Places in London That Aren't Pronounced the Way They're Spelled

Introduction

London is full of surprises, and its place names are no exception. For visitors and even Brits from outside the capital, navigating London's pronunciation quirks can be baffling. From silent letters to unexpected syllables, these names often look nothing like how they sound. This guide will help you get them right - and maybe even impress a local or two!

Why London Place Names Are So Confusing

The reason for these odd pronunciations often lies in history. London's street and area names come from a mix of Old English, Norman French, and other influences. Over the centuries, spellings became fixed, while pronunciations shifted, leading to today's inconsistencies.

Quirky London Place Names: How to Say Them Properly

Below is a curated list of some of the most commonly mispronounced places in London. For each, we've included a phonetic approximation and the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) pronunciation.



Painting of Kodak

Painting of The National Gallery, London (View full-size image here)

Tips for Getting It Right

Conclusion

London's rich tapestry of names tells a story of layered history, foreign influence, and evolving speech patterns. While the pronunciations can be confusing, learning them adds depth to your exploration of the city - and gives you the satisfaction of saying "Holborn" like a true Londoner.

List of Places in London, Map of Places in London