Katie Wignall

2 weeks ago | lookup.london | Katie Wignall

The Oldest Lychgate in England | St George’s Beckenham April 29, 2025in Churches and Graveyards, London, Look Up London, South LondonIn the churchyard of St George’s Beckenham you can find the oldest lychgate in England. Lych comes from the Old English ‘līc’ which meant body or corpse and it was a functional element of the churchyard, especially during the Medieval period. The present day version of the church was built in 1885-7 by W Gibbs Bartleet and the tower was later, finished in 1903.

3 weeks ago | lookup.london | Katie Wignall

Visit the 12th Century Kingston Bridge Remains April 22, 2025in architecture, London, Look Up London, West LondonPop into this Arts Centre and you can see the original stone foundations of Kingston Bridge, built c.1170. Kingston Bridge presented a crucial crossing over the River Thames because until 1729 (when Putney Bridge opened) London Bridge was the only other was to cross the Thames on foot within the Greater London area.

1 month ago | lookup.london | Katie Wignall

Visit The Valasse Cross at the Tower of London April 15, 2025in City of London, London, The Classics, Things to do in LondonFor almost 400 years the Crown Jewels have been housed in the Tower of London, so the former royal palace is no stranger to bling. However the arrival of the Valasse Cross on temporary display inside the White Tower means there’s yet another historic jewel to admire inside the Tower of London.

1 month ago | lookup.london | Katie Wignall

Curious “Ancient Lights” Signs in London April 15, 2025Look up in certain places across London and you can find some intriguing signs that proclaim ‘Ancient Lights’. Though quite rare, these signs can be found across the country and relate to a law introduced in 1832. Within the Prescription Act the law stated that when the access and use of light had been enjoyed for 20 years without interruption, the right to that light becomes ‘absolute and indefeasible’.

1 month ago | lookup.london | Katie Wignall

The 17th Century Wine Cellars Under St James’s April 8, 2025in London, Look Up London, West LondonWonderfully tucked away, The Stafford London is a luxury hotel in St James’s and was founded in 1912. Although the hotel might be relatively new, it stands on a site steeped in history and in the basement you can find some wine cellars that date back to the 17th century. But first, let’s explore ground level…The Stafford has two entrances in St James’s.