This area takes its name from an old tavern, itself named after the Spanish princess Eleanor of Castile, once engaged to Charles I. Her title was ‘La Infanta de Castille’.
In the 18th century the park was notorious for highwaymen and Horace Walpole was one of many robbed here. Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ was composed for an event here in 1749.
Every year a Norway Spruce is erected here and decorated as part of the Christmas festivities. The tree is a gift of thanks from the Norwegians for Britain's support during the Second World War
The famous illuminated advertising of Piccadilly Circus began as early as 1893, before most of the city had electric street lighting.
An urban myth, which began shortly after WWII, suggests that an ancient Roman battleground is located here and the body of Iceni Warrior Queen Boudica is buried somewhere beneath platform 9 and 10.
From 1235 until 1835, the monarch’s personal zoo was kept at the Tower, and it included many exotic animals given as presents by other monarchs, including polar bears, leopards and elephants.
Oxford Circus got its new diagonal pedestrian crossing in 2009. It was inspired by crossings in Tokyo like the one at Shibuya, and in recognition of this Japanese musicians played at the opening.
The floors above the grand Victorian station were run as an upmarket hotel, the Midland Grand, between 1873 and 1922. They are currently being renovated and returned to this purpose.
In 1991 an IRA bomb hidden in a bin in Victoria station killed one man and injured 38. This led to the removal of all litter bins from London stations.
The world’s largest museum of urban history documents the city’s development from Roman settlement to cosmopolitan metropolis. Attractions include the Lord Mayor’s State Coach.
MAC fans - it's time to celebrate. MAC Pro has opened in Covent Garden. The store stocks the brand's much-loved professional line that is used at fashion week shows from Erdem to Donna Karan. Read more.
The view from the 12th floor roof terrace of this freshly-minted hotel takes in both the ancient majesty of the Tower of London and the Shard, the newest structure to pierce the motley London skyline. Read more.
