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London's Strangest Tales: Extraordinary but true stories from over a thousand years of London's history
London’s Strangest Tales takes a walk on London’s weirder side with an absorbing collection of curious tales from one of the world’s greatest cities. This fascinating book is packed with amazing things you didn’t know about Britain’s capital, like the fact that it’s still forbidden to run, carry an umbrella or whistle in the Burlington Arcade, and the fat lamppost at the corner of Trafalgar Square that is secretly a tiny prison cell. And did you know that the entrance to Buckingham Palace you see from the Mall is actually the back door and not the front? The stories within these pages are bizarre, fascinating, hilarious and, most importantly, true. This brand new edition, redesigned in splendid hardback for 2018, is a brilliant alternative guide to the city, whether you’re a visitor, a daily commuter or one of its 8 million inhabitants.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 9, 2020
As the title suggests this book is meant to be about the strangest tales of London. Its not. Its just a history lesson, which I was not interested in. I thought I was going to be told some really odd and strange stuff, I wasn't. I don't recommend it unless you love your history, but, even then, it is very basic information.
July 9, 2015
For those that want to load up on London trivia, this book nicely provides for that desire. The stories are short and concise. They seldom span more than a couple of pages, which keeps the flow of information interesting and fresh. If any one of the stories starts to grow stale, the next story is only a moment away.
The short format also keeps the information succinct to the story’s subject. Aside from some overt criticism of redevelopment and modern architecture, each story focuses on its own subject. Tom Quinn exhibits discipline and modesty in his creation, which is easily received.
The only concerns I have are related to a couple of inaccuracies, which cast a slightly concerning shadow of doubt over the book. As I read through each tale, I would highlight personally interesting information which would then be added to a personal point-of-interest map that I am creating for a future visit to London. It was during this transfer process, where additional information was researched, that the inaccuracies came to light. In one case, a reported 16th century house (No. 49 Bankside) was actually built in the 18th century, and the second case reported that the dimensions of Lincoln’s Inn Field were equal to the base dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which they are not. While these inaccuracies are trivial, I tend to be a person that likes my trivia to be true.
The short format also keeps the information succinct to the story’s subject. Aside from some overt criticism of redevelopment and modern architecture, each story focuses on its own subject. Tom Quinn exhibits discipline and modesty in his creation, which is easily received.
The only concerns I have are related to a couple of inaccuracies, which cast a slightly concerning shadow of doubt over the book. As I read through each tale, I would highlight personally interesting information which would then be added to a personal point-of-interest map that I am creating for a future visit to London. It was during this transfer process, where additional information was researched, that the inaccuracies came to light. In one case, a reported 16th century house (No. 49 Bankside) was actually built in the 18th century, and the second case reported that the dimensions of Lincoln’s Inn Field were equal to the base dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which they are not. While these inaccuracies are trivial, I tend to be a person that likes my trivia to be true.
October 16, 2023
This was super entertaining!
September 13, 2016
I bought this book a couple of years ago at the Westminster Abbey gift shop, not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. The book is good and I definitely will take it with me when I go to London again to find new places. It explains everything from the phrase "Robbing Peter to pay Paul," a empty shell row house to cover an underground tunnel (between livable homes) and how the Dutch get a pass from paying tariffs because they continued to ship through the plague (a long promise). My favorite bit is the story behind Grosvenor Square and the American embassy (something to do with one of Prince George's Godfathers). FYI Lawyers have A LOT of sway in this town.
May 28, 2013
Over a hundred one and two page true stories about London. One or two I had heard before but that did not detract from the overall enjoyment. One thing it has given me is a list of places to check out next time I am there.
March 10, 2022
I really enjoyed most of these short stories; brought back when I visited London. Now I wish I'd done more there!
