London’s Secret: A Piece of the Great Wall of China
Did you know a piece of the Great Wall of China is hiding in plain sight, just a stone's throw from Fleet Street? It's true! This incredible fragment, a genuine slice of ancient history, has been tucked away in London's Square Mile for an entire century, nestled within the charming Dr Johnson's House museum. Forget the City's Roman walls; this is a truly global secret.
The story behind this unexpected artifact is as captivating as it is surprising. Back in June 1922, mere months before his passing, newspaper magnate Alfred Harmsworth, the 1st Viscount Northcliffe, gifted this unique block to the museum. His brother, Cecil Harmsworth, had recently spearheaded the restoration of Dr Johnson's former home, transforming it into a public museum dedicated to the legendary lexicographer. So, why this particular, incredibly significant gift?
It turns out Dr Samuel Johnson himself harbored a profound fascination with China, and specifically, the Great Wall. As noted by his famous biographer, James Boswell, Johnson “expressed a particular enthusiasm with respect to visiting the wall of China.” While the arduous 18th-century journey never materialized for Johnson, Northcliffe's gesture in 1922 beautifully brought a piece of his dream right to his doorstep – or rather, his posthumous dwelling. It was a touching way to help the great man fulfill a lifelong ambition, albeit from beyond the grave.
Intriguingly, the provenance of this stone remains shrouded in a little mystery. How exactly Northcliffe acquired it, and whether it’s definitively the “genuine article,” isn't publicly known. Yet, the Chinese government doesn't seem overly concerned about its overseas journey, with diplomats even having visited the museum. So, if you're looking for a truly unique piece of history and a fascinating tale of ambition, legacy, and international intrigue, Dr Johnson's House offers a surprising detour into global wonders right in the heart of London.
This hidden great wall london attraction offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience authentic Chinese history without leaving the British capital.
Many visitors exploring Tower Bridge government jobs and nearby historic sites are surprised to discover London houses an authentic section of China's ancient wall.
When you visit london secrets like this one, you'll discover that a genuine section of China's ancient wall stands hidden in the city.
This london museums secret reveals how a genuine fragment of China's most famous landmark found its way into the heart of Britain's capital.
Students studying in london secrets often discover unexpected historical treasures like this authentic section of the Great Wall hidden in the city.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/secret/how-to-see-the-great-wall-of-china-near-fleet-street)
