DK Travel : London : History & Culture

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John Keats

The London-born Romantic poet (1795–1821) lived in Hampstead from 1818 to 1820 before leaving for Italy to try to cure his fatal tuberculosis. After falling in love with his neighbour’s daughter, Fanny Brawne, he wrote his famous and beautifulOde to a Nightingale in the garden (see Keats House).
Keats House

Keats Grove, off Downshire Hill, is one of the loveliest areas of Hampstead. The house where the poet John Keats wrote much of his work is a pretty white villa, containing facsimiles of his fragile manuscripts and letters, as well as some personal possessions. Poetry readings and talks are given on Wednesday evenings.
Kensington Palace

This is a delightful royal residence on a domestic scale, still in use by members of the royal family: Diana, Princess of Wales lived here as did Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister. The first-floor state apartments, built by Sir Christopher Wren for King William III and Queen Mary, are open to the public, and the audio guide (free; pick one up as there is no literature or labelling in the rooms) evokes 17th–18th-century court life. Rooms on the ground floor have a collection of royal costumes, including those belonging to Queen Elizabeth II and Diana.
Kensington Palace

An intimate royal palace in Kensington Gardens, famous as the home of Princess Diana, the first sovereign residents here were William and Mary in 1689. Queen Victoria was born here in 1837 and opened parts of the palace to the public, including some of the State Apartments. These are still open today, along with a beautiful Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The Orangery is delightful for coffee.
Kenwood House

This magnificent mansion, filled with Old Masters, is set in an idyllic lakeside estate on the edge of Hampstead Heath. Vermeer’sThe Guitar Player and a self-portrait by Rembrandt are among the star attractions. Concerts are held by the lake in summer – audiences sit in the grassy bowl, with picnics to sustain them.
Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage

The smallest royal palace, Kew was built in 1631 and used as a residence by George III and Queen Charlotte. Nearby Queen Charlotte’s Cottage was used for picnics and housing royal pets. The palace is set in Kew Gardens
King Charles Spaniel

These were the favourite dogs of King Charles II. Today, the Queen prefers corgis.
King Edward Potato

This variety of English potato was named after King Edward VII, who visited Ireland after the 1903 potato famine.
Lauderdale House

Dating from the late 16th century, Lauderdale House was once associated with Charles II and his mistress Nell Gwynne. It now houses a popular arts and cultural centre, with regular concerts, exhibitions and Sunday craft and antique fairs.
Leicester Square

When this square was originally laid out in 1670 it was a grand and fashionable place to live. Celebrities of the 17th and 18th centuries to live here include Sir Isaac Newton and the painters Joshua Reynolds and William Hogarth. Today the square forms the heart of London’s West End entertainment district and houses the Empire and Art Deco Odeon cinemas. There is also a cut-price theatre ticket booth called “Tkts” on the southside of the square.