Blackfriars, Historical district in City of London, United Kingdom
Blackfriars is a district in central London that extends along the north bank of the Thames between the Temple and St Paul's Cathedral. The area is connected across the river by Blackfriars station, where railway and underground platforms reach over the water.
Dominican friars founded a monastery here in 1276, which later became a significant location for Parliament meetings and royal ceremonies. The monastery was dissolved in 1538 as the area underwent major change.
The district takes its name from Dominican friars who wore black robes and shaped the area for centuries. Visitors can still see street names and plaques that reflect this religious heritage today.
The area is easy to reach on foot and well-served by public transport. Streets are often narrow and busy, mixing historic buildings with modern offices, so plan your walk accordingly.
The Society of Apothecaries acquired a medieval guesthouse here in 1632 and rebuilt it as Apothecaries' Hall after the Great Fire. The building still stands today and shows how the area recovered from major destruction.
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