Harvest Heritage

England’s vibrant capital is filled with historic treasures that help make it the world’s most visited city. A new campaign is aiming to highlight and celebrate London’s most ancient heritage, inviting visitors to the city to take part in uncovering unique artefacts of prehistoric, Roman and medieval London amongst the modern attractions and streets.

The Ancient World in London campaign was set up to mark the 1,600th anniversary of the fall of Roman Britain in AD 410, which is recognised as being one of the most significant turning points in the nation’s history. Heritage Key has arranged three months of events and activities that visitors to London can take part in this year to discover more about the city’s past and how it shaped the present, taking their trip to London even further.

London passed through many rulers across its long history, and each left its distinctive mark. London history means much more than just the well-known sites like the Tower of London, and it’s these little-known gems and ancient wonders that visitors are being encouraged to seek out in 2010. Visitors can trace the historic Roman roads and lost rivers that underlie the city’s contemporary design and track down the sites of historic events, such as the Battle of Hastings and Great Fire of London.

Visitors to London are eternally fascinated by England’s diverse history, which is why the British Museum continues to be the UK’s most visited free attraction year upon year. From the mysterious Stonehenge, built before recorded history began, to ancient treasures from across the world that are proudly displayed in the London of today, this new visitor campaign is an ideal opportunity for those interested in history and culture to see the city of London in a completely new light.

As part of the festivities, visitors are being encouraged to take photographs of ancient places and artefacts in and around London and share them with others, or enter them into competitions. The London experience doesn’t even have to finish when returning home, as city explorers can follow up their visit on the organisation’s dedicated website, taking part in blogging challenges, quizzes and discussions online, as well as exploring virtual environments.

London is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that can be even better appreciated when taking a look into its distant past. By visiting the capital this spring and staying in London hotels in some of the city’s most historic locations, visitors can experience London’s timeless legacy firsthand.