The city of London’s history is one that offers a lot of charm and beauty, much of it to be seen in the cultural and creative side of the city. However, it’s also a city that hides a lot of dark, deep, and complex histories. For those that enjoy a walk on the macabre side, or simply to see the sides of history often hidden from plain view, here are some of the spots you’ll most certainly want to see.
The Tower of London
No journey into the darker side of the city is complete without a visit to the Tower of London, an imposing fortress steeped in centuries of royal history and bloody intrigue. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. Nowadays, you can tour the Tower with ease, visiting its famous ravens, the host of historical weapons and armour at the White Tower, and more.
Highgate Cemetary
Another of London’s most famously gloomy spots, Highgate Cemetary is a place of rest developed in the Victorian age, specifically designated for the elites of the city. The architecture here is astonishingly gorgeous, its Gothic mausoleums, overgrown tombs, and imposing headstones create a somber beauty. This befits the place that houses a lot of famous names, perhaps none more recognizable than Karl Marx.
The prowling grounds of Jack the Ripper
One of the most famous murderers of all time, Jack the Ripper, was thought to have worked exclusively in London and, nowadays, the locales he was active in are a tourist attraction. Your mileage may vary, as some people can find it a little too intense given the real nature of his crimes, but those with a strong stomach can learn a lot about the history of the city in Jack’s time, as well as the public panic that arose from his crimes.
The Ghost Stories of London
While many of the places named offer some of the more famous looks at the shadowy history of the capital city, there are stories that not so many get to hear, as well. Attractions like the Ghost Tour of London explore some of the sights more commonly thought to be haunted. This includes alleyways and passageways that would have been known to people like Charles Dickens in the city’s most desperate times, as well as a silent churchyard, each location complete with the lore behind its haunted reputation, delivered expertly.
The Old Operating Theatre
The Old Operating Theatre Museum offers a look into the grisly world of 19th-century surgical and medical practices. Located in the attic of an old church, this hidden gem features a restored operating theatre where surgeons once performed gruesome procedures without the benefit of anesthesia or antiseptic. Visitors can marvel at the primitive instruments and macabre artifacts on display, including bone saws, bloodletting tools, and jars filled with pickled specimens.
Appreciating the macabre side of London isn’t for everyone but, for those who appreciate it, there is certainly a lot to see.
