London must be having an identity crisis as of late, because we’re starting to forget what the places in our city are called. Whether it’s a case of mispronouncing a London place-name, calling a building by its nickname, or just plain not knowing the name of something, our poor buildings and attractions have garnered all manner of names and monikers. If you go for a wander around some of our most popular attractions, you might overhear all manner of nicknames being thrown around. But are they really the ‘wrong’ names?
We noticed our friends over in Manchester having a giggle at some of the ‘wrong’ names used for places in Greater Manchester, and had to join in the fun ourselves. It had us wondering if we even know the real identities of some of these spots.
The famous bridge
Mistaken identity: London Bridge
Real name: Tower Bridge
In what is perhaps one of the most famous cases of mistaken identity in the world, Tower Bridge is frequently called London Bridge by visitors to our capital. But the two look rather different in reality. How to remember which is which? You’ll find Tower Bridge right by the Tower of London. If you’re near London Bridge or Monument station, though, you’re on London Bridge.
The skyscraper with a sharp nickname
Mistaken identity: The Cheesegrater
Real name: The Leadenhall Building
Over at 122 Leadenhall Street, you’ll find this amusingly nicknamed London skyscraper, so-called for its unique shape. Sadly, you’re unlikely to find any shavings of Cheddar or Gouda on the nearby streets…
The big ol’ clock tower
Mistaken identity: Big Ben
Real name: The Elizabeth Tower
We’ll leave it to our Phoebe to explain this one – but despite its synecdochal meaning, Big Ben is not actually the name of the tower!
The apparently chatty skyscraper
Mistaken identity: The Walkie-Talkie
Real name: The Fenchurch Building
“Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now?” Well, not if you’re going to try to use this London skyscraper as a means of communication – no matter how aptly the shape may fit the nickname.
The stadium that underwent a name change
Mistaken identity: Olympic Stadium
Real name: London Stadium
There’s a Venn diagram comprising nostalgic nick-naming and genuine confusion that explains this venue’s frequent mis-naming. After all, it was once called the Olympic Stadium. But things change! Plus, it is situated in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, so the confusion is understandable.
The fun bridge nickname
Mistaken identity: Wibbly Wobbly Bridge
Real name: The Millennium Bridge
This one is just a bit of fun, though, isn’t it? Approach it from a distance, and cross on a windy day, and you’ll understand the name. Plus, we do genuinely tend to forget the real name – we’re too distracted by the impressive sight of nearby St Paul’s.
The iconic events venue
Mistaken identity: The Dome
Real name: The O2
A bit of a nostalgic one for our millennial and older readers – remember when everyone called the O2 ‘the dome’? It is kind of dome-y to be fair…
The pickle-y skyscraper
Mistaken identity: The Gherkin
Real name: 30 St Mary Axe
I mean… it does kind of look like an enormous gherkin. If gherkins were blue. And had windows.
So, how many of these took you by surprise? Did you know the real names of some of the most famously-nicknamed buildings in London?