Addresses of London Buildings Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Gherkin

Nicknamed for its beautiful shape reminiscent of a gigantic pickle, the "Gherkin" is 500 feet high. It was completed by the Norman Foster Group in 2003, and is not generally accessible to the general public.

Answer: Apsley House

Apsley House, which stands where Piccadilly meets the gateway to Hyde Park, was the London residence of the Duke of Wellington, who bought it in 1817 and developed it into a palatial home housing his collection of art and other gifts following his defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The building itself was designed by Robert Adam, and was built in the 1770s for Henry, Baron Apsley - hence the name.

Answer: Tate Modern

Originally built as the Bankside Power Station in 1947, it was closed down in 1981. Many millions were then spent converting the building into Britain's foremost museum of Modern Art. It lies directly opposite St Paul's Cathedral across the Thames, and the walk across the Millennium pedestrian bridge in either direction is a rewarding experience. Whether the contents of the museum are equally rewarding depends on your view of modern art.

Answer: The London Eye

Europe's tallest Ferris wheel in 2018, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Each of the 32 air-conditioned capsules takes 30 minutes to complete a circuit, and carries up to 25 passengers to a height of about 440 feet.

Answer: The Tower of London

The White Tower, in the centre of this ancient fortress, was built for William the Conqueror in 1078. The surrounding area of 13 acres is surrounded by a battlemented wall, flanked with massive towers. Many other buildings were added by later English monarchs, including the Chapel, the Jewel House (in which the Crown Jewels are kept), and the Barracks. Over the centuries the Tower has been used as a palace, a fortress, an armoury and a prison.

The Constable of the Tower is assisted by the "Warders of the Tower", popularly known as Beefeaters.

Answer: Lambeth Palace

The official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace dates from about 1200. The entrance or gatehouse is called Morton's Tower, and was built in 1490 by Cardinal John Morton. Within the palace is Lambeth Palace Library, the official library of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the principal repository of records of the Church of England.

The library here is the major collection of records of the Church of England.

Answer: Canary Wharf

The building commonly called Canary Wharf, with its familiar pyramidal roof, is at One Canada Square, but strictly speaking the name Canary Wharf includes several other buildings in the district which comprises nearly 100 acres of office and retail space.

Answer: Houses of Parliament

Also known as The Palace of Westminster, the present building containing the House of Lords and the House of Commons was constructed in the 1840s after the earlier building was destroyed by fire in 1834. The neo-gothic design by architect Charles Barry is flanked by the Victoria Tower at one end and the Elizabeth Tower (housing the clock with its bell called Big Ben) at the other.

Answer: Buckingham Palace

Originally built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham, it was bought by George III for his wife Queen Charlotte to live in. It became a royal residence when Queen Victoria came to the throne, and successive kings and queens have maintained this tradition. Buckingham Palace has been the focus for celebrating national events throughout its existence. Although it is the actual residence of the British monarch in London, Buckingham Palace is not the "official" residence of the monarch - that is St James' Palace.

Answer: The Shard

This spectacular skyscraper appears to be made almost entirely of glass, and is also known as the "Glass Shard". Its 95 floors rise to a height of over 1000 feet, and the observation deck gives unparalleled views over London. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, it was opened in 2012.