Taking a cab ride

Vintage taxis. Credit: TFL London Transport Museum Collection

 

Taxis have been in London since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Today they are firmly part of the city’s landscape. Our Sherbet Dab project interviewed London cabbies on everything from the black cab to the challenges of learning "The Knowledge" of the streets and the advent of satnav.

Find out more on the Sherbet Dab website.

Finding rare bats

The Barbastelle bat. Credit: Paul Leafe

 

The rare Barbastelle bat was recently spotted in Hainault Forest, the first time it had been seen in London for 50 years! Now Hainault’s ancient woodland and at-risk species are set to flourish thanks to £4.2m from The National Lottery.

Exploring the Science City

Detail of 1599 Dutch terrestrial globe made by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. Credit: Science Museum Group

 

Scientific instruments used by Sir Isaac Newton and a magnificent celestial globe from 1599 are just two of the objects set to feature in the Science Museum’s new Science City exhibition. Opening in September, the exhibition will reveal the role London played in shaping science and how science shaped the city.

Find out more on the Science Museum website.

Saving a skate park

Rom Skatepark

 

Rom Skatepark in Havering is the first listed skatepark in Europe. It has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. In our project, skaters and BMX riders shared their stories and spoke about the fight to secure the site’s future after a devastating fire.

Victorians on film

Victorians taking afternoon tea at Clarence House in 1897. Credit: BFI

The British Film Institute is home to more than 700 films made by some of our earliest filmmakers. The Victorian film collection spans from 1895 to 1901 and is available to watch for free on the BFI player.

 

Top image: Pelicans at London Zoo in 1898. Credit: BFI