9 free places in London that every geek should know
21st January 2016January is upon us and it’s been a while since everyone got paid. So what’s a geek to do? Visit these geeky places in London that won’t cost you a penny, of course…
1. Christ Church Greyfriars
Picture credit: Charlotte Gunnell
There are four queens buried under this abandoned church and rose garden just round the corner from St Paul’s. It was once the second largest church in the City of London and its steeple (which survived The Blitz) was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
(Ps. Read more about Greyfriars’ history at A Peace of London)
2. The Guildhall
Picture credit: Charlotte Gunnell
This 15th-century building in Bank might look imposing, but it’s free to visit. It’s now used for civil and state banquets but was once used for medieval trials including Lady Jane Grey’s. It’s even got a roman amphitheatre sitting underneath (also free).
3. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge
Picture credit: Andrea Vail on Flickr / Creative Commons
Henry VIII (rather optimistically) commissioned this modest lodge in his beloved Epping Forest in 1542. At the time it was the only “standing” to have three floors. Apparently Elizabeth I rode her horse up the stairs here to celebrate victory over the Spanish Armada as well.
4. The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
Picture credit: Cristian Bortes on Flickr / Creative Commons
Freemasonry might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this Holborn museum and library is hiding items belonging to Winston Churchill and Edward VII between its walls, so it’s worth a look.
5. The Museum of the Order of St John
Picture credit: Powwow on Flickr / Creative Commons
This small museum in Clerkenwell charts the story of the Order of St John, from its 11th century Jerusalem roots through to its modern-day work with St John Ambulance.
6. Gresham College
Credit: Elliott Brown on Flickr / Creative Commons
Free lectures on everything from science to history and tech are available at London’s oldest higher education institution in Holborn. Pick up a schedule when you’re next passing or check their website.
7. London Sewing Machine Museum
Picture credit: Caroline on Flickr
Those of a haberdashery persuasion might do well to visit this unusual museum in Upper Tooting. Highlights include a machine that was given to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter as a wedding present.
8. Kenwood House
Picture credit: stu smith on Flickr / Creative Commons
This stunning 17th-century villa holds a significant art collection including paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer. It was bequeathed to the nation by Edward Cecil Guinness (yes, that Guinness) and made available to the public for free by law.
9. Bethlem Museum of the Mind
Picture credit: surprise truck on Flickr
Travel all the way down to West Wickham to see the first UK institution to specialise in the care of the mentally ill. It now includes a museum charting the lives and accomplishments of those with mental health problems.
You might like…
- 10 places in London that every geek should know about
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- 11 iconic literary monuments in London that every book lover needs to see
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Written by:
Charlotte Gunnell
London blogger at APeaceOfLondon.com on a mission to find chilled-out, cultured and unusual corners of the city. Lover of Lego, loyal bobber and watcher of the odd historical drama.
Follow me on Twitter @apeaceoflondon