Looking at places from above like that is pretty great but also not exactly easy to do when you don’t live in a city with a major airport. The next best thing, for me, is going to your local authority’s record office and archives and looking through the old maps. Comparing them with modern OS maps really highlights the continued occupation of the English landscape across hundreds (and thousands) of years.
When you grow up in a city of the New World, it's disconcerting to be a pedestrian in any european city. I got lost several times in those primitive and happy times before GPS.
It is always remarkable to me how much of medieval London is actually visible on the ground if you look closely. Like the remnants of the Roman city walls in the car park under the Museum of London or the London Stone at 111 Canon Street. Of course, the street structure is medieval so, when wandering around, it is easy to become lost and happen upon a cool remnant. I recently had a meeting on Martin Lane (not St. Martin's Lane, mind) close to the Bank of England. I left the underground, went the wrong way and lost about 20 minutes but found a super cool mews with nice older buildings. There are some gems that survive. Great post, Dan, and welcome home!
Heres to hoping I get to see that view in person one day! For now I ve just preordered the womens world book as a little pre birthday treat. Have a good week!
For some reason I always assume that cities are built like a grid, which is a quintessentially American trait. Is the Tower of London the old city centre, like Notre Dame in Paris?
Looking at places from above like that is pretty great but also not exactly easy to do when you don’t live in a city with a major airport. The next best thing, for me, is going to your local authority’s record office and archives and looking through the old maps. Comparing them with modern OS maps really highlights the continued occupation of the English landscape across hundreds (and thousands) of years.
When you grow up in a city of the New World, it's disconcerting to be a pedestrian in any european city. I got lost several times in those primitive and happy times before GPS.
Amazing view and love contemplating the momentous history and happenings through the ages on those streets
Thanks Dan.
Hope you had a lovely trip! Cities from the air have always been an interest. Super cool photo 😁
It is always remarkable to me how much of medieval London is actually visible on the ground if you look closely. Like the remnants of the Roman city walls in the car park under the Museum of London or the London Stone at 111 Canon Street. Of course, the street structure is medieval so, when wandering around, it is easy to become lost and happen upon a cool remnant. I recently had a meeting on Martin Lane (not St. Martin's Lane, mind) close to the Bank of England. I left the underground, went the wrong way and lost about 20 minutes but found a super cool mews with nice older buildings. There are some gems that survive. Great post, Dan, and welcome home!
I was looking out the window as I flew into Heathrow. All the fields were yellow because of the recent heat wave. I love seeing cities from above.
Heres to hoping I get to see that view in person one day! For now I ve just preordered the womens world book as a little pre birthday treat. Have a good week!
Awesome- Read this, appropriately, jet lagged and just off a plane myself.
I’m liking the summer time Substack series.
For some reason I always assume that cities are built like a grid, which is a quintessentially American trait. Is the Tower of London the old city centre, like Notre Dame in Paris?
Another good one
I miiss visiting England so much
The photo would make a great find the landmark game for those who know what to look for. I found the Tower and the London Eye.
It’s amazing how much of a city’s character is visible from above! London is definitely my favorite ❤️