The British Museum was founded in 1753 and today has approximately eight million objects from ancient history to modern technology giving you a glimpse into ancient cultures and civilisations. The tour will begin in Lord Foster's Great Hall. Here you will see ancient scripts on the Rosetta Stone from Egypt, architectural relics from temples and mausoleums in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Greece etc., the huge statues of Pharaoh Rameses the Great, many pieces of the friezes showing the pan-Athenic festival of the ruins of the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Greece and a special hall was constructed so they could be on permanent display to all.

Buckingham Palace is still the official residence of Britain's monarchy, as it has been since Queen Victoria's designation in 1837. Much of the Buckingham Palace was constructed as early as 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham House (as it was then known) was purchased in 1762 by George III, who used it as a private residence. Over the following 75 years the house was expanded to form three wings around a central courtyard. When Queen Victoria discovered Buckingham Palace lacked several 'necessary' rooms - such as a formal ballroom, a nursery, visitor's bedrooms and others - major additions were undertaken, including adding an entire wing to form a quadrangle. Buckingham Palace is the home of the Changing Guard Ceremony in London. The Changing of the Guard has been a tradition for hundreds of years whereby the Household Regiment, the Queen’s Guards at Buckingham Palace, change shift in a fascinating show of pomp and circumstance.

Westminster Abbey is a Church, burial ground, coronation site and much more and continues to attract visitors over 900 years after its founding. In many respects the architecture is common. There's the traditional cross-shaped floor plan with a nave, north and south transepts and several round side areas but both its execution and use raise The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster (the official name) to among the highest examples of church construction. Here at Westminster Abbey lie buried kings and poets, scientists and philosophers who have themselves raised humankind to the highest levels. Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell (discoverer of electromagnetic theory, which later lead to radio and TV), Chaucer and Kipling, Dr. Samuel Johnson (creator of the first English dictionary) and many other justly famous names are interred here.

The British novelist, journalist, editor, illustrator and social commentator, Charles Dickens is famous for such beloved classic novels as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. His dedicated building at 48 Doughty Street was founded by the Dickens Fellowship, in 1902. The mansion was renovated and the Dickens House Museum was opened in 1925, under the direction of an independent trust. The well-known exhibit is the portrait of Dickens known as Dickens's Dream by R. W. Buss, an original illustrator of The Pickwick Papers. Other notable artefacts in the museum include numerous first editions and original manuscripts as well as original letters by Dickens, and many personal items owned by Dickens and his family. The only known item of clothing worn by Dickens still in existence is also displayed at the museum. This is his Court Suit and sword, worn when Dickens was presented to the Prince of Wales in 1870.

The Churchill War Rooms is a historic underground complex and museum that housed a British government command centre throughout the Second World War, and the Churchill Museum, a biographical museum exploring the life of British statesman Winston Churchill. Here you will have the chance to discover the secrets hidden beneath the streets of Westminster in the underground nerve centre where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed the Second World War. Construction of the Cabinet War Rooms became fully functional on 27 August 1939, just a week before Britain declared war on Germany. The War Rooms remained in operation throughout the Second World War, before being abandoned in August 1945 after the surrender of Japan. After the war, the historic value of the Cabinet War Rooms was recognised. Don't miss the opportunity of visiting this WWII shrine once very limited numbers of the public were able to visit by appointment.

Explore the official entrance to St James and Buckingham Palace, since the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660. Life Guards have stood guard at Horse Guards and ready to offer you a true British ceremony. Although Changing The Queen's Lifeguard is not as well known as Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make it ideal for those with younger children and those looking for some amazing pictures. The ceremony lasts about half an hour, and the mounted sentries change every hour, or half hour in very cold weather during the day until 16:00 when a dismounting ceremony takes place. The Queen's Life Guard is normally provided by men of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment which consists of a Squadron of The Life Guards, who wear red tunics and white plumed helmets, and a Squadron of The Blues and Royals with blue tunics and red plumed helmets.

Few prisons can claim to be as popular as the Tower of London, an attraction - unpleasant for some - for over 900 years. Its twenty towers are filled with an ancient tradition of royal blood, armor and jewels and the history to match. The Tower of London central structure began as a fort - used by the original builder William the Conqueror who completed the first tower around 1100 AD. At its completion it was the tallest building in London. Henry III had it whitewashed in the 13th century and the name, White Tower, has stuck. Later it evolved into a prison, used by Henry VII (and many others).

