Hey there folks. I hope you enjoyed reading the last post as much as I enjoyed writing it. London is a special place with so much to do. Deciding where to stay is a big decision and depends on a lot of things to include what activities you are planning.
I had actually booked three different hotels in completely different areas of London (thank you free cancellation) before deciding on The Clermont at Charing Cross. It is located on a street named Strand, is right on top of Charing Cross tube station, and right next to Trafalgar Square. It is a great location to hit a lot of London’s attractions.
One of those attractions is Strand itself. Before we go any further, yes, I am intentionally leaving off “the” as that is the formal way to refer to the street and it matters to Londoners! Walking down this iconic street and finding cool history things nearby remains a highlight of the trip. In this post, let’s discuss 5 things history you can discover just by taking a stroll down Strand.
For sake of ease, we are starting at the stop closest to Trafalgar Square and working our way east. Here we go!
1. Pop by the Benjamin Franklin House
When you hear the name Ben Franklin, your mind probably goes to the American Revolution and inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals. You might even be aware that he was the first American ambassador to France. But did you know he spent nearly 16 years between 1757 and 1775 in London advocating for the American colonies’ interests?
His house at 36 Craven Street is just two blocks from Strand and Trafalgar Square. It now serves as a museum and education center. The official website for the Benjamin Franklin House states it is his only remaining house in the world. For context, he lived in a lot of different places in his 84 years.
Limited open hours meant we did not go inside, but we did stop by for a photo op. Like so many things in the city, it is crazy how something so significant just blends into the rest of London outside the presence of a sign and plaque.
2. Get Your Cuppa at the Original Twinings Tea Shop
Here’s a challenge for you. Walk down the tea aisle the next time you are at the grocery store. Once you’ve done that, I guarantee you’ve seen a Twinings product.
The Twining family has been making tea in London since 1706. Not only that, it still operates the original store opened in the same year at No. 216 Strand. To put in another way, Twinings on Strand is 70 years older than the United States!
It all started when Thomas Twinings purchased a coffee shop to join the other approximately 2,000 in London at the time. He soon began selling tea, which was fast becoming a fashionable drink. Thomas’ grandson, Richard, was integral in getting the Commutation Act of 1784 into law greatly reducing taxation of tea making it more affordable and allowing it to become the national drink it is today.
Stephen is now who is carrying on the family name. We had the chance to meet him in 2017 at Epcot.
Take some time to stop and taste the samplings at the oldest tea shop in London. What is more British than that?
3. Stop by the Prince Henry Room
Remember the Great Fire of London mentioned in 5 History Things to Do Near London’s Major Attractions? That fire in 1666 destroyed most of the buildings in the area. One of the few that survived is the Prince Henry Room.
Located right as Strand turns into Fleet Street, the building was originally served as a tavern in the early 1600s. The façade of Prince Henry Room was restored to its original after being found under layers of paint in 1900. Unlike the Ben Franklin home, this sticks out pretty obviously.
The origins of the Prince Henry name are unclear. The Prince Henry of the time was born two years after the building was named so that is not the source. Maybe the king enjoyed a few pints there and named the prince after the establishment? The answer is lost to time.
Unfortunately, the Prince Henry Room is not open to the public. However, it is a cool photo op on your way to the next place on this list.
4. Take in the History of Temple Church
Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are famous churches in London. But neither can claim a direct connection to the Knights Templar.
Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, with construction beginning in 1160 and completed in 1185. The church is renowned for its distinctive circular nave, modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
It served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in England. The church’s design and architecture reflect the Templars’ connection to the Holy Land and their role as a military and religious order.
Temple Church has a connection to the Magna Carta and American Independence too. The church served as a mediator between King John and the barons to ensure the agreement went through. Further, six signees of the Declaration of Independence were members of the Inner and Middle Temple (basically law associations).
I did actually go inside Temple Church. It was an interesting experience. There is an area lined with tombs holding Knights Templar and other important figures associated with the church. It was kind of creepy if I’m being honest. What’s fascinating is Temple Church is a functioning church with regular services. To think the congregation worships in the same place the Knights Templar once met and many still lie!
5. Have a Pint at a Cool-Named Pub
The tradition of naming inns and pubs, along with displaying pub signs, dates back to the 12th century. This practice became widespread due to the largely illiterate population, which necessitated visual symbols for identification. In 1393, King Richard II mandated that all pubs and inns must have signs to assist the official Ale Taster in their duties. His own emblem, the “White Hart” in London, served as an example. Over time, the names and signs of inns and pubs have evolved to mirror aspects of British life and culture.
Pub names are fascinating to me. Strand has some good ones nearby. There is The Wellington, marked by a regal portrait of the Duke of Wellington. You’ll also find the Old Bank of England, located at the site of…the old Bank of England. We can guess what formerly resided at the site of the Old Bell Tower pub.
Or, how about grabbing a pint at the Cheshire Cheese? This is not to be confused with the Ye Old Cheshire Cheese a few blocks away. There are many more as well. Visit Strand to make a game of it by trying to find the quirkiest name. Sort of like a boozy treasure hunt!
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That’s just about it for this post. Take a stroll down the Strand when you are in London. It’s a great way to get some quick history hits. If you have more time, there are quite a few other things you can do as well like visiting the Somerset House or catching a popular theater show (Mean Girls, Six, and Back to the Future are all playing on Strand currently).
Don’t forget to check out Some Helpful Tips For Your Trip to London. Until next time, cheers!