The City of Westminster feels entirely different to the City of London as it should, being that they are entirely different cities. Both predating the Norman conquest in the 11th-Century, the City of Westminster appealed to the powerful and wealthy in its early stages. Today, two areas may be considered to be its crown jewels- St. James’s and Piccadilly. People flock to numerous areas of greater London for various reasons such as the East End due to its hip-scene and artisan connections but it was Piccadilly that attracted the hip Londoners of the swinging’ 60’s and has remained home to shopkeepers and craftsmen whom serve the average commoner to the monarchy, personally. Many visit the grand estates of Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace which are undoubtedly grand, historical treasures but it is in St. James’s where you will find the official residences of the sovereign and Buckingham Palace just behind the most beautiful royal park, St. James’s Park; not to mention several other palaces and stately homes within a short walking distance. Many people venture to Southwark, enticed by the seedier history of the old city, however Piccadilly boasts its own amusing tales with the secret lives of those living above the beautiful shops in the Arcades and what went on behind the closed doors of the clubs and assembly rooms.
Throughout June 2015, London will play host to a month-long, city-wide celebration of innovation and experimentation in architecture. The London Festival of Architecture was set up more than ten years ago by The Architecture Foundation, and each year introduces a new theme – with “Work in Progress” being the focus for 2015.
Last week, we took you on a whirlwind tour of five London architectural projects that never came to fruition – you can see the list here. But London’s history contains so many, many more, so today we’re back to show you a further five.