May 10, 2016
What an entertaining and compulsively readable collection of stories this is! As I read I felt like I was going on one of the London walks, guided by a humorous and knowledgable raconteur. Tom Quinn recounts these tales in a lively style - very engaging and often funny. I had my London A-Z and my underground map open before me as I read the stories. I loved it when the author opened a tale with, "In the usual eccentric way things get done in London..." As someone born and brought up in south London, who has also, in the past, lived in central London for 8 years, I feel this may be a very important element of London's appeal for me - and, of course, the millions of visitors it attracts each year. I have now noted down a number of new destinations, including the Cheshire Cheese pub in Wine Office Court off Fleet Street; the statue of Elizabeth I outside St Dunstan's Church in Fleet St; Kensal Green Cemetery; and Crosby Hall near Cheyne Walk in Chelsea. To be recommended for anyone who has ever wondered about any of the multifarious oddities to be found in this great city.
August 15, 2012
This book was an interesting read. Many of the stories I had heard about but there were some new stories. I liked the chronological organisation as this give structure to the book.
However in my opinion this book had two major flaws:
- There were a number of occasions where they author gave his own political viewpoint; this in my opinion distracted from the content of the book.
- This book was superficial; although very readable I found after reading the articles I wanted more. The book could have gone into more depth; I doubt there was little (if anything) in this book that could not be found in wikipedia entries.
However in my opinion this book had two major flaws:
- There were a number of occasions where they author gave his own political viewpoint; this in my opinion distracted from the content of the book.
- This book was superficial; although very readable I found after reading the articles I wanted more. The book could have gone into more depth; I doubt there was little (if anything) in this book that could not be found in wikipedia entries.
April 9, 2013
A good idea with some interesting stories ruined by an appalling standard of writing and grammar; sentences not finished, subjects and names repeated in the same sentence etc. Some of the "facts" are also subject to question (even given my limited knowledge of London history). Overall a pleasant enough book to dip into, however with a bit of editing, proof reading and care when researching it could have been so much better.
March 22, 2013
An alternative history of London from 950 to the present day with true but weird short snippets of facts about people, places, buildings and bizarre ceremonies and laws that are still strictly speaking, in force. There a number of places that are mentioned in the book that I would like to check out next time I'm down there - the book also works as a kind of alternative guidebook.
July 16, 2014
This is a very nice collection of tales full of humour and fun historical information. If you have ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes in history, this would be a perfect book to choose.
This book is not extremely lengthy, but moves progressively forward to the future from the distant past, recounting some of the most hair-raising and comical events in local history.
What I liked about this book more than anything, was the voice of the narrator. Rather than a stiff, formal approach, the book felt very conversational and easy going. There were multiple parts that made me laugh.
If you like learning about history and want to have a few smiles along the way, this is an excellent choice.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book is not extremely lengthy, but moves progressively forward to the future from the distant past, recounting some of the most hair-raising and comical events in local history.
What I liked about this book more than anything, was the voice of the narrator. Rather than a stiff, formal approach, the book felt very conversational and easy going. There were multiple parts that made me laugh.
If you like learning about history and want to have a few smiles along the way, this is an excellent choice.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2011
Like The London Omnibus, this book is probably intended to be read in batches but I thoroughly enjoyed it cover to cover and with entries like this:
"In medieval London too, Sex was far more acceptable in a public context than it is now - any one who looks at a map produced before 1450 will see several street names that wouldn't be allowed today. Take Fetter Lane, which still exists [though there are sadly no publishers there now] - in 1450 it meant the street of the dirty beggars. But the most extraordinary street of all was a small lane that ran north from Cheapside. It was called Gropecunt Lane for the simple reason that it was a famous haunt of prostitutes.
One can see why. Thanks Katie!
"In medieval London too, Sex was far more acceptable in a public context than it is now - any one who looks at a map produced before 1450 will see several street names that wouldn't be allowed today. Take Fetter Lane, which still exists [though there are sadly no publishers there now] - in 1450 it meant the street of the dirty beggars. But the most extraordinary street of all was a small lane that ran north from Cheapside. It was called Gropecunt Lane for the simple reason that it was a famous haunt of prostitutes.
