Watch Notorious London: A City Tour

Name: Notorious London: A City Tour
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2021-04-23
Cast: Paul Deslandes

2021
1 Season

Notorious London: A City Tour from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Paul Deslandes takes viewers on a journey through the dark and fascinating history of one of the world's most iconic cities. This instructional video series, consisting of 24 episodes, offers a unique perspective on London's storied past, exploring its most notorious characters and events while also highlighting the city's vibrant culture, architecture, and landmarks.

Throughout the show, expert guide Paul Deslandes leads viewers on a compelling and entertaining journey through London, stopping at famous sites like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, while also delving into lesser-known locales and hidden gems. Along the way, Deslandes paints a vivid picture of life in London through the centuries, from the Medieval era to the modern day.

One of the key strengths of Notorious London is its focus on the fascinating characters who have populated the city throughout its history. Viewers will learn about infamous figures such as Jack the Ripper, who terrorized London's streets in the late 1800s, as well as lesser-known but equally intriguing characters like the mysterious "Shadow Man" who haunted the Thames in the 1930s. These stories are expertly woven into the fabric of London itself, creating a vivid and compelling portrait of a city where danger and intrigue lurked around every corner.

In addition to its focus on London's darker side, Notorious London also celebrates the city's many cultural and artistic achievements. From the birth of punk rock in the 1970s to the vibrant theater scene that has thrived for centuries, London has long been a hub of creativity and innovation, and Deslandes does an excellent job of highlighting this aspect of the city. Whether discussing the works of William Shakespeare or exploring the vibrant street art scene, viewers will come away with a renewed appreciation for London's cultural significance.

Of course, no exploration of London would be complete without touching on its legendary architecture, and Notorious London delivers in spades. From the iconic Tower Bridge to the opulent Buckingham Palace, this series showcases some of the most stunning and historically significant buildings in the world. Deslandes' expert commentary adds depth and context to each location, making viewers feel as if they're walking alongside him as he explores the city's many treasures.

Overall, Notorious London: A City Tour from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Paul Deslandes is an informative, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining exploration of one of the world's most fascinating cities. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or simply someone who loves to travel, this series will transport you to the heart of London and leave you eager to explore its many wonders for yourself.

Notorious London: A City Tour is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on April 23, 2021.

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Seasons

12. The Prying Eyes of London CCTV

April 23, 2021

A series of bombings in the early 1990s prompted the British government to create what they called a "ring of steel," which expanded police presence and surveillance in the city. Close your London tour with a look at how the vast network of CCTV devices implemented at the turn of the century transformed the way Londoners and visitors alike experience the city.

11. Fading Empire and the 1897 Diamond Jubilee

April 23, 2021

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee of 1897 celebrated 60 years of the monarch's rule. As you revisit the pomp and circumstance of this grand occasion, Professor Deslandes will highlight what this sort of celebration revealed about London, its royals, and its citizens -- and also what it was intended to obscure about the decline of the British Empire and the rapid changes of a modern world.

10. In the Footsteps of Jack the Ripper

April 23, 2021

Whitechapel had a reputation as a notorious district riddled with crime and poverty in the 19th century. While this characterization is not entirely accurate, the grisly murders of Jack the Ripper -- and the sensationalist news coverage of them -- cemented its dangerous status. Learn the real history of this East London neighborhood as you follow the trail of this infamous serial killer.

9. The Great Stink of 1858

April 23, 2021

How did a vital waterway like the Thames become so polluted that its rancid stench disrupted the everyday life of an entire city? Revisit the year 1858 and the "Great Stink" that helped Londoners conceptualize the dangers of pollution and prompted the implementation of lasting reforms that transformed the city's infrastructure for generations to come.

8. Taking the Dead Man's Path to Tyburn Tree

April 23, 2021

Look back on the trial and execution of Jack Sheppard in 1724 and reflect on the ways Jack's story highlights the public display of state power and the nature of public life in 18th-century London. Somewhat of a folk hero, Jack Sheppard still met an ignominious end that sheds light on the drastic disparities between the haves and the have-nots of London's past.

7. Wicked Fun at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

April 23, 2021

Especially popular with the aristocracy and the aspiring middle classes, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were 12 acres of woods and gravel walks on the South Bank of the Thames. Experience some of the scandalous stories of overindulgence, social interaction, sex, pleasure, and danger that abounded in and around this quintessentially 18th-century public place.

6. Underground Catholics of Protestant London

April 23, 2021

Following the Protestant Reformation of her father Henry VIII's reign, Elizabeth I and her successor James I ruled over an England torn by religious controversy and their rules were characterized by multiple conspiracies. Relive the history of religious persecution in London, from the pro-Catholic Mary I to her Protestant successors.

5. A History of Infamy in the Tower of London

April 23, 2021

Dive into the long history of the Tower of London and its many roles: fortress; royal residence; mint; armory; military garrison; zoo; and, perhaps most notably, prison. From the days of William the Conqueror to the Victorian era and later, you will see how this structure has played a significant part in London's long and notorious history.

4. On Carnaby Street during the Swinging '60s

April 23, 2021

Carnaby Street emerged during the expansion of London in the 17th century and would go on to become a symbol of social change in the 1960s. Look back on the history of this three-block stretch of city street and see why it became such a magnet for trendsetters and youth culture in post-war London, and examine why these changes were embraced by some and seen as a threat by others.

3. Getting Blitzed at London's Cafe de Paris

April 23, 2021

Go back in time to an evening in March of 1941, when the Cafe de Paris -- a popular center of London nightlife in the 1930s and 40s -- was destroyed in the Blitz. Uncover the history of the Cafe and see how its destruction reflects not only the horrors of wartime London, but the resiliency of the citizens who had to "keep calm and carry on" under the threat of war.

2. St. Paul's Cathedral in Faith, Fire, and Sin

April 23, 2021

St. Paul's Cathedral has overlooked London from a high point in the city for generations. Uncover the history of this church that has been so much more than a place of worship for the people of London, and has survived fire, plague, and the ravages of war. Here, you will look at several episodes from the cathedral's long and storied past.

1. Oscar Wilde's Decadent London

April 23, 2021

Begin your historical tour of London with a look at the city when it was home to Oscar Wilde at the close of the 19th century. Trace the details of Wilde's trial for indecency as you examine the way London society was structured and how immense wealth and privilege -- for some -- left its imprint on the city and its history. #Better Living

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Where to Watch Notorious London: A City Tour

Notorious London: A City Tour is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Notorious London: A City Tour on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.