Every city around the world has always been defined by its skyline, but few have changed as many times — or as drastically — as London's. But how exactly did fire, war, and technological innovations transform this royal city's skyline throughout the past several hundred years, and what's the significance of its tallest structures? From the iconic Big Ben and Tower Bridge, to glass towers in weird and wonderful shapes, it's time to uncover the story of London's evolution through the structures that currently define it.

Join New York Adventure Club as we take a deep dive into the eclectic mix of buildings and structures that have come to define London's skyline, which have given the city its identity over the centuries.

Led by award winning London Blue Badge Tourist Guide Nick Salmond, our unique experience will include:

• A brief look at the foundation of the city in the first century AD by the Roman invaders, and details around notable buildings that once defined the city, but which have long crumbled to dust
• How the great gothic church of St. Paul — whose spire could be seen for miles around — was destroyed by fire and replaced by the current church with its mighty dome
• A discussion of the laws which determined the evolution of the city and prevented skyscrapers from being built until the 1960s, along with what happened when the restrictions were lifted
• The story of how bombing during World War II destroyed so much and how the authorities rebuilt the city
• The origins of London's most iconic sights including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and London Eye
• An examination of some of the newer buildings to appear on the skyline in the last 20 years

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Nick — any and all questions about London's changing skyline are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Nick

Nick has lived and worked in London for the last 35 years. He was a television director for BBC News for over 20 years working on such important news events as the death of Diana and the coverage of 9/11.

In 2017 he trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide the highest attainable qualification for tourists guiding in the UK. After two years of studying, Nick was given the prestigious prize of Guide of the Year, awarded to the best student the the qualifying group.

Since 2020 Nick has been heavily involved in training of Guides in techniques for virtual tours as well as hosting a series of live YouTube talks for other London Guides. He gave the 2021 Katrine Prince lecture to over 300 members of the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Disclaimer

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Photo Credit: London Bridge - Charles Postiaux, Big Ben - Juirca Koletic, Skyline - Alevision.io, St. Paul - Luca Vavassori

Categories: Virtual, Landmarks