Digging Up the Past: The Oldest Part of London (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Diagon Alley)
London! A city steeped in history, where the echoes of the past mingle with the screech of the Tube. But where did it all begin? If you're looking for the most ancient corner of this bustling metropolis, you've come to the right place (well, the right internet article at least). So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's dust off our metaphorical trowels for a spot of historical excavation!
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| What is The Oldest Part Of London |
The Top Contender: The City of London (AKA The Square Mile)
Forget your time machine fantasies (unless you've got one lying around, in which case, hit me up!), because the oldest part of London is a real, walkable place. It's called The City of London, also known as the Square Mile. Yes, that's literally its size – a neat little square crammed with history.
Think Romans setting up shop around 43 AD. Think Saxon settlements whispering secrets in the wind. This area has seen it all, from gladiatorial contests (probably not, but it would be cool, right?) to the rise of modern finance.
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But here's the kicker: The Square Mile is now a financial district, packed with shiny skyscrapers. So, while it might be the historical heart of London, you won't necessarily find quaint cottages with thatched roofs. More like sleek steel and glass playing house with the occasional church or two.
Hunting for Hidden Gems: Traces of the Past
Fear not, history buff! The Square Mile isn't devoid of all things old. Scattered amongst the towering offices are hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.
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- Roman Streets: Believe it or not, you can still walk the same paths Roman sandals once trod on. Aldgate and Fenchurch Street are just a couple of these ancient arteries.
- Medieval Churches: Peek around a skyscraper and you might find a charming little church that's been around for centuries. St. Helen's Bishopsgate, anyone?
- The Tower of London: Okay, this one's hard to miss. This imposing fortress has been around since 1070, witnessing everything from royal dramas to public executions (don't worry, those days are over... hopefully).
Fun Fact: The Great Fire of London (Not So Fun, But Still a Fact)
The Square Mile might be old, but some of its former residents wouldn't mind a refresh. The Great Fire of London in 1666 did a real number on the place, wiping out most of the medieval timber buildings. Silver lining? It forced a bit of a modern (for the time) rebuild, which is why you see more stone these days.
So You Want to Explore London's Oldest Bits? How To...
1. How to Get There: The Tube is your best friend! Stations like Bank, Monument, and Cannon Street will drop you right in the thick of things.
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2. How to Dress: It's a financial district, so business casual is the name of the game. Unless you want to blend in with the tourists, that is.
3. How to Find the Hidden Gems: Grab a map or do some research online. There are plenty of walking tours dedicated to uncovering the Square Mile's secrets.
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4. How to Avoid Tourist Traps: Stick to the backstreets and alleyways. The best finds are often the ones you stumble upon.
5. How to Not Get Lost: The Square Mile is fairly compact, but if you're directionally challenged, download a map app or find a friendly local to point you in the right direction.
So there you have it! The Square Mile: London's oldest neighborhood, where history meets finance and the past peeks out from behind every skyscraper. Now get out there and explore!
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