Londons Secret Square Mile

The streetscape of London's historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City's busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Most are ancient survivors dating back to medieval times or earlier, their colourful and evocative names recalling old taverns, trades and City traditions. Others commemorate individuals associated with the seemingly unstoppable rise which has seen the area around an old Roman wharf become the global financial powerhouse that London is today. Maintaining that position means that few of these old rights of way have escaped the attention of developers, but their survival rate has been surprisingly good. Because of this, hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of the banks and big business, these little corners continue to bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

The streetscape of London’s historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City’s busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Using his wealth of local knowledge, historian David Long guides you through these ancient rights of passage – many dating back to medieval times or earlier – their evocative names recalling old taverns, notable individuals and City traditions. Hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of London’s banks and big business, these survivors of modern development bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

The streetscape of London's historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City's busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Using his wealth of local knowledge, historian David Long guides you through these ancient rights of passage – many dating back to medieval times or earlier – their evocative names recalling old taverns, notable individuals and City traditions. Hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of London's banks and big business, these survivors of modern development bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

Hidden city

London's Square Mile - also known as the City of London - is both well-known and little known. Millions pass through or work within its winding alleyways and cobbled passages but few are truly aware of its vast power and significance. The City is a self-contained kingdom at the core of global finance, one so important it boasts its own Lord Mayor and police force. Its history is rich and complex with repercussions that are all too real today. Together with text written by world-renowned historian David Kynaston, these ethereal photographs of people captured amongst imposing architecture begin to decode one of the most influential and cryptic parts of the capital.

The original edition of Unseen London. Peter Dazeley has gained access to the hidden interiors of some of London's most iconic buildings, from Tower Bridge to Battersea Power Station, Big Ben to the Old Bailey. His photographs of these buildings - some derelict, but many still working - are astonishing. Here is a collection of some 50 extraordinary locations, with a thoughtful text by Mark Daly which tells the story of how each of these places was created, how they are used, and what they reveal about the currents of power flowing through the city. Unseen London takes you backstage at some of the capital's great theatres, into the changing rooms of some of our greatest temples of sport, into the heart of the Establishment, the boiler room of the city's infrastructure and behind the scenes at some of the most opulent buildings in the Square Mile.

Pomp, pageantry, power and prestige are just a few of the words to sum up the history and vibrancy of the City of London. Beyond its fame as the financial heart of London, this new guidebook explores the Square Mile of London revealing the secrets hidden in its rich treasure trove. Neither square nor a square mile, the City of London seems to lie beyond the limits of logic. From St Paul’s, Wren’s Masterpiece to the Barbican, Europe’s largest centre for Arts, the City of London is a compelling blend of diverse visitor attractions waiting to be explored. Whether you pop into the Old Bailey, the scene of many a courtroom drama, amble through Lincoln Inn Fields or drool over the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London there is never a dull moment in the City... Learn why the Bank of England is known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street and the importance of Mansion House, home to the Right Honorable The Lord Mayor of London and looks at the traditions behind the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Acclaimed portrait and documentary photographer Peter Zelewski has spent the past three years capturing the people and faces of the streets of London. His images, which have be seen in the National Portrait gallery and throughout the press, are both intimate and considered and as such are closer to art photography than snapshots. The images are accompanied by arresting quotes that reveal the inner lives of the strangers that make this the world's most colourful city.