The Little Book of London Lore

London’s shadowy alleyways and timeworn cobbled streets have tales to tell. In its sewers, Victorian toshers (sewer hunters) would share stories of a Rat Queen who would protect them from drowning. The last of the British giants, Gog and Magog, stand guard at Guildhall and, legend has it, the London Stone – the city’s ‘magical heart’ – will cause the capital to fall if it’s ever moved or destroyed. From the ravens in the Tower to Jimi Hendrix’s green parakeets, this handbook features 100 ancient and modern myths, legends, customs and ceremonies from all areas of London, offering compelling insights into the city’s identity and its rich folklore.