastewater issues.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and history about their trips into the London sewers, providing a unique perspective on a usually overlooked topic.
  3. Readers can access more of the author's content and explore the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

A Deep Dive Into The Colourised Copperplate

Londonist: Time Machine • 379 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History London Maps
  1. The article provides a detailed exploration of 90 locations mentioned on the Tudor map's eastern plate, discussing the history and significance of each label.
  2. John Stow, a key London historian from the 16th century, played a crucial role in deciphering the information on the Copperplate map, offering valuable insight into the city's history in that period.
  3. The map reveals interesting historical information about various streets, churches, and landmarks in Tudor London, showcasing how the city has evolved over the centuries.

Dear AI, Please Draw me Historical London Christmas Scenes

Londonist: Time Machine • 659 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Historical London Christmas
  1. Londonist and Matt Brown collaborated to create historical Christmas scenes of London using an AI image generator.
  2. The festive edition of Londonist included these AI-generated images, deviating from their usual historical content.
  3. To view the full post and access the archives, readers were encouraged to start a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine.

Dickensian London

Cosmographia • 778 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Historical Fiction Author analysis London 19th century
  1. Charles Dickens' portrayal of 19th century London captures the essence of the city through its streets, alleys, and society, reflecting the city's ongoing metamorphosis.
  2. 19th century London experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a juxtaposition of opulence and poverty with challenges like pollution and overcrowding.
  3. Dickens' unique approach of portraying the reality of London's streets with characters from all walks of life sets him apart as a literary great and keen observer of the city's resilience and spirit.

Horse Vs Car: They Called It 200 Years Ago

Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
💾 History London Transportation
  1. In the early 20th century, London rapidly transitioned from a horse-drawn city to a city flooded with cars and motor-buses, a change that had been predicted for nearly a century.
  2. The transformation from horses to cars in London was seen as a significant and swift evolution, presenting challenges that were not foreseen by many in the past.
  3. Over generations, people in London anticipated the shift from horse-drawn transportation to motor vehicles, hinting at the changes that were to come in the city's future.

"Life on This Earth in the Year A.D. 2000"

Londonist: Time Machine • 179 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History London Transport Competition Events Architecture
  1. In 1954, there was a competition predicting life in the year 2000, with a focus on London's transport future.
  2. The competition attracted a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds and regions around the world.
  3. Transportation was the most popular topic in the competition, with the winning proposals envisioning rooftop roadways for London in 2000.

On Barbie and Oppenheimer, inevitability and guilty

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 530 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Demographics History London Storytelling
  1. _Barbie_ and _Oppenheimer_ films are compared with a focus on the inevitability and guilt associated with historical events.
  2. Film _Oppenheimer_ explores themes of guilt and responsibility regarding the Manhattan Project and the use of atomic bombs.
  3. Population shifts in London over the decades have seen fluctuations, with various factors influencing the city's growth and decline.

Five... London Statues of Extraordinary Women

Londonist: Time Machine • 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... Things about the 1715 Solar Eclipse in London

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.

Five... Historic East End Pubs

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.

Slouching towards dystopia in London

Wrong Side of History • 384 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Housing Crisis London Wealth Inequality
  1. The gap between rich and poor in London is widening, leading to a dystopian portrayal in media and reflecting real housing crisis issues.
  2. London faces a severe housing crisis with 1.2 million people waiting for social housing, causing downstream consequences like overcrowding and undesirable living conditions.
  3. Housing costs in London are impacted by supply and demand imbalances, making the problem both complex and simple to understand.

London is Open

Wrong Side of History • 356 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics London Housing Crisis
  1. London is facing a housing crisis with high costs and limited supply in certain areas.
  2. A recent property development meant for the open market was taken over by Camden Council to house Afghan refugees.
  3. The decision to allocate housing to refugees sparked controversy over prioritization for housing resources.

Give despair a chance

Wrong Side of History • 322 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Religion Violence Anti-Semitism London Security
  1. A Conservative Member of Parliament in London decided not to run for re-election due to threats from violent extremists.
  2. There have been several anti-Semitic incidents in London, including arson attacks, assaults, and threats to Jewish individuals.
  3. Despite these incidents, London is generally a safe city, but there are areas with security concerns.

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

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.

The death of a pub: Rochester Castle, N16

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture London Community Urban Development
  1. Pubs are important social spaces that foster community, diversity, and human connection. The disappearance of pubs in London reflects a broader issue of losing social spaces in cities.
  2. The Rochester Castle, despite being a Wetherspoon, has historical significance and unique charm that has made it a cherished gathering place for diverse locals.
  3. The potential sale of the Rochester Castle threatens to displace many regulars, including vulnerable groups like pensioners, highlighting the negative impact of commercial decisions on community interaction and well-being.

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

Londonist: Time Machine • 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

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

Londonist: Time Machine • 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

Londonist: Time Machine • 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

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.

Past Futures: Predictions For London In The Year 2000

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.

Every writer should edit a magazine (at least for a year)

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Magazines Editing London
  1. Editing a literary magazine can provide a valuable understanding of the literary world and help writers avoid self-absorbed behavior.
  2. The novel 'Scamp' by Roland Camberton offers a glimpse into bohemian late-1940s London and the struggles of launching a literary magazine.
  3. Starting and maintaining a literary magazine can be a rewarding experience, offering a platform for writers and fostering a sense of community.

Six of One - A Counter to Kateh

Vittles • 66 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisines London
  1. Six of One is a column featuring London restaurant recommendations from six different writers.
  2. Molana is a Persian restaurant in London known for its perfect rice, grilled meats, and traditional Persian dishes.
  3. Notting Hill's dining scene is becoming increasingly expensive and less accessible to the local community, with restaurants like Straker's setting high price standards.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 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.