The History of the Windows of London
London's windows aren't just an architectural feature, but they also provide a glimpse into the city's history. From towering skyscrapers to charming Georgian townhouses the windows of London have an interesting story to tell.
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The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London is one of the most devastating catastrophes Britain has ever faced. The fire began as sparks in a baker's oven and quickly spread to leaving thousands of people homeless. The blaze was so intense that it lasted for days and its effects can still be observed today.
The initial reaction of the majority of people was to flee the fire as quickly as they could. The people collected what they could and fled from the windows. The ones without windows fled the streets, or tried to escape on a boat down the River Thames. Samuel Pepys, a diarist wrote many of these stories.
Pepys' eyewitness account of the fire is a significant historical record. The city authorities were quick to tear down buildings in order to create a firebreak, but flames frequently swept them away.
Those who were trapped in their homes frequently fled to the roofs, and others jumped into River Thames to escape the burning city. Eventually the conflagration slowed down and on the 6th of September the fire was brought under control.
St Paul's Cathedral wasn't completed until 1711, almost 50 years after the fire. The fire caused immense destruction to homes and buildings as well as 87 churches and 52 livery halls were destroyed. Numerous other buildings were destroyed including the Guildhall and courts and the entire city infrastructure was ripped apart.
Some blamed foreigners, despite the fact that the Great Fire was mostly started by accident. A lot of Londoners were wary of foreigners and the tension of war that was raging with Holland meant that there was an extra level of xenophobia that was added to the mix.
There are a lot of unusual windows in London however, none are as fascinating as the East window of St Ethelburga on Bishopsgate. This window is a bit meta, since it's constructed from the fragments of other stained glass windows in the church. It's not difficult to imagine that the church was once full of windows like this, but a few were obstructed by centuries-old technology.
The Gherkin
The Gherkin is one of the most distinctive features on the London skyline. Located in the City of London, the Gherkin is home to restaurants and offices. It has a unique shape that gives it its name and is a crucial part of the city's history. The building is also famous for its ventilation and use of natural light. The gaps between the windows allow the air to circulate throughout the building, which reduces the requirement for air cooling. The building also has sparked an interest in sustainable architecture.
The building was designed by Norman Foster, and it was inaugurated in 2004. It is located in 30 St Mary Axe and is one of the most well-known buildings in the city. It was designed to be a landmark building, and it is home to an eatery and bar. The restaurant has stunning views of London's City. It is a popular spot for tourists.
Highly recommended Site is a popular choice for wedding receptions, and has also been featured in many movies and TV shows. The Gherkin has also become an increasingly popular tourist destination and a symbol of London’s modern architecture.
As the construction of the building was underway there were many questions regarding the building's construction. Many were concerned about the impact on the flow of air traffic at Heathrow Airport. Others were worried that it would interfere with their view of St Paul's Cathedral. The original design for the tower was scaled down and the Gherkin was completed in 2003.
The window shows the Tyburn scaffold and John Houghton Prior of Charterhouse and two other Carthusian Monks. The window also depicts the execution of three more Carthusian Monks in 1535. The window was created by Charles Blakeman in 1964, and was donated to the church in 2000.
The Gherkin is open to the public for special occasions, like Open House London. During these special events, visitors are able to view the interior of the building. The Gherkin is on a variety of walking tours, including the City of London Tour and Skyscrapers and Sculpture Walk.
The Houses of Parliament
After the Great Fire of London the lawmakers decided to build a new house for themselves. They held a contest to choose a design. The architects were asked to submit suggestions for a building with either Gothic or Elizabethan style.
The resulting building resembles a fortress, with heavy ecclesiastical furnishings as well as chilly colonnades. Some critics claim that the building symbolizes Britain's "very masculine, power-hungry aggressive democracy" and also that it has an overwhelmingly masculine, patriarchal character. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Houses of Parliament is its windows.
More than 200 stained-glass windows are located in the Houses Parliament. A lot of them are breathtaking. The windows show the history of the building, starting from its first days as a palace to its present-day shape.
Sash windows have been a feature of London architecture since the 17th century. They are made up of a frame which holds the panels, also known as 'sashes', that move vertically to open and close. They are a striking aspect of the buildings in the city, from grand Victorian houses to quaint Georgian townhouses.
Many of these windows portray famous people from British history, and you can often spot them in the windows of shops and restaurants. The window in St Mary Le Bow, Cheapside, depicts the rebuilding of 52 churches by Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London. Another notable window is the one in St Nicholas Cole Abbey on Queen Victoria Street. Keith New designed it and depicts churches across the globe in contrast, including igloos as well as domes.
Sash windows are not just beautiful however, they also serve a very important purpose. They are a source of air circulation and windows can be opened to let fresh air flow in. This is crucial in a city with a lot of traffic. London's architectural legacy is appreciated by the windows and their care is an integral part of its legacy.
The London Eye
The famous landmark, also referred to as the London Eye and located on the South Bank, offers panoramic views of the entire city. It has been a favored tourist attraction since it was opened during the Millennium in 2000, and is the UK's most popular paid visitor attraction. It is one of the highest observation wheels in the world, and has appeared in popular culture.
Originally named the Millennium Wheel, this wheel was designed by couple David Marks & Julia Barfield from Marks Barfield Architects. The wheel took seven years to design and build and was officially opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999. It is the highest-altitude cantilevered observation wheel in Europe and has 32 capsules which represent the boroughs of London. Number 13 is not included since it is thought to be lucky.
In recent times, the London Eye has become a major tourist attraction for both tourists and locals. It is a stunning view and a variety of photographic opportunities. The most challenging thing for photographers is to avoid reflections on the glass walls of the pods. There are lens hoods for both phones and cameras that can be used to get rid of this issue.
The London Eye is open all year long The London Eye is open all year round, with the exception of New Years Day and Christmas Eve. To ensure that the attraction is open, visitors must book their tickets in advance. There are numerous ticket options such as Fast Track as well as special packages, such as a Champagne Experience. Guests can also reserve seats in specific pods for events.
London Eye has not reported any security concerns despite the fears of many people after the Westminster attack. The wheel may close in extreme weather or high winds, however it is safe to ride. Visitors should be sure to check the website for updates before their trip.