Tower Bridge is probably the city's most distinctive symbol of today. The Bridge shows a lot to its medieval predecessor London Bridge with its starlings and elaborate twin towers that give the bridge its name but it's not just a homage to the past, hidden inside that medieval-looking exterior there's a rather wonderful piece of Victorian engineering and in its day it was the biggest and most sophisticated lifting bridge in the world. Unlike London Bridge, the genius of the design is that the bridge can act as a gateway swinging open to allow tall ships to pass through. We will tell you plenty of things about this masterpiece in London, just follow us!

HMS Belfast is the last remaining vessel of her type and one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built. 80 years old HMS Belfast is now a popular museum and tourist attraction in London. Built by Messrs Harland & Wolff in 1936, HMS Belfast was launched by Anne Chamberlain, wife of the then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, on St Patrick's Day in 1938. Ths Warship is designed for the protection of trade and offensive action from Germany. Two months at sea when HMS Belfast hit a magnetic mine unfortunately and this masterpiece of Windsorian engineering got the damage to her hull was so severe she was out of action for three years. On rejoining the home fleet in 1942 she was still the largest and most powerful cruiser in the Royal Navy and most importantly she was equipped with the most advanced radar systems.

This masterpiece of naval engineering, Cutty Sark, represents the pinnacle of clipper ship design and was one of the fastest ships of its day. Aged 14 years, Cutty Sark started recording remarkably fast passage times, under her Master Richard Woodget, and became the dominant ship in bringing wool from Australia to England. Cutty Sark was built for China tea trade but would carry a vast array of cargoes during its career. Cutty Sark, the Ferrari of the seas carried almost 10 million lbs of tea between 1870 and 1877. The opening of the Suez Canal marked the end for sailing ships in the tea trade and so Cutty Sark had to find new employment. Delve into the fascinating history of Cutty Sark, now an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich by our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides. We celebrated Cutty Sark's 150th anniversary in 2019.

Camden Town where you will fall in love with the dynamics of this lovely town. This city is just a cultural sanctuary for teens, tourists and punks. Live music in alternative and old-school clubs and major stars at the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse are part of the flourishing nightlife scene. During the day, cafés bustle, with hundreds and hundreds of stalls on the market with souvenirs you will be able to buy. At international food stalls, you will also admire the street food selection or you can experience shopping in a disco environment under neon lights with dancers, then in the Stables area, don't miss Cyberdog. Here you can also join Canal Boat Tour for an Italian home away from home experience right in the heart of the city.

What a brilliant Royal saga. Hampton Court Palace, also known as Hampton Court, Tudor Palace in Richmond Upon Thames, Greater London Borough. It faces the northern bank of the Thames River. In the 1520's, Cardinal Henry VIII (reigned 1509–47) gave the palace to Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, who enlarged it for his preferred residence. Throughout its large grounds trees and shrubs have been planted, and several buildings and springs have also been added. For William III (reigned 1689–1702), the garden had been redesigned in Holland; for William and his wife, Queen Mary II, architect Christopher Wren added the wing. It is a fascinating historical tour allowing you to follow the building through the ages. Indulge yourself in a Tudor fashion like Henry VIII. Let our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides to take you on an immaculate journey throughout the timeline that starts AD 1515 up to the present.

The Houses of Parliament, known also as the Palace of Westminster is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. They lie on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close by other government buildings in Whitehall. The oldest part of the building is still in existence, Westminster Hall, which dates from 1097. The palace originally served as a royal residence, but no monarch has lived in it since the 16th century. Most of the present Houses of Parliament structure dates from the 19th century when the Palace was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1834. The architects responsible for rebuilding the Palace was Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin, and the building is an example of the Gothic revival.

The minute you enter the world-famous museum you will immediately realize that countless discoveries await you at each distinguished galleries. Imperial War Museum, is a national museum serving as a memorial and record of the wartime efforts and sacrifices of the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Upon its opening in 1920, its focus was on World War I, but its remit has since been extended to include World War II and subsequent military engagements. This lovely and impressive late Georgian building covers both service and civilian aspects of war. The extensive collections include a range of vehicles from both sides of the world wars. Representing World War I are a British Mark V tank and a Sopwith Camel fighter. An American Sherman tank is preserved from World War II, as are a British Spitfire Mark I, a German Heinkel He 162 jet fighter, and a German V-1 flying bomb and V-2 rocket.