One can see why. Thanks Katie!
May 19, 2013
London has a fascinating past, and this book compiles lots of bizarre facts stretching back about 1,000 years. The book tells of how the English often have some bizarre customs, and explains how they came into being in the first place.
Many of the stories are also about colourful characters who existed in London many years ago, and it seems like there were a lot of them - this includes a man who had a cart drawn by zebras and people who were hired as "human toilets" in medieval times (this is nothing like as gross as it sounds).
Overall, I liked the fact that the writer, Tom Quinn, had done a lot of research into obscure historical facts, and much of what I read in this book made me smile a lot as I read it.
Many of the stories are also about colourful characters who existed in London many years ago, and it seems like there were a lot of them - this includes a man who had a cart drawn by zebras and people who were hired as "human toilets" in medieval times (this is nothing like as gross as it sounds).
Overall, I liked the fact that the writer, Tom Quinn, had done a lot of research into obscure historical facts, and much of what I read in this book made me smile a lot as I read it.
March 20, 2011
This is a great occasional 'pick up and read a few shorts' type of book that clearly demonstrates that English eccentricity has not been diluted over the centuries. In fact, Londoners especially seems to thrive on their own eccentricities. You get to hear true tales about everything from royalty's humourous perspectives down to the poorest of the poor's amazing ability to get a penny in their pocket. Scattered throughout the book are several 'must see' places in London from entirely a different viewpoint than what the guidebooks will tell you!
August 18, 2017
Interesting and often funny read.
This book must haven taken many hours of research to write. It is full of historical facts and idiosyncrasies of London and Londoners. Thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the distant and not so distant past of my home town.
A must read for any Londoner who is interested in their city's history.
This book must haven taken many hours of research to write. It is full of historical facts and idiosyncrasies of London and Londoners. Thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the distant and not so distant past of my home town.
A must read for any Londoner who is interested in their city's history.
June 24, 2016
For the most part a fun book, packed full of trivia and facts for London and its habitants, in order of date. The first two thirds of the book are very good, but I got the impression by the last third that there was far less to pick from in later years and my interest began waning.
On balance though, a solid 3.5
On balance though, a solid 3.5
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August 16, 2024I have loved to learn all those nits and pieces about London. So many stories you can't find in regular history books. Funny and witty, it makes me look around me diferently now when I wander around the London streets.
January 17, 2016
I've been using this as my guide for things to do on lazy days -- I open up the book, pinpoint a couple of places, and take off to find them! Well written and enjoyable, easy to read in snippets, and handy to have as a guide if you enjoy knowing the quirky history of London sites.
July 1, 2016
The stories might have been good if the author hadn't gone off on tangents and off topic. There was also a lack of understanding of how to write a sentence. Sentences should not be 150 words (one sentence was literally 150 words with no punctuation).
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December 24, 2008This is one of our current "toilet books".
October 27, 2010
bilmediğim ve okudukça çok şaşırdığım bir sürü ayrıntı öğrendim. bir dahaki londra gezimde görülecek çok yer çıktı :)
August 29, 2011
Quite interesting book :)
March 30, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, it contains lots of short interesting funny and TRUE stories about London history and customs of the past.
June 27, 2012
really fun and interesting book full of unique pieces of London's history.
July 26, 2012
A book every Londoner should read.
February 9, 2013
Simply awesome.
I now have a great list of odd places in London that I need to visit.
I now have a great list of odd places in London that I need to visit.
August 21, 2013
Lots of interesting facts, but as some others have mentioned, some grammatical and editing issues. Many things I want to look out for on my next trip to London, though!
November 5, 2014
I think I can't give this book any more chances. It bores me to death.
December 5, 2013
There were some really interesting stories in here, but I found the standard of writing to be quite poor.
May 7, 2015
A wonderful, light book filled with small, bit-sized, fascinating stories. Do read it before you go to London. I wish I had!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews