[Bruno Giordan]

Dear friends, I'm going to spend seven days in London.

My primary interest is in medieval and renaissance swords and armour, but I'm also interested in modern militaria, old cameras, archeology. I already have on my list the Tower of London and the Wallace collection, I'm asking for infos for further places to visit.

Also flea markets dealing with militaria and shops selling modern, i.e. From napo onwards swords, would be interesting for me.

Not to mention vintage vinyl discs and fifties/sixties cameras ..

Any suggestion would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

[Zach Luna]

There are some fantastic swords on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum (THE place for archeology stuff); both are free for entry like the Wallace. The Tower will cost you some change, but it's a lot of fun--have a whole afternoon blocked off for it. Westminster Abbey has the famous Henry V sword, and it's worth visiting regardless.

The Science museum is also fun for gadgetry and military knicknacks.

As for shops and markets, that's harder to say. I saw some decent sabers for sale at some antique shops on Portabello Road in Notting Hill, but there's no telling what they'll have on a given day. The market there on Saturday is fun if you can stomach tourist crowds and can differentiate the kitschy nonsense from the good stuff, but the prices are a bit inflated.

The shops at Covent Garden are fun to visit, though I don't know if they have antique dealers there. I must admit I know little of flea markets in town.

Whenever you're at the Wallace, I recommend also journeying up north to Regent's Park as well--it's my favorite of the Royal Parks and a fantastic place for a walk.

[Marik C.S.]

When I went to London earlier this year I was glad I arrived early at the Tower, about noon the place gets rather crowded.

The Imperial War Museum - also free admission - is very interesting as well featuring all of the latest British Wars and the New Globe Theatre is also worth a visit.

[Jonathan Hopkins]

Check out the basement of Admiral Vernon's on Portobello Road during the Saturday market.

[Paul Hansen]

The Museum of London is also worth the visit, especially for the bronze age stuff.

There are some antique shops near the British Museum, but I can't give an exact address.

[E.B. Erickson]

Besides all of the above, there's also the National Army Museum. Covers ECW through modern times.

Shops that may still be around: Michael German (on Kensington High Street, as I recall), Blunderbuss Antiques, Peter Dale (Royal Opera Arcade).

You only have seven days?? You're going to be busy!

--ElJay