London is one of those destinations that offers more than meets the eye. Understanding its history, character, and the details that make it distinctive is what separates a memorable trip from an ordinary one.

These five facts about London offer essential context for anyone interested in one of the world's most interesting places.

1665 - the Great Plague Kills 100

1665 - The Great Plague kills 100,000 Londoners. 1666 - The Great Fire of London destroys 80% of the City. 1831 - London becomes the world's largest city.

When placed alongside what we have already covered, this point begins to build a more complete and nuanced picture of London. The more you learn, the more the connections between different aspects of the subject become visible and meaningful.

The Oldest House in London is at 41-42 Cloth

The oldest house in London is at 41-42 Cloth Fair built 1597–1614, which survived the 1666 Great Fire. The oldest church is All Hallows-by-the-Tower founded 675AD.

This is one of those facts that tends to genuinely surprise people, even those who consider themselves reasonably well-informed. It is a useful reminder that there is always more to discover, no matter how familiar a topic seems.

There is a Fake House with Just a Facade

There is a fake house with just a facade, at 23-24 Leinster Gardens, built in the 1860s, to replace houses that were demolished, while building the London Underground railway line.

The significance of this becomes clearer when you consider it in the broader context of London. It is not just an interesting fact in isolation — it illuminates something important about the subject as a whole, and about why it continues to reward attention.

Remnants of the Roman Wall Are Visible Near

Remnants of the Roman Wall are visible near the Tower of London and the Barbican. The London Stone at 111 Cannon Street, is believed to be a Roman limestone milestone.

This final point brings everything together and reflects something essential about London: that it is a subject full of unexpected depth, genuine interest, and details that continue to reward anyone willing to look more closely.

Tradition Dictates 6 Ravens Must Remain at the Tower

Tradition dictates 6 ravens must remain at the Tower of London, or the kingdom will fall. Therefore there are usually at least 7 (including a spare).

This is the kind of detail that repays careful attention. Understanding it fully provides important context for everything else that follows — and often changes the way you see the subject as a whole.

What to Remember About London

These five points together paint a compelling picture of why London is such a worthwhile subject to explore. Each one adds a layer of understanding that makes the topic richer, more meaningful, and more connected to the broader world. Whether you are a long-standing enthusiast or approaching London for the first time, there is always something new to discover — and always a reason to look more closely.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • 1665 - The Great Plague kills 100,000 Londoners.
  • The oldest house in London is at 41-42 Cloth Fair built 1597–1614, which survived the 1666 Great Fire.
  • There is a fake house with just a facade, at 23-24 Leinster Gardens, built in the 1860s, to...
  • Remnants of the Roman Wall are visible near the Tower of London and the Barbican.
  • Tradition dictates 6 ravens must remain at the Tower of London, or the kingdom will fall.

We hope this overview has added something genuinely useful to your understanding of London. The world is full of subjects like this one — seemingly ordinary on the surface, but full of depth and genuine fascination for anyone willing to take the time to explore them properly.