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Must-read stuff
- Why did The Times call Holywell Street "the vilest street in the civilised world"?
- The bones in Benjamin Franklin's basement.
- Why is there a Platform 0 at King's Cross?
Things to do today:
HISTORY OF NATURE: See how nature has developed over 565 million years at the Natural History Museum's new exhibition, Colour and Vision: Through the Eyes of Nature. We got a preview and were fascinated with how much we learnt. £10.80, booking recommended, until 6 November
STAR WARS: Today's the first day of the Star Wars Celebration at ExCel Centre, with panels, exhibits, an interactive show floor, special merchandise, autograph sessions, costumes, screenings, fan-inspired activities, celebrity guests and more. £30, book in advance, from 10am
LONDON'S LUNGS: Join a walking tour through Kensington Gardens, and learn all about the rich variety of tree life in the Royal Park, including native and non-native species. £5, book in advance, noon-1.30pm
LOVEBOX FESTIVAL: It's the first day of Lovebox Festival in Victoria Park, so don your wellies and get in the summer mood, partying to live music from Major Lazer, Mø and London's own Stormzy and Katy B. From £54.50 (+booking fee), book in advance, from noon
TASTER DANCE CLASSES: Pop down to Finsbury Avenue Square for 25 minute dance taster sessions including ballet and Diverse Dance Mix sessions led by Royal Academy of Dance President Darcey Bussell. Free, book in advance, noon-2pm
BURLINGTON HOUSE LATES: Explore Piccadilly's Burlington House after hours at this Courtyard Late. Try activities from the five societies surrounding the courtyard including the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Astronomical Society. Free (but some activities have a participation fee), 6pm
SUNSET SAFARI: It's London Zoo's final Sunset Safari of the summer. Explore the zoo at dusk with talks from the conservation teams and live feeds, or kick back and watch acoustic acts and acrobats. £15, book in advance, 6pm
GUYANESE CRICKET: Learn how Guyana contributed to the history and evolution of cricket in the West Indies. There's a discussion with Rohan Kanhai, the captain of the 1973 team, and Mihir Bose, former Sports Editor at the BBC, and there's a chance to network. £10, book in advance, 6.30pm
SOUL GIG: Start your weekend with chilled vibes, listening to neo-soul, jazz fusion band Lacuna play at Ryan's in Stoke Newington. £6/8, book in advance, 7pm
JEREMY CORBYN TALK: Jeremy Corbyn quoted Booker Prize winning Ben Okri on the day he won the Labour leadership, and in response, Okri dedicated a poem to Corbyn. The two will meet for the first time at Southbank Centre for a discussion of literature and politics. £15-25, book in advance, 7.30pm
FEMALE CIRCUS ACROBATICS: Be amazed by trapeze-acrobatic-balancing fusion act Alula, who are performing with special guests at Jackson's Lