10 Fascinating Fun Facts About London

Emma Juno Sparkes
WRITTEN BY
Emma Juno Sparkes

Here are 10 cheeky bits of trivia, fun facts about London, if you will, including its smallest public statue, a quirky law about wearing armor, and the 13 ghosts that haunt one of the city’s most frightening spots.

As a born and bred Londoner, I felt compelled to write this collection of facts about my hometown. I live in Seoul, enjoying South Korean culture but there are plenty of things I still miss about the U.K.’s capital city.

Many people think of double-decker buses when they think of London but the best way to explore the city is on foot. Strolling along the River Thames, seeing the iconic Tower Bridge and visiting Borough Market near London Bridge are just a few of the things that make me feel nostalgic.

And don’t get me started on the museums! From the British Museum to the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum, there is so much culture to be enjoyed.

I don’t yearn for the wet or stormy weather, but I definitely miss traditional British cuisine, such as a good Sunday roast or a hearty English Breakfast. I wouldn’t say no to visiting London’s fantastic Indian restaurants, either.

Since I’m not able to hop over to the U.K. anytime soon, I’ll settle for sharing these interesting facts about London.

 

1. London’s smallest public statue is so small it’s easy to miss

It’s easy to miss the smallest public statue in London, called “The Two Mice Eating Cheese.” This art piece is located far above eye level on the side of a building on Philpot Lane.

The two mice fighting over a piece of cheese represent two builders who fought at the top of the Monument, a towering structure designed to commemorate the Great Fire of London.

The two builders fought over a missing sandwich and fell to their death, according to popular legend. Rumor has it that mice ate the sandwich.

2. Black cab drivers have to study for 2-4 years before they can qualify for a license

Black cab drivers must study for two-to-four years before qualifying for a black cab license. Black cabs are known not only for their iconic appearance but also for the driver’s encyclopedic knowledge of every single street.

All aspiring black cab drivers must learn the Knowledge of London, which includes memorizing 320 city routes, key landmarks, and street names. Black cab drivers must pass a written examination and have multiple one-on-one meetings with examiners, during which they must detail the shortest route between two points in London.

Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament can be seen behind Westminster Bridge.

Big Ben is not something you can see from the street.

3. The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament isn’t called Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament’s famous clock tower is not called Big Ben. It’s called Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the name of the bell inside it.

4. It’s illegal to wear armor in the Houses of Parliament

Wearing armor in the Houses of Parliament has been illegal since 1313. Although the law is outdated, anyone attempting to enter in armor would likely be stopped by the police.

Don’t try it, even for Instagram clout. You might have better luck visiting Westminster Abbey nearby instead.

5. During World War II, London hosted various European governments-in-exile

London hosted governments-in-exile during World War II. It was the governing capital for the following occupied European countries:

  • Poland
  • France
  • Belgium
  • Norway
  • The Netherlands
  • Greece
A bright view of the dome of Saint Paul's Cathedral can be seen in the background as people walk across the Millennium Bridge.

Views of St. Paul’s Cathedral are protected.

6. New buildings are not allowed to obstruct protected views of St. Paul’s Cathedral

Views of St. Paul’s Cathedral are protected under a scheme called St. Paul’s Heights, in place since the 1930s. New buildings cannot obstruct these views from eight designated “viewing corridors” around the city.

While some prefer more modern architecture like the Gherkin or the London Eye, this rule preserves the historic view of St. Paul’s. Personally, I think these elements all combine wonderfully as components of London’s skyline.

7. London is the world’s largest urban forest

London is technically the world’s largest urban forest. According to the United Nations, a forest is an area with over 20% tree coverage. London has 21% tree coverage.

While London may not always feel like a forest, you can experience more green spaces by visiting one of London’s eight Royal Parks.

Park Size (acres)
Richmond Park 2,360
Bushy Park 1,100
Regent’s Park 410
Hyde Park 350
Kensington Gardens 260
Greenwich Park 180
St James’s Park 57
Green Park 40
Deer graze in an open grassy area of Richmond park.

Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks and is a good place to see wild deer.

8. The London Underground was the world’s first underground railway

The London Underground was the first underground railway in the world. It opened in 1863 as the Metropolitan Railway, serving a total of eight stations. The network has continued to grow ever since.

Today the London Underground has 272 stations and sees a staggering 1.35 billion passengers each year, according to Travel for London.

Extra London Underground fact: More than half of the London Underground is actually above ground. To be exact, just 45% of the network is in tunnels.

9. The Royal flag tells you when the King is in residence

The Royal flag signals when the King is in residence at a Royal Palace. The flag, also known as the Royal Standard, can also be flown on any non-religious building during the King’s visit if requested by the owner. If you see the Union Jack at Buckingham Palace instead of the Royal Standard, the King is not there.

The Tower of London and the entrance to the Traitors' Gate can be seen from across the River Thames.

The Tower of London has a long and grisly history.

10. There are at least 13 ghosts haunting the Tower of London

The Tower of London is known to have at least 13 ghosts, tied to its dark history of imprisonment, torture, and executions. These fascinating stories make it one of London’s most haunted landmarks.

Key ghosts include:

  1. Guy Fawkes: Guy Fawkes was tortured in the Tower after his failed 1605 plot to kill James I. Some report hearing his screams.
  2. Anne Boleyn: Boleyn was beheaded for adultery, her headless ghost was seen leading a procession over 300 years later.
  3. Henry VI: Henry was murdered in 1471, his ghost appears in Wakefield Tower at midnight.
  4. A bear: A bear is said to guard the Crown Jewels or scare visitors near the Jewel House.
  5. Sir Walter Raleigh: Raleigh was imprisoned three times in the Tower, with his last stay ending in execution in 1603.
  6. Faceless young woman: This spirit was spotted by a Welsh Guardsman in 1957.
  7. Margaret Pole: Her painful execution in 1541 is echoed by her lingering scream.
  8. White apparition: This ghost was seen by Captain J.D. Dundas in 1864 at Anne Boleyn’s beheading site.
  9. Lady Jane Grey: She was executed after ruling for nine days in 1553, she still haunts the battlements.
  10. A monk: The monk ghost is identified only by the sound of his sandals on stone.
  11. Arbella Stuart: Stuart starved to death at the Tower, her ghost haunts the Queen’s House.
  12. The young princes: Edward V and Richard disappeared in 1483 as children. Their skeletal remains were found centuries later.
  13. Nameless thing: This entity follows Beefeaters, the guards of the Tower, and causes them to feel crushed near Henry VIII’s armor.
About the Author
Emma Juno Sparkes
Associate

Emma Juno Sparkes hails from the U.K. and holds a BA in Graphic Design Communications from University of the Arts London. Her passion for travel and cultural exchange flourished in South Korea, where she taught English for eight years before moving into media. Emma has written about travel and culture for a number of outlets including Morning Calm, The Korea Times and Seoul magazine. When she’s not at work you can find her exploring the streets of Seoul, searching for hidden gems and practicing photography.