Katie Wignall – författare

A refreshing guide to discovering the hidden details of London with 10 fully guided walking routes from London's leading tour guide Look Up London. Have you ever noticed London's tiniest public sculpture? Or wondered why there are strange cone-shaped structures on the fanciest historic homes? Did you know that the Tower of London used to be a zoo, or about the now defunct London railway that transported over 200,000 people to their final resting place? These are just some of the fascinating details that Blue Badge Tourist guide Katie Wignall reveals in this absorbing guide to the secrets of London hidden in plain sight. Take a journey through London's rich past with these 10 fully guided walking routes and discover a whole world of incredible history hiding above your eye-line, just waiting to be spotted. From the saucy scandals of Covent Garden to stories of power and intrigue from the City, atmospheric pubs to hidden Roman remains, London is a city bursting with captivating stories which are etched into its very architecture. So, Look Up and discover a London you have never seen before.

Only in London explores the extraordinary history, people, landmarks and hidden details that make the capital one of the world’s most fascinating cities.From its origins as Roman Londinium to the buzzing metropolis of today, readers uncover London’s story through timelines, maps and vivid illustrations. Along the way, they’ll discover iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, alongside the city’s ever-changing skyline of domes, spires and modern skyscrapers.The book ventures beneath the streets to explore the London Underground, uncovering how the world’s oldest metro was built and used – from steam trains and design breakthroughs to sheltering Londoners during the Blitz. Above ground, readers follow the River Thames, learning how its bridges, tides, mudlarkers and flood defences shaped the city.Curiosity is encouraged at every turn, with spreads on hidden rivers flowing under the streets, mysterious symbols and royal cyphers carved into buildings, curious street names, historic hanging signs and coats of arms. Walking tours guide readers through key moments in London’s past, including the Great Fire of London and the lasting impact of the Second World War.Nature lovers will discover London’s surprisingly green side, from royal parks and ancient woodlands to urban wildlife, plane trees, pelicans and peregrine falcons. The book also celebrates art, sculpture, museums, engineering marvels and the emergency services that keep the city running.The journey finishes with a vibrant collection of London’s changemakers — writers, activists, musicians, designers and thinkers who helped shape the city and its culture.Rich in facts, stories and visual detail, Only in London invites young readers to look closer, ask questions and see the capital in a whole new way.