Trade and craft associations have flourished for many centuries. The City of London companies, now collectively known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity. The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish today.

The Barbican is a residential complex of around 2,000 flats, maisonettes, and houses in the City of London. Built on the site destroyed by The Blitz during the World War II, The Barbican Estate is a fascinating development and an icon of Brutalist architecture. Architects were Chamberlain, Powell and Bon. You will find an oasis in the middle of buildings, with gardens and water features.

Chamberlain Powell and Bon, 1970

Publicly accessible space outside the spectacular Grade I listed medieval civic Guildhall.

George Dance the Younger, 1789

First built in c.1136, St. Lawrence Jewry was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. The present church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1671. The interiors were destroyed in December 1940 during the World War Two and restored in 1957, faithful to Wren’s original design. Extensive conservation works were completed in 2023. The official church to the City of London Corporation.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1677

Open daily 10am-5pm. Regular guided tours 12.15pm & 1.15pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, see below. Home of the City of London's art collection, & remains of London's Roman Amphitheatre

Richard Gilbert Scott, 1999

In 1666, the conflagration devastated most of the City, thousands of houses, many churches and St Paul's Cathedral destroyed. Christopher Wren played a major role in rebuilding the City. Free walks led by City of London Guides

Christopher Wren, 1666

Regular combined guided tours of Amphitheatre and Guildhall Art Gallery at 12.15pm & 1.15pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Additional Open House tours on 21 and 22 September, please book via Guildhall Art Gallery listing. The capital’s only known Roman Amphitheatre

Roman , 70

The City's seat of municipal government since 12C. Grade I listed, rare example of medieval civic architecture.

John Croxton, 1440

Purpose built over 5 floors to house printed books and manuscripts. Features include former pneumatic tube ticket delivery system and 56 listed translucent pyramid roof lights.

Sir Giles Scott, Son + Partners, 1974

Home of NLA, London’s built environment community, and located in the West Wing of the Guildhall complex, the Centre highlights 3 scale architectural models of London: the New London Model, the City Model and the Royal Docks Model.

Giles Gilbert Scott, 1974

Founded by William the Conqueror's Archbishop Lanfranc in 1080 (the significant crypt survives) St Mary-le-Bow was rebuilt, notably by Wren after the Great Fire and by Laurence King in 1964 after WWII destruction. Home of Bow Bells.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1683