The City of Westminster and the London Borough of Camden are connected by a significant road in London called The Strand. It is renowned for having a thriving cultural environment, with theaters, galleries, and bookshops lining the streets. However, have you ever wondered whence it got its name?
The Old English word “strand,” which means “shore” or “riverbank,” is the source of the name “The Strand.” The road was initially constructed along the northern bank of the River Thames and served as a vital thoroughfare for both people and goods transit. It has been around since the Roman era and was previously the location of opulent palaces owned by affluent businessmen and aristocracy.
The Strand Palace Hotel, one of the Strand’s most recognizable structures, was constructed in 1909 and is still in use today. The Savoy Hotel, which was founded in 1889 and opened to numerous famous guests over the years, including Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles, is another well-known monument.
The world-famous Strand Bookstore in New York City is among the bookshops owned by the Strand, which are possibly its most well-known features. On the London Strand, however, there are also a number of renowned bookstores, such as Hatchards and Waterstones. Speaking of bookstores, Patti Smith, a well-known author and performer, used to work at one on the Strand. Smith worked at Better Books, a store that specialized in avant-garde and counterculture literature, in the early 1970s.
Hatchards, which was established in 1797 and is still in business today, holds the distinction of being the oldest bookstore on the Strand. The store has a long history of servicing royalty and famous people, and everyone from Lord Byron to J.K. Rowling has stopped by.
Let’s chat about Waterstones before we wrap up. This well-known book business was initially established in 1982 under the name Waterstone’s, with an apostrophe. In 2012, the name was changed to Waterstones as part of a rebranding initiative to update the company’s image. Over 280 Waterstones bookstores may be found in the UK and Europe as of right now.
In conclusion, the Strand is an intriguing neighborhood in London with a significant cultural and historical past. The Strand has something for everyone, whether you enjoy reading, are interested in history, or are just searching for a fun location to explore.