London's Square Mile

The City of London has been the country’s main financial hub ever since the days of the Roman Empire.

London Focus

lthough there are less than 10,000 residents in the area contained between Holborn, Tower Bridge, Clerkenwell and the river Thames (which roughly equates to a “Square Mile”), over 300,000 people work here, making it one of London’s most densely populated places throughout the week. Visit at the weekend however, and it’s akin to a ghost town.

St Paul’s Cathedral to the Lord Mayor’s House
Let’s begin at St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most famous – and recognisable - landmarks and architect Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. This gothic church was the tallest building in the capital until the mid-20th century; if you’re feeling energetic climb the 270 steps to the top for fantastic views. The Whispering Gallery is so called because even the faintest sound (and whisper) can be heard reverberating up to 100 feet away.

From here head east along Cheapside. The name comes from “cheap”, the old English word for market, but while there is no street market here today, there is an indoor shopping mall called One New Change on the road of the same name, with branches of Reiss, Topshop, H&M and a number of restaurants. Carry on down Cheapside and take a right down Walbrook to see Mansion House, the home of the Lord Mayor of London, not to be confused with the Mayor of London (more on that here). Built in 1753, the building has conference rooms like the Egyptian Hall, a palatial room with marble statues and stained glass that has little to do with Egypt. Guided tours are available.
\n\nBank of England to Tower Bridge
Continue walking down Cheapside till you reach the junction with Threadneedle Street; the Bank of England, in all its splendid neo-classical glory is located here. The Bank of England Museum is open to the public, detailing the history of the bank since it opened in 1694 till the present day.

On the other side of Threadneedle Street you’ll find the Royal Exchange, another grand building that housed the capital’s first stock exchange. Now it’s home to upmarket stores like Bulgari and Hermès. Although originally opened in 1571, it was destroyed by fire twice and the current building dates back to 1844.

Walk down Gracechurch till you reach the Monument on Fish Street Hill, a doric column dedicated to the Great Fire of London. Designed by Christopher Wren, it was finished in 1677, just 11 years after the fire that devastated the city. It’s worth climbing the 300 or so steps to the top for the scenery, bearing in mind that this was once a popular suicide spot.

Once you’ve had your fill of gazing over City rooftops, walk along Eastcheap in the direction of the Tower of London. This medieval construction served as a prison and fortress for many centuries; Anne Boleyn was beheaded here, and in more recent times the Kray twins were among the Tower’s last detainees. Tower Bridge, one of the city’s most spectacular bridges is just moments away from here. The central section lifts up to allow ships to pass through, and it’s also home to the Crown Jewels. An exhibition shows how the bridge was built.

Skyscrapers and the Barbican
Back on Gracechurch, head north towards Liverpool Street. The Lloyd’s Building on Lime Street has been nicknamed the “inside out” building, as the lifts and staircases are on the exterior, allowing for more space inside. Although it was constructed in 1986 it still stands out as one of the area’s most futuristic constructions. Even more sci-fi looking is 30 St. Mary Axe, better known as the Gherkin. Norman Foster’s creation is covered in 24,000 square metres of glass, which makes it glisten in the sunlight and reduces the need for artificial heating. Over on the other side of Bishopsgate is Tower 42, originally built for the international headquarters of NatWest bank. It was the tallest building in the City till the Heron Tower was finished in 2009.
\n\nWhile you’re on Bishopsgate, London Wall is to the west, so-called because this was once the wall that contained the entire city of London. For shopping there’s a cheap clothing and household goods market on Petticoat Lane, or more upmarket fashion stores in Old Spitalfields Market. The Museum of London is at the end of London Wall; with a comprehensive history of all the major events to have occurred in the capital, including the Great Fire of 1666 and the Black Death.

Walk up Aldersgate till you get to the Barbican, an arts complex that is loved and hated in
equal measure for its brutalist architecture. The centre hosts concerts, dance, theatre, film screenings and exhibitions.


Smithfield to Fleet Street
Turn onto Charterhouse Street and you’ll come to Smithfield, a meat market that has existed for more than 800 years. Although primarily a wholesale market, individuals can buy products too, and there is everything from wagyu beef to animal carcasses.

You’re now almost in Holborn, the city’s legal hub. The Royal Courts of Justice has an impressive building that’s open to the public, and you can also attend trials. The Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, is open too but you won’t be able to sit it on the most high profile cases, i.e. if celebrities are involved.

Once upon a time Fleet Street was where all the major newspapers were located, but they’ve since moved on to cheaper premises. One place of interest that remains is - Dr. Johnson’s House, once home to Samuel Johnson, of “tired of London, tired of life” fame. But with so much to see and do, the only form of tiredness you should be experiencing are weary legs.

Previous Feature

David Bailey changed the face of British fashion photography, and made the capital cool in the process.

Next Feature

Despite talk of the numbers of girls joining gangs being on the rise, it’s nothing new. We take a look at the all-female gangs from the 18th century onwards.