The History of the Windows of London
London's windows are not only a feature of its architecture however, they also provide a glimpse into the city's history. From the soaring towers to the quaint Georgian townhouses, the city's windows have a story to tell.
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The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was one of the most devastating natural disasters Britain has ever seen. The fire began as a spark in a baker’s oven and quickly spread, leaving thousands homeless. The blaze was so intense that it lasted for several days, and its effects can be seen today.
The initial reaction of most people was to get away from the flames as fast as possible. They took whatever possessions they could carry and ran out of the windows of their homes. People without windows ran through the streets, or tried to escape by boat down the River Thames. Samuel Pepys, a diarist wrote many of these stories.
Pepys was able to record the ravages of the fire, and his personal account is now a significant historical document. The city authorities were quick to tear down buildings in order to create an escape route, but the fires often swept over them.
The people who were trapped in their homes were often forced to flee to the rooftops, and others jumped into the River Thames to escape the burning city. Eventually the conflagration slowed down, and on September 6 the fire was brought under control.
It took more than 50 years to rebuild city's destroyed areas, and St Paul's Cathedral was not completed until 1711. The damage caused by the fire was enormous 13200 homes were destroyed, as well as 87 churches and 52 halls of the livery company. Read the Full Report , the Guildhall and other structures were also destroyed, as was the entire city infrastructure.
Some blamed foreigners, even though the Great Fire was mostly started through accident. Londoners were suspicious of foreigners and the tension of the ongoing war with Holland added an extra layer of xenophobia.
There are a lot of unusual windows in London however, none are as fascinating as the East window of St Ethelburga on Bishopsgate. The window is somewhat meta, as it's made from fragments of other stained glass windows within the church. It's easy to imagine that the church once had a number of windows like this. However, a few of them were blocked up many centuries ago.
The Gherkin
The Gherkin is a prominent feature of the London skyline. The building, which is situated in the City of London is home to offices and restaurants. It has a distinctive design that gives its name, and it is an important part of the city's past. The building is also renowned for its use of natural light and air circulation. The gaps between the windows let air circulate throughout the building, reducing the requirement for air conditioning. The building has also stimulated interest in sustainable architecture.
The building was designed and inaugurated by Norman Foster in 2004. It is located at 30 St Mary Axe, and it is among the most popular buildings in the City. It was designed to be a landmark building and houses the restaurant and bar. The restaurant has stunning views of London's City. It is a popular destination for visitors.
It has been featured in a variety of TV and film productions. The Gherkin is also a well-known tourist attraction and has become a symbol for London's modern architecture.
When the building was being constructed, there were many concerns about the construction. Many were concerned about the impact on air traffic at Heathrow Airport. Others were worried it could block their view to St Paul's Cathedral. The original design for the tower was scaled down and the Gherkin opened in 2003.
The window depicts the Tyburn scaffold and shows John Houghton, Prior of Charterhouse, as well as two other Carthusian monks. It also depicts the execution of three other Carthusian monks in 1535. The window was designed by Charles Blakeman in 1964, and was donated to the church in 2000.
The Gherkin is accessible to the public during special occasions, like Open House London. At these special events, visitors are able to look inside the building. The Gherkin is on various walking tours such as the City of London Tour and Skyscrapers and Sculpture Walk.
The Houses of Parliament
In the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, parliamentarians decided to build their own home. To pick a style, they held a competition in which architects were asked to submit ideas for a building that could be in one of two styles: Gothic or Elizabethan.
The resulting structure is reminiscent of a fortress with a heavy ecclesiastical furniture as well as cold colonnades. Critics argue that it is an ode to Britain's "very aggressive and very masculine power-hungry democracy" and that it has a distinctively masculine, patriarchal character. The Houses of Parliament's windows are perhaps its most striking feature.
Inside the Houses of Parliament there are more than 200 stained glass windows, many of them stunning. The windows represent the different stages of the building's development beginning with its first use as a palace, to the present day structure.
Sash windows are a traditional design element of London's architecture and have been in use since the 17th century. They consist of a frame that holds movable panels, known as sashes, which slide vertically to open and close. They are a striking feature of the buildings in the city, ranging from grand Victorian houses to quaint Georgian townhouses.
You can find many of these windows in windows of shops and restaurants. For example the window in St Mary Le Bow on Cheapside depicts a window depicting the reconstruction of 52 city churches by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. Another notable window is the one in St Nicholas Cole Abbey on Queen Victoria Street. It was created by Keith New and depicts churches all over the world that are in contrast with each other such as domes and Igloos.
In addition to their aesthetic beauty Sash windows also play an important functional role to play. They are a source of ventilation and windows can be opened up to allow fresh air to circulate. This is especially important in the hustle and bustle of the city. The windows are also a cherished part of London's architectural heritage and their preservation is a vital part of the city's heritage.
The London Eye
Many refer to it as the London Eye, this famous landmark is situated on South Bank of the River Thames, and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Since its opening in 2000 for the Millennium The London Eye has been a popular tourist destination. It is the most expensive visitor attraction. It is also one of the highest observation wheels, and has made appearances in popular media.
Originally named the Millennium Wheel, this wheel was created by couple David Marks & Julia Barfield from Marks Barfield Architects. The wheel was created and constructed over seven years and inaugurated by Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on December 31, 1999. The wheel is the highest cantilevered wheel in Europe and includes 32 capsules representing the London boroughs. Number 13 is not included since it is thought to be lucky.
In recent years the London Eye has become a major tourist attraction for both tourists and locals. Aside from the spectacular views, it also provides numerous photo opportunities. The biggest challenge for photographers is to stay clear of reflections on the glass walls of the pods. There are lens hoods available for both cameras and phones that can be used to eliminate this issue.
The London Eye is open to the public year-round, except on New Years Day and Christmas Eve. Guests should book in advance to ensure availability. There are many different ticket options such as Fast Track as well as special packages, such as champagne experience. Champagne Experience. Customers can also reserve seats in specific pods for events.
Despite the concerns of some people after the Westminster attack There have been no reports of security issues at the London Eye. It is also safe to ride in bad conditions, but the wheel may close in the event of high winds or severe weather conditions. Visitors should check the website for updates before their trip.