Kensington Palace has been home to royalty from long before Queen Victoria's birth there in 1819 to Princess Diana's residence until her death to today. Kensington Palace is still in use as a working Royal Residence, there are nonetheless many areas open to public viewing - and have been since Queen Victoria opened the State Apartments to the public in 1899. The Kensington Palace Red Saloon, for example, on the Garden Floor was the location of Queen Victoria's first Privy Council in June, 1837 and has been restored to its original appearance. The Kensington Palace Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is an exhibit of gowns worn by various royal personages from the 18th century to the present. Even the Hats and Handbags are on display at Kensington Palace, showing over seventy hats belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. In contrast to the splendor of the Kensington Palace King's Apartments, and discreetly far away, are the subdued Queen's Apartments.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to simply as Kew Gardens, are extensive gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond upon Thames and Kew in southwest London, England. Kew Gardens originated in the exotic garden at Kew Park formed by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury, enlarged and greatly extended by Princess Augusta, the widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales, for whom Sir William Chambers built several garden structures, of which the lofty Chinese pagoda from 1761 remains. George III enriched Kew Gardens, aided by the skill of William Aiton and of Sir Joseph Banks. The old Kew Park (by then renamed the White House), was demolished in 1802. The "Dutch House" adjoining was purchased by George III in 1781 as a nursery for the royal children. It is a plain brick structure now known as Kew Palace. In July 2003, Kew Gardens were put on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Ready to explore this piece of nature?

This living museum in the heart of Horse Guards in London celebrates the history and accomplishments of The Household Cavalry offering a unique 'behind the scenes' look at the work that goes into the ceremonial and armoured reconnaissance role of HM The Queen's Mounted Bodyguard. Listen to the story of the King Charles II, born on 29th May 1630, the founder of the regiment, as well as the date of a former celebration commemorating his return to England on May 29th 1660, his 30th birthday, after 10 years of exile in France and the Netherlands following the defeat and execution of his father, Charles I at the end of the English Civil War. You will take a closer look at the history, roles and successes of the oldest riding regiment of the British Army. Here you will explore the outstanding military memorabilia collection of the museum, fighting and important regal objects.

Our Millennium Wheel, is the first-built and largest observation wheel in the world (a type of or evolution on the Ferris wheel), and has been since its opening at the end of 1999. The London Eye stands 135 metres (443 feet) high on the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the River Thames in Lambeth, London, England, between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges. It is adjacent to London's County Hall, and stands opposite the offices of the Ministry of Defence situated in Westminster which it overlooks to the west. The London Eye was designed by architects David Marks, Julia Barfield, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, Steven Chilton, and Nic Bailey.

Hyde Park, perhaps most famous for the Speaker's Corner, where citizens stand atop a soapbox and shout their views to the crowd, but there's much more to see and do in Hyde Park than listen to political opinions. The land forming Hyde Park was first accquired by Henry VIII from the monks of Westminster Abbey in 1536. While Henry used Hyde Park for deer hunting, the horseback riding today is strictly not for sport. Casual and relaxing, the Hyde Park trails are abundant but riders must bring their own horses. Visitors can often see the Royal Horse Artillery riding on horseback through Hyde Park early in the morning. Hyde Park was first made accessible to the public by King James I in the early 17th century, the park is split by the Serpentine, a river dammed to make an artificial lake. The idea was originated by the wife of King George II, an avid gardener. Boat rides on the Hyde Park lake remain a popular activity.

Being one of the most important political buildings in the world, the United Kingdom's “White House”, Number 10 continuously hosts the British prime ministers since 1735. The main decisions affecting Britain's destiny in the last 275 years have seriously been taken behind its iconic black door. Today it's not possible to enter the street as a tourist but knowing the idea that an actual prime minister lives and works in the street is exhilarating.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is one of the very few attractions in London that is both centuries-old and completely modern. Madame Tussaud learned her unusual craft of modelling figures in wax by creating death masks of those executed by guillotine in 18th and 19th century France. Among her 'clients' were Louis XVI and Marie Antionette. That mixture of precise art and macabre display is reflected in the modern museum - but with a much greater sense of fun! The Wax Museum displays a large collection of famous figures from world history along with the latest Hollywood celebrities. The collection traces its origins to Madame Tussaud's inheritance of her tutor Dr. Curtius' collection. In 1802, she moved from Paris to London and the museum began in 1835. But far from being an historical relic, the Madam Tussauds wax museum collection has been continually updated and there are several very different subsets for tourists of all interests.

We are not talking about the bridge that has existed at or near the present site for nearly 2000 years. Of course, our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will gladly mention the history of our famous London Bridge but this attraction is totally different experience just nearby London Bridge. Dare to explore the underground tombs of London Bridge and are you brave enough for the haunting tales of the city’s notorious past? the London Bridge Experience is nominated for the scariest attraction in London. Here in this attraction you will learn about the rich history of gruesome, gory Britain and enjoy an indoor, interactive experience with real-life actors and animation. This two-part attraction including The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs promise you true nightmarish moments in London. A not to be missed attraction in the city.

