5 Unusual Things to See in London

Here are a few interesting and unusual London attractions. There are always things you could just walk past if you didn’t know they were there.

1. Fart Functioning Lamp

Ok, it doesn’t run on farts but almost! This is the last street lamp that still runs on gas brought up from the sewers. The gas is methane and in the 19th century, these kinds of lamps were common in London. they were used not only as a source of power but also as a way to burn up the unpleasant smells coming up from the sewers. The Webb Patent Sewer Gas Lamp can be seen on Carting Lane near to Trafalgar Square. You can find some quirky London tours where sites like this will be pointed out to you or you can search for them yourself!

2.The Ferryman’s Seat

Many years ago when the only bridge crossing the Thames was London Bridge ferryman used to wait on the riverside to ferry people across. So while they waited they needed to have somewhere to sit. Little seats were built into the side of the riverside walls. Here you can see a piece of flint stone that sticks out of a niche in the side of the wall. although there is no longer a ferryman but you can use the seat and take a pic. See the seat near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Bankside.

3.London Windmill

Believe it or not, there is a windmill in London. Brixton windmill dates back to 1817 and used to be owned and run by “John Ashby and Sons” who would grind wholemeal flour. Ashby’s Mill once stood alone but is now surrounded by busy Brixton. It is now one of the little-known London attractions, and is located in Windmill Gardens, South London. Why not take a London tour that focuses on Brixton.

4.Nazi London

Another unusual thing to see in London is a Nazi Swastika. Although it resembles a swastika it doesn’t date back to the Nazi era. The original symbol was a religious one, and not related to Hitler or the Nazis who adopted the symbol. The sign can be seen on the wall of the Indian High Commission, Bush House in Aldwych along with other symbols. The symbol was left in place because of its ancient meaning and significance in some Asian religions. Check out these other London attractions.

5.Dog and Pot, London

Look up at the corner of Union Street and Blackfriars Road opposite Palestra House and you’ll see a golden-orange dog eating out of a black pot mounted on a Victorian-era street lamp. It is actually a replica of a store sign Charles Dickens wrote about in a letter (The Life of Charles Dickens Vol.1) where he describes it as one of the things he passes on his walk home.  The replica only got erected in 2012 as part of the Dickens bicentenary celebrations and the original sign is now in Southwark’s Cuming Museum. This is another great London attractions.