Beauties of London Literary Tour

Notting Hill is a metropolitan London neighborhood filled with rich culture and history. Located in the wealthy western borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Notting Hill is just minutes away from the luxury of Kensington Palace and gardens. Understanding the history of the neighborhood can aid readers in better understanding Amy Levy’s The Romance of A Shop.

In the early 1800s, the area was mostly run down rural farmland and had yet to become residential. The area held pottery works and pig farms, and was therefore known as both “the potteries” and “the piggeries.”  Due…

Bond Street is an iconic location in the heart of London that established its presence in the city during the early 1700s. According to “Visit London, “Since its foundation in 1700, Bond Street has been a playground for society’s wealthiest, most stylish and influential people'' (Visit London, 2024). People from all around gather on Bond Street to splurge on items they value and shop through famous designer brands that are not accessible just anywhere. Although it has undergone many restorations, renovations, and changes as time has passed, the main purpose of Bond Street has remained…

The beauties of London are innumerable and express both the depth and meaning of London’s history. Westminster Bridge overlooks some of the most recognizable landmarks of England, some of them being Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Anyone who has been to Westminster Abbey is a testament to William Wadsworth’s idea that this site provides a religious experience to its viewer. The sonnet dedicated to Westminster Bridge provides conviction to the soul and invokes a sense of awe in the reader.

This bridge was constructed between 1738 and 1750 and crosses over the river Thames. The House…

Kensington Gardens is one of the Royal Parks of London, located in the West End of the city. It was developed under Queen Anne and designed by Henry Wise and Charles Bridgeman around the early 18th century (“Kensington Gardens”). The gardens started as a "King's playground," acting solely as a royal-only hunting ground until the area was turned into a garden space by William III and Mary II in 1689. Today, Kensington Gardens features a Round Pond, a beautiful sunken Dutch garden, an Italian Garden, and many more gorgeous attractions. Kensington Gardens was opened to the…