Where Next?
It’s been almost four years since I had this slightly crazy idea to start Tracing London. At the time I hadn’t even joined Substack, and I certainly didn’t think anyone would want to read what I had to write.
Originally I wanted to become a tour guide, and truth be told I still do. Work commitments have slowed that plan down, as many of you will know, but the ambition hasn’t disappeared. I’m determined to return to it, hopefully either this year or next.
But the question here is much simpler. Tracing London has grown into something really special. I never imagined it would gain the following it has today, especially considering I’ve only been writing on this platform for just under a year. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from all of you along the way.
So now I have a question for you. What direction would you like to see this page go? Over the past year I’ve been writing articles for both free and paid subscribers, but I’ve noticed that my topics have gradually shifted and expanded as time has gone on.
Architecture
London’s architecture tells the story of the city better than almost anything else. From medieval fragments hidden between glass towers to the bold concrete forms of post war Brutalism, the buildings around us are like pages in a history book waiting to be read.
Crime and Punishment
London has always had a darker side, and its history is filled with tales of crime, scandal, and justice. From notorious prisons and execution sites to the strange and sometimes shocking cases that once gripped the city, these stories reveal a fascinating and often grim side of London’s past.
Traditional History
Of course, there is also the broader sweep of London’s history. The great events, the changing streets, and the lives of the people who shaped the city over centuries all form part of the story that makes London one of the most historically rich places in the world.
Places and Street Names
Sometimes the smallest details hold the most intriguing stories. Street names, hidden alleyways, and forgotten corners of the city often preserve fragments of London’s past, revealing clues about the trades, people, and events that once defined these places.
Below is a poll you can complete. I’ll take a look at the responses and use them to help shape where Tracing London goes next.
As always thank you for your support and I will see you on the next one.
Pete