Delve into the ancient capital’s most horrible history at the London Dungeon: experience live actors, thrilling rides and exciting special effects. This 110 minutes journey will give you an opportunity to understand the dark past of London by screaming. It's a blend of true fun and adrenaline. This amazing attraction will bring 1000 years of authentic London history to life with a unique mix of talented live actors performing in scarily funny shows, stunning special effects, edge of your seat surprises and two exciting thrill rides. You will embark on a journey through a dramatic London landscape going back ten centuries. They will be guided through ghastly plague-ridden streets, witness Guy Fawkes’ dramatic plot to blow up Parliament, travel back to Jack the Ripper’s bleak Whitechapel and walk beneath London’s foreboding medieval gates. What's more? A true history blended with joy. Just join us.

The new generation will immediately remember from the scene of the very first Harry Potter Movie The Philosopher's Stone, however, London Zoo goes back to Victorian eras. London Zoo was the world's first scientific zoo. It was opened in 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study, it was eventually made open to the public in 1847. Today London Zoo houses a collection of more than 650 different species of animals. London Zoo is managed under the auspices of the Zoological Society of London, and is situated at the northern end of Regent's Park, London (the Regent's Canal runs through it). The Society also has a more spacious site at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire and London Zoo's larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved there. As well as being the first scientific zoo, London Zoo also opened the first Reptile House (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo in 1938.

This shrine of art in London was founded through a personal act of King George III (we call the Father) on 10 December 1768 with a mission to promote the arts of design in Britain through education and exhibition. No wonder his son George IV was an avid art lover. RAA is universally renowned for hosting some of the London's finest temporary and touring exhibitions. Its annual Summer Exhibition, running since the institution first opened, displays select work from up and coming artists and by academicians. Our art experienced APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides will take you upon your request.

Regent's Park may be London's most beautiful and exuberant park and is named after Prince Regent, sometimes known as the playboy prince, who later became King George IV (1762-1830) and who literally turned Windsor Castle into a pleasure palace. The Regent’s Park combines large open spaces with tree-lined pathways, formal gardens, and four children’s playgrounds. It has excellent sports facilities and contains central London’s largest outdoor sports area. Enjoy walking through the elegant flowerbeds in the Avenue Gardens, see more than 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, or jump on a rowing boat and join the ducks on the boating lake. Visit the Open Air Theatre and of course London Zoo, then take a stroll up Primrose Hill for excellent views of the London skyline. All possible and accessible thanks to our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides.

Greenwich Mean Time was at one time based on the time observations made at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, before being superseded by Coordinated Universal Time. Whether it's observing the stars, standing astride the Prime Meridian or marvelling at John Harrison's timepieces, the Royal Observatory Greenwich provides a treasure trove of fascinating information. Marvel at the history of space, time and navigation, stand on the world-famous Meridian Line with one foot in the west and one foot in the east at the Royal Observatory. Enjoy one of the most loved views of London at the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Hear about the story of Docklands you see. explore how great scientists first mapped the seas and the stars in Charles II's magnificent Christopher Wren-designed Octagon Room - dating from 1675. Marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope, the UK's largest historic telescope which gave astronomers new views of the universe over 100 years ago.

The National Gallery is London's internationally renowned art gallery located on the north side of Trafalgar Square which houses Western European paintings from 1250 to 1900 from the national art collection of Great Britain. The collection of paintings actually belongs to the British public, and entry to the National Gallery main collection is free as many paintings have been donated in the past on the proviso that there is no charge for entry, although there are charges for entry to special exhibitions. Despite having been founded without an existing royal collection on which to build, and housed in buildings often deemed inadequate for their purpose, the National Gallery has grown to be a collection of international renown since its foundation in 1824. It was shaped mainly by its early directors, including Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, and by private donations, which comprise two thirds of the collection.

The Natural History Museum tour is a day of science and fun activities for all the family. Housing a staggering 70 million items, there are five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology and Zoology. The Museum is renowned for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons in a particularly large gallery of Dinosaurs, including a spectacular Diplodocus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. You can find the answers to such questions as who lived when and where, who were predators and prey and what happened to them. You will be guided throughout the museum by our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides who can answer all your questions. You will begin with the Blue Zone proceeding through the Dinosaur Gallery to the fish, amphibians and reptiles before heading to Human biology with images of nature and mammals.

William Shakespeare is arguably the most famous British writer of all time, he wrote about life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery. His plays were the blockbuster entertainment of his day - some of his most famous are Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. You will understand how Shakespeare’s plays had a changing impact on the world by visiting the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre where there will be live commentary of the productions in Elizabethan times showing the power of performance, cultivating intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all — the Shakespeare’s Globe Tour can give you an opportunity to learn more about this unique building and its most famous playwright, Shakespeare.

