London in literature

[Nightshade]

"Or," cried Katy, struck with a sudden bright thought, "why mightn't
I put into the list some of the places I know about in books,--novels
as well as history,--and the places where the people who wrote the
books lived?"


That as you can see is a quote from the book what katy did next when she goes off to london and decides what she wants to see. I was 12 when I first read that and I made up my mind that Id do it someday. So Im off to London and does anyoone have any suggestions?
So far Im planning on Westminster abbey ( in westminster abbey by John Betjeman is one of my favourite poems)and I want to stand on westminster bridge at 9'oclock on sunday morning ( or earlier ) So I can see the "View from westminster bridge" or as close as possible. so what else is there???

:D:D

[melancolia]

Umm, there is this quite lengthy poem I had to study in grade 12, lit. class, by the same poet who wrote "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" (beautiful sonnet by the way), William Wordsworth. The poem is called Lines (Composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey). It's a quite passionate yet meditative poem about nature, and how some people seek spiritual solace in nature...
Enjoy your stay in London! :)

[Nightshade]

thats the one I meant a view from wetmister bridge I was never good at titles.
there was a time I could recite it from memory
now ll I really remebr is
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!

still I want to see it for myself :D

[Bysshe]

Are you interested in seeing where any famous writers have lived? I know that's not quite the same thing, but you could always have a look at certain blue plaques of writers who you're particularly interested in: http://www.blueplaque.com/

I can't think of any particular place in London which I can relate to a certain book, but I'd recommend having a look round Bloomsbury as there are lots of lovely old second hand book shops there.

I don't know if this is any help, but here's a website with a listing of London in ninteenth century literature: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/encap/skilton/index.html

I could list endless places in London worth visiting, but I'm not sure how many of them are connected to literature...

[Nightshade]

Thanks Bysshe (BTW happy Birthday!!)
Of course M going t try and visit a library or 2.
Actually any list would be great:D:D

Have you ever heard of the London stone??
Or read London the biography by Peter Ackroyd??

[Schokokeks]

Now, Nighty, you really need to go have a look at the biggest bookshop in Europe (I think it is). I know it is located in Oxford Street, but I can't recall the name...but won't be difficult to miss anyway ;) I went there on my last trip to London and spent the entire day there (plus a considerable amount of money :D)
Have fun!!

[Nightshade]

:eek2: The biggest bookshop hay would be fun :nod: but I highly doubt my family will appreciate it, but you never know I might be able to go for an hour or so :D

[Bysshe]

I hadn't actually heard of the London Stone, but I looked it up. Hmm, interesting. And I haven't read the Peter Ackroyd book yet, but my mum's always telling me I should. I'll read it one day.

Other places worth visiting are the West End in general, and all the obvious places like Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street. The South Bank (that's where the London Eye is, if you're interested) also has lots of interesting shops and cafe's, and if you like modern art then you could always visit the Tate Modern.

And the National Gallery is essential. Trafalgar Square's lovely, and it's quite near to St James's Park, too.

P.S

Thanks for wishing me a Happy Birthday. :)

P.P.S

There are loads of big Waterstones' scattered around London, which are great if you want to browse for books.

[Virgil]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Globe Theatre.

[Bysshe]

I would have mentioned it, but I've been dragged there so many times on school trips that it sort of...slipped my mind.

[Nightshade]

I dont lke waterstones,but it looks like we might be visiting foils(:D ?sp??).

[Bysshe]

Foyles? Yes, go to Foyles. Good shop.