Secret London: Exploring the Hidden City with Original Walks and Unusual Places to Visit (Interlink Walking Guides) Upd Rev edition

Secret London is an essential companion for anyone committed to discovering the true heart of one of the world's greatest capital cities. In more than 20 miles of original walks, distinguished historian Andrew Duncan uncovers London's best-kept secrets. From ancient waterways and the vast network of tunnels that weave their way beneath the city's streets to easily missed courtyards and gardens-each walk is full of surprises.

Andrew Duncan's fascinating text delves beyond the obvious to reveal both London's little-known gems and the remarkable histories of its most famous landmarks. Readers will be delighted to discover the existence of long-buried rivers, the remains of Roman structures, the web of top-secret offices, wartime shelters, and prison cells beneath the asphalt. Here, too, are intriguing tales of the rancorous battles over the statue of Eros, the mystery surrounding the Coade stone lion, and the grisly secret in one of Westminster Abbey's broom cupboards.

Full-color photographs capture the treasures tucked behind every corner, while clear, easy-to-follow route maps highlight places of special interest. Secret London is without doubt the definitive guidebook to the private side of this very public city. "...offer[s] exceptionally clear maps, public transportation links..., places of interest along the way with interesting historical information and enough fascinating facts to keep the armchair traveller happy too. Highly recommended!" -The Travel Society "Historian and London tour guide Duncan walks tourists through hidden landscapes along spurs and rivers, the subterranean city, private land, Westminster, Whitehall, St. James, The City, and other less known parts of the capital. He includes color photographs, maps and visitor information." -Book News "Secret London uncovers inconspicuous gems and sheds light on the capital's hidden attractions" -The Guardian

"Andrew Duncan has a feel for the city and a knack of finding (and linking) major sights and forgotten corners which few can match" -Journal of the London Society