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to the Science Museum. This tour will take you through the building where you will be able to admire many incredible artifacts housed in various collections with exciting exhibitions for all ages. If you're a science lover, then a visit to London's Science Museum is a must, although you do not have to be a lover of chemistry or physics to appreciate the Museum as there are interactive attractions such as a 3D IMAX cinema, an interactive flight simulator and a Discovery Motion Theatre to completely change your point of view. The Science Museum attracts more than 3.3 million people every year. Therefore, it is proudly now Europe's most visited science and technology museum. The museum is located in South Kensington and can be traced all the way back to 1857 when the South Kensington Museum opened at what is now the Victoria & Albert Museum.

We, Londoners love giving nicknames even for the skyscrapers. Sky Garden is situated in our Walkie Talkie building and offers an immaculate view of London. This is where you can have the Empire State or OWO feeling in London. The Sky Garden has been designed to create an open and vibrant place of relaxation away from the hubbub of the city, offering visitors a rare chance to experience London from a different perspective. The famous enlarged glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London's most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace. Sky Garden also houses restaurants Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill and Sky Pod Bar where you can get lovely choices of international cuisine. Day or night, this place is one of the secret gems of the city and ready to be revealed by our APTG qualified blue badge tourist guides.

Imagine a park that is surrounded by world-famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall right in the heart of the city. May be city's best park in every season. St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres. Summer, fall, winter and spring. St James's Park gives you great joy with the outstanding beauty of its landscape. Animals, nature and the vegetation you can admire. The park’s famous flower beds at the front of Buckingham Palace are a familiar backdrop to pageants including Trooping the Colour, as well as state visits and other ceremonial occasions.

Royal Albert Hall, in full Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is one of Britain’s principal concert halls and major landmarks, it is just located south of the Albert Memorial. This masterpiece is designated a memorial to Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, the immense oval structure was built in 1867–71. Sir George Gilbert Scott drew up architectural plans in the early 1860s, but his building was never begun owing to a lack of funding. Since the hall's opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. It is the venue for some of the most notable events in British culture, in particular the Proms concerts, which have been held there every summer since 1941.

Dive in to an underwater world here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to over 5,000 creatures. Explore London's flagship aquarium where you could learn something a-RAY-zing, spot a feeding frenzy or two and even meet some of our FIN-tastic friends. The London Aquarium is the only place in the capital where you can come face to face with sharks and deadly stone fish. The Aquarium has 350 species for you to see from every major environment across the globe, plus daily talks, dives and feeds. The new SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the 28 SEA LIFE attractions in the UK and Europe.

F&M is the trademark of quality products in England. From a small grocery store in Piccadilly in 1707, has grown a celebrated store with an international reputation for the exclusivity and quality of the products it sells. Fortnum's Food Hall is an irresistible display of gourmet pleasures, from chocolates and biscuits to smoked salmon and Stilton, vintage marmalade and seasonal produce. Passionate about provenance, we are proud to recommend every jar, spoonful and slice for our hungry customers. Did you know that the Scotch egg and baked beans are introduced by Fortnum & Mason? Now that you're right in the centre of the food world, it's time to indulge yourself in the heart of capital. You won't be able to resist F&M's super quality foods. Handmade English truffles, new pralines & ganache, caramels, Neapolitans, chocolates, mints hot chocolates, teas, coffees and many more. It's a must-visit spot for the food lovers. Don't miss it.

Everyone's favourite green ogre is now in London. A brilliantly bonkers interactive and immersive walkthrough experience, where the whole family can step into and star in your own hilarious misadventure with Shrek, Fiona and his DreamWorks friends donkey, Puss in Boots, gingy, dragon, Pinocchio and many more. See, hear, touch and smell the adventure by exploring 10 fairytale themed live shows, collecting the special ingredients that you will need in order to find Shrek and make it home safely. You will certainly love this.

St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. The present building dates from the 17th century and is generally reckoned to be London's fourth St Paul’s Cathedral, although the number is higher if every major medieval reconstruction is counted as a new cathedral. The first cathedral was built of wood by the Saxons. It burned down in AD 675 and was rebuilt, again in wood, ten years later. After this version was sacked by the Vikings in 962, the "second" St Paul’s was built, this time mainly in stone. The predecessor to Wren's cathedral, the third St Paul’s (known as Old St Paul’s), was begun by the Normans after the late Saxon cathedral suffered in a fire of 1087. Work took over two hundred years, and a great deal was lost in a fire in 1136. Nonetheless, the roof was once more built of wood, which was ultimately to doom the building.