Secret London: Exploring the Hidden City, with Original Walks and Unusual Places to Visit

by Andrew Duncan

In more than 20 miles of original walks, distinguished historian Andrew Duncan uncovers London’s best-kept secrets. From ancient waterways and the vast network of tunnels that weave their way beneath the city’s streets to easily missed courtyards and gardens—each walk is full of surprises.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, London

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt that after reading through this book, perhaps these places were forgotten for a reason.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book but this edition was a bit "dated" on some points :)

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look, albeit now dated, at some of the lesser known places in London. What I enjoyed, were the detailed walks, in particular the gentlemen’s clubs, city, and the hidden courtyards, alleyways and passages around St James. Definitely all marked up for doing in the future. My edition was published in 1995, and it was strange to read the then current references to Princess Diana, and ‘in between the charity shop and Our Price records’. A little internet research would be advised before undertaking a visit or a walk in case things have changed.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have walked everything in this book now and thoroughly enjoyed finding new parts of this unique city. It has taken us some time to follow all the routes set out but the ones which follow the historic courses of hidden rivers are fascinating.

I worked in the City for 22 years, commuting in every day and yet (like so many of my fellow commuters) didn't know it that well outside the areas I had worked in. I now know it much better as a result of this book.

It is a book to come back to.... an active book, rather than a passive read. Well worth getting a copy and trying some of the walks.

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Title: Check for newer secrets

After I read this loaner from my London neighbor who has been a great source of information about her home, I wondered if there was a newer edition since this one is now 20 years old and in fast changing London could be dangerously out of date for a walking tour. And sure enough just in June 2015 a new updated edition was published, which is good because the material in Secret London is worth updating.

The material covers a broad range here, from hidden history and architecture to politics and landscape. In fact the landscape is the longest and perhaps most interesting section of the book with several detailed walks highlighting the hills and river valleys leading into the Thames. Even though all of these streams are now tamed in subterranean channels, their surface impact still shows up in street names and layouts. Duncan's walks are laid out to give the walker an understanding that what may appear a landscape flattened by centuries of urban rebuilding is in fact still shaped by the land itself.

While he devotes one chapter to the underground city, it is very short and doesn't suggest any walking or riding routes. There are other guides to underground London that would give better coverage. And based on my tour with my neighbor Jeanne just a week or so ago through the area, his walks through the square mile City of London, while interesting, need updating because of the massive amounts of construction under way in the area.

But the updated version should be worth picking up and taking along in your bag. For example he includes Postman's Park, a quiet memorial to everyday heroes, most from more than a century ago, that most tourists won't find. And his tour of club London hits some hidden spots I want to try out for myself.

[James Cridland · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a warning - things change in London. Don't expect to find everything that you read about in this book - or, at least, don't believe the maps! I went to see a fascinating secret crypt, which is in the middle of the City: not "the only new building in the area" (as the book says) but actually in the middle of a whole load of new buildings that have sprung up since the book was written. But still. A fascinating book, a lot of information (though rarely in quite the detail you'd like), and well worth a read.

[Gianni · Rating 4 out of 5]

London is a city that you can visit a thousand times and still want to go back for more. This book is an insightful guide to places and things to see that you won't find on the standard guide books. Many maps and step-by-step itineraries, photos and addresses where to find more information. Each walk tells you length, places to see, pubs an noteworthy sites, secret information and lots of historical trivia. You will feel to urge to go on the net and book a flight as soon as you finish this book. You've been warned :-)

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of neat details, especially for people interested in the history and functional underpinnings of London. I recommend consulting the latest edition and ideally a current London resident before undertaking any of the walking tours (particularly as some use businesses which may no longer be there as landmarks), but this is a very interesting and potentially useful book, with many interesting historical titbits.

[Ian Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating insights into lesser known features of London, giving some interesting walks and mini tours.

[Carlos Vallarino]

Interesting book showing quadrants and places of London you would only see in Patricia Routledge's show when she goes to put "dad" in harness.

[Noémi · Rating 3 out of 5]

it had good places, but mostly boring things...I know i visited most of them