Even if you’re in the British capital, there are still places you can visit important to America’s history. There are six statues of American presidents you can visit as well as two churches where future presidents were married.
These are a few of my favorite places to get a taste of home abroad. This would be a fun walking tour as it takes you by many other sites but gives you a (patriotic) purpose!
West London
Grosvenor Square:
Start in Grosvenor Square which has many American-related sites as it was once home to the American embassy.
John and Abigail Adams lived at this home at No. 9 Grosvenor Square when he was named minister to Great Britain after the American Revolution. Their daughter, Nabby, married her father’s personal secretary, William Smith, here as well. While not open to the public, you can view a commemorative plaque on the building sponsored by the Colonial Dames of America.
In Grosvenor Square are diplomatic gates commemorating the Treaty of Paris listing many famous Americans including John Adams. The square also has a rare statue of President Franklin D. Roosevelt standing, honoring his work during World War II. It was unveiled after his death by Eleanor.
Across the street, you can find a plaque on No. 20 Grosvenor Square where Dwight D. Eisenhower had his headquarters during the war. A statue of Gen. Eisenhower is also located nearby.
Just down one block at the other end of the square is a statue of President Ronald Reagan.
Walk a few blocks east to St. George’s Church, Hanover Square. This is where future president Theodore Roosevelt married his childhood sweetheart, Edith, in 1885 while she was on a European trip with her family. Theodore stayed at the nearby Brown’s Hotel before the ceremony.
Walk a block south to the intersection of New Bond and Clifford Streets where the statue of President Franklin Roosevelt is talking with Winston Churchill. Called “Allies,” this commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is fun to sit in between these great men from history!
If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, stroll up Regent Street to the International Students House near the entrance to Regent’s Park where there is a bust of President John F. Kenney on display inside. I walked right by this earlier in the year and wish I had known to go in and see it!
Westminster/Trafalgar:
Start at Westminster Abbey to view a memorial to President Franklin Roosevelt and several American authors, diplomats, and soldiers.
Walk one block to Parliament Square where you can visit a statue of Abraham Lincoln.
Continue walking up Whitehall to the front of the National Gallery to see the recently restored statue of George Washington (dedicated just this year by Virginia’s governor!). I can’t imagine how amazed 18th century Britons or Americans would be to know that the British now revere the man that led the revolution against him!
Walk up the Strand to the Benjamin Franklin House, the only surviving Franklin home. He lived here for sixteen years from 1757 to 1775.
City of London:
My favorite American-related site in London can be found near the Tower of London. Walk just west of the Tower to All Hallows by the Tower church.
This is the oldest church in the City of London (built in the 7th century!) and was the site of the marriage between John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Johnson. John Quincy was in London for diplomatic reasons when he fell in love with Louisa who was born in London to an English mother and American father (learn more about Louisa in my Booking It Through History: First Ladies post!).
The church was heavily damaged in the Blitz but you can still imagine Louisa walking down the aisle to John Quincy here.
Don’t miss the crypt which has the actual wedding register of their wedding. It’s so special to see their actual signatures.
You can also see the baptistry record and memorial plaque of another distinguished American, William Penn who was baptized here in 1644.
There are also Roman ruins from floors to gravestones on display. These were exposed from 19th centry excavation projects and when the church was hit during the Blitz.
You can see pictures of what the church looked like after the Blitz.
And an artifact from Shackleton’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition.
America has a special relationship with Britain, and it shows in London. I love finding little historical sites with significant meaning! Add these to your touring list when walking around London!
