The History of the Windows of London
The windows of London are not just an iconic feature of the city's architecture, but also offer an insight into its history. From towering skyscrapers to charming Georgian townhouses the windows of London have a story to tell.
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The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was one of the most destructive natural disasters that Britain has ever witnessed. The fire began as a spark in a baker’s oven and quickly spread to leaving thousands of people homeless. The fire was so intense it lasted days and its effects are visible to this day.
The first reaction of most people was to flee from the flames as fast as possible. The people collected what they could and ran out of the windows. Those without windows fled down the streets or attempted to escape by boat down the River Thames. Samuel Pepys, a diarist, recorded many of these stories.
Pepys"eyewitness account" of the fire is a significant historical record. The city authorities rushed to tear down buildings in order to create a firebreak, but flames often overtook them.
People who were confined to their homes frequently fled to the roofs, and others jumped into River Thames to escape the burning city. The fire eventually died down and on September 6 the fire was put out.
St Paul's Cathedral wasn't completed until 1711, a full 50 years after the fire. The destruction caused by the fire was enormous 13200 homes were destroyed, as well as 87 churches and 52 halls of the livery company. Other buildings were destroyed, including the Guildhall and courts and the entire city infrastructure was destroyed.
While most of the Great Fire was started by accidental causes, some blamed foreigners for the blaze. Londoners were cautious of foreigners and the tension of the ongoing war with Holland added a layer of xenophobia.
There are many unusual windows in London however, none are as interesting as the East window of St Ethelburga on Bishopsgate. The window is a bit meta, as it's composed of pieces from other stained glass windows within the church. It's easy to imagine that the church once had a number of windows similar to this. However, some of them were blocked up centuries ago.
The Gherkin
The Gherkin is one of the most striking features of the London skyline. It is located in the City of London, the building houses restaurants and offices. It is unique in its design that gives it its name, and is a significant part of the city's history. The building is also renowned for its use of natural light and air circulation. The windows' gaps allow air to circulate through the building, which reduces the need for air cooling. The building has also stimulated the interest in sustainable architecture.
The building was designed and inaugurated by Norman Foster in 2004. It is located in 30 St Mary Axe and is one of the most well-known buildings in the city. It was designed as a landmark and has a restaurant and bar. The restaurant is awe-inspiring with views of London's City. It is a favorite place for visitors.
It has been featured in numerous TV and film productions. The Gherkin is also a popular tourist attraction and has become a symbol for London's modern architecture.
When the construction of the building was underway there were many questions regarding the building's construction. Many were concerned that it would affect the flow of aircrafts from Heathrow Airport, and others were worried that it might hinder their view of St Paul's Cathedral. The original design of the tower was scaled back, and the Gherkin was officially opened in 2003.
The window shows the Tyburn scaffold and also depicts John Houghton, Prior of Charterhouse and two other Carthusian monks. It also shows the execution of three other Carthusian monks in 1535. The window was designed by Charles Blakeman and donated to the church in 1999.
The Gherkin is accessible to the public during special events, such as Open House London. During these events, guests can visit the Gherkin's interior and explore the inside. address here is on several walking tours including the City of London Tour and Skyscrapers and Sculpture Walk.
The Houses of Parliament
After the Great Fire of London the lawmakers decided to build a new house for themselves. They held a competition to select a style. The architects were asked to submit suggestions for a building with either Gothic or Elizabethan style.
The resulting structure is reminiscent of a fortress, with heavy ecclesiastical furnishings as well as chilly colonnades. Critics argue that it is a symbol of Britain's "very aggressive and very masculine power-hungry democracy", and that it has a distinctly patriarchal, masculine look. The windows of the Houses of Parliament are perhaps its most striking element.
Inside the Houses of Parliament there are more than 200 stained glass windows, many of them stunning. The windows reflect the different phases of the building's history, from its origin as a palace to its current form.
Sash windows have been a characteristic of London architecture since the 17th century. They are made up of a frame which holds the panels, also known as sashes, which move vertically to open and close. They are a striking feature on many buildings in the city including grand Victorian homes and charming Georgian Townhouses.
Many of these windows depict famous people from British history and you'll often spot them in the windows of restaurants and shops. For instance, the window in St Mary Le Bow on Cheapside depicts a window illustrating the reconstruction of 52 city churches by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. One of the most notable windows is located in St Nicholas Cole Abbey, Queen Victoria Street. Keith New designed it and depicts churches from all over the world in contrast, including igloos and domes.
Sash windows are not only beautiful however, they also serve a very vital function. They provide ventilation and the sashes are easily opened to let fresh air in. This is especially important in the bustle of the city. The windows are also a treasured part of London's architectural heritage, and their preservation is an integral part of the city's legacy.
The London Eye
Many call it the London Eye, this famous landmark is located on the South Bank of the River Thames and offers breathtaking views of the city. It has been a well-known tourist attraction since its opening in the Millennium in 2000, and is now the UK's most popular paid visitor attraction. It is also one of the world's tallest observation wheels, and has even made appearances in popular culture.
Originally called the Millennium Wheel, it was designed by husband-and-wife team David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects. The wheel took seven years to design and build, and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999. It is the highest cantilevered wheel in Europe and contains 32 capsules that represent the London Boroughs. Number 13 is not included as it is thought to be unlucky.
In recent years, both tourists as well as locals have been drawn to the London Eye. It offers spectacular views and a variety of photography opportunities. The biggest challenge facing photographers is avoiding reflections on the walls of the Pod. Fortunately, there are lens hoods for cameras and phones that can be positioned over the camera to prevent the problem.
The London Eye is open all year long The London Eye is open all year round, with the exception of New Years Day and Christmas Eve. It is recommended that visitors book their tickets in advance to guarantee availability. There are a variety of ticket options available, including Fast Track and special packages such as a Champagne Experience. Guests can also reserve seats in specific pods for special events.
London Eye has not reported any security concerns despite the fears of many people following the Westminster attack. It is also safe to ride during bad conditions, but the wheel could close if there are high winds or severe weather conditions. Visitors should keep an eye on the website for any updates before their trip.