15 Fascinating Things You Might Not Know About London
London, a city rich in history and culture, is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden path of iconic landmarks like the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, London hides myriad secrets that could enrich any traveler's visit. Here are 15 fascinating things about London that you might not know:
1. The Smallest Statue in the UK - In Philpot Lane, look down to find the smallest public statue in London - two tiny mice sharing a piece of cheese, commemorating an urban legend about the tragic demise of two builders during the construction of the nearby Monument.
2. A Graveyard for Unclaimed Bodies - Hyde Park has a secret pet cemetery from the 1880s, serving as the final resting place for over 300 pets, and is considered London's first pet cemetery.
3. The Time the Thames Froze - The River Thames has frozen over several times, the last being in 1814. The frost fairs that were held on the ice are a forgotten piece of London’s history.
4. The Narrowest Street - At its narrowest point, Brydges Place near Covent Garden is just 15 inches wide, making it the tightest squeeze in the city.
5. A Nose for Art - Keep your eyes peeled for the Seven Noses of Soho, a series of sculpted noses created by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as a statement against the proliferation of CCTV cameras.
6. London’s Oldest Wine Bar - Gordon's Wine Bar, established in 1890, retains its old-world charm and offers an extensive selection of wines in a uniquely historical setting.
7. The Hidden Ears - Alongside the noses, artist Tim Fishlock installed several sculpted ears throughout the city. Spotting them has become an unusual scavenger hunt for observant visitors.
8. A Tower with a Hidden Secret - The Tower of London houses six ravens, and legend has it that if they ever leave, the tower and the kingdom will fall. They even have a designated Ravenmaster to care for them.
9. The Smallest Police Station - Trafalgar Square is home to what looks like a tiny ornamental light fixture, which is actually Britain's smallest police station, created in the 1920s.
10. An American in London - There's a statue of Abraham Lincoln in Parliament Square, a gift from the United States, symbolizing the strong cultural and historical links between the two nations.
11. A Roman Bath Hidden Beneath the Streets - Below the streets of the City of London lies a Roman bathhouse, revealing the city's ancient history.
12. The Lanesborough Hotel’s Unique Service - The Lanesborough offers the services of a “Fragrance Butler,” who presents guests with a selection of high-end perfumes.
13 .London’s Smallest Square - Measuring just 29 by 45 feet, Pickering Place is not only London’s smallest square but was also the scene of the last duel in London.
14. The Secret Rivers - London was built over several rivers that now flow underground. The Fleet, for example, is now hidden beneath the city's streets.
15. The London Eye’s Hidden Capsule - The London Eye has 32 capsules, but they are numbered 1 to 33, skipping number 13 for superstitious reasons.

