Gordon's Wine Bar in Villiers Street, was opened in 1890 by Angus Stafford Gordon. As a 'Free Vintner' - a member of the Vintners' livery company - he was able to do so without obtaining an alcohol licence. In 1974 the business was purchased by Luis Gordon (no relation).

Ludgate was one of th earliest of the Roman gates into London. Yet for centuries the belief was that it was created by the mythical Lud, King of Britain. Read here about Ludgate

Generate videos in just a few seconds. Try Grok Imagine, free for a limited time.

Over 100,000 views! Thanks to everyone who has watched the London history videos on my YouTube channel. If you haven’t checked out the channel, you can find it here.

Today in 1647 the New Model Army occupied London following Parliament's decision to have it disbanded. Read here about London and Parliament following the defeat and imprisonment of Charles I

Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge at Chingford, on the edge of Epping Forest, was built in 1543 as a hunt viewing platform for Henry VIII. He died just four years later so he may not have actually visited. Neither is there actually any evidence that Queen Elizabeth ever visited.

The Elizabethan/Stuart-period dramatist Ben Jonson died today in 1637 (generally accepted, although exact date in August disputed by some). Read here about his eventful life

The Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association was founded in 1859 to provide Londoners with clean drinking water. Their first fountain was this one in the railings of St. Sepulchre church at Holborn Viaduct. It is said that it was used by up to 7,000 people each day.

The East India Docks opened today at Blackwall in East London in 1806 for ships bringing tea, spices, silk and other goods from the Far East. Read the history of the East India Docks here

Did you know there are still around 1,300 working gas lamps in London? An increasing number are historically-listed structures, with some lamp-posts now 200 years old. Discover the history of London’s gas lamps and where you can find them in my new video

Artillery Passage at Spitalfields sits on what during the Middle Ages was the St. Mary Spital infirmary. When closed by Henry VIII the area was used for target practice, known as the Artillery Ground, but sold for redevelopment in the late 17thC.

Today in 1703 writer Daniel Defoe spent the first of three days in the pillory. Read his remarkable life story as a writer, businessman and spy here

Trellick Tower in North Kensington was designed as social housing for the Greater London Council by the hungarian-born Erno Goldfinger (whom the Bond baddie is named after). When completed in 1972 it was the tallest residential building in Europe.

William Wilberforce died today in 1833. He was a leading member of a group of associates who for years fought against slavery, later becoming known as the 'Clapham Sect'. Read here about the Clapham Sect

The 17thC merchant Christopher Merrick left land to Trinity House, the organisation then reponsible for piloting and maritime safety on the Thames. In the 19thC Trinity House developed housing on the land, including Merrick Square, which is built around a central garden.

The Regent’s Canal was created in the early 19th century to link London with the industrial Midlands. It is now one of London’s gems. Discover the canal’s history in my video here: (46 minutes).

Today in 1858 Lionel de Rothschild became the first Jewish MP to sit in Parliament. Read here about the arrival of London's Jewish community

In the Victorian period Walworth in South London was a an area of housing and small workshops. At the end of the 19thC local builder James Pullen created the Pullens Estate, comprising of over 600 apartments, with workshop yards for the artisan residents, including Illyffe Yard.

Buckingham Palace began as a relatively modest mansion in the early 17thC. It evolved and grew in the following two centuries, with Queen Victoria the first monarch to take up residence. Read the history of the palace here

The art deco building in Herbrand Street near Russell Square was constructed in 1931 for the Daimler car hire company. It was designed by Wallis, Gilbert & Partners who were also responsible for the Hoover Building at Perivale and Victoria Coach Station.

Today in 1647 London’s apprentices and watermen gathered at Skinners’ Hall to demand the restoration of King Charles, leading to the Parliamentary army marching on London to take control. Read here about the resumption of the Civil War