London is a very old region, with records suggesting that the capital city dates back to 43 CE.
The region that has seen the likes of a Roman invasion, the attack of the Vikings, endless royal weddings and coronations to hosting the summer Olympics, London has seen and been through it all.
Throughout that time, the buildings and streets of London have changed a lot, wooden buildings became brick which became concrete and are now glass metal framed skyscrapers.
However, some buildings date back hundreds of years and are somehow still standing in London.
Including the humble Prospect of Whitby, the oldest pub on the River Thames, and you can still have a pint in it.
What is the oldest pub in London?
It's believed that the Prospect of Whitby dates back over 500 years, to around the 1520s.
Once known as The Pelican and later the Devil's Tavern, the oldest still-standing feature of the pub is the 400-year-old stone floor but it does also feature 18th-century panelling and a 19th-century facade.
Plus, the Prospect of Whitby also has some a rare pewter-topped bar along with some old barrels and ship masts that are built into the structure
Being set on the riverside, the current owners of the Prospect of Whitby, Greene King share it was originally frequented by "those involved in life on the river and sea and it was a notorious haunt for smugglers, thieves and pirates".
@oldfunk Historic pubs of London: The Prospect of Whitby #fyp #History #London #Pub #Pirate #xzybca ♬ Good Old World (Gypsy) - Instrumental - Tom Waits
They add that the historical pub was also visited by the likes of Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, Judge Jeffries and artists Whistler and Turner.
Nowadays the Prospect of Whitby might not get as many visits from smugglers or pirates but it does still serve a classic pint along with food and a wide choice of drinks.
In fact on Tripadvisor, the pub has an impressive 4/5 rating with one guest sharing: "This has got to be one of the best old pubs I've visited. Originally built in 1520 it is steeped in history, it's like a step back in time.
"From its exquisite historical exterior, it's impossible to imagine the size of this place, it really is quite large inside.
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"It has various separate rooms/bars with dining facilities and also several outdoor terraces. The pub sits alongside the Thames looking across to Canary Wharf and it's simply fascinating.
"The staff are lovely and the service very quick indeed. We had several drinks and a meal here - the food is pub-like/home-made and very tasty. The menu is quite varied and so lots of choices for all.
"There are various sign boards around the pub giving short pieces of information about its history, the building and its many famous visitors through the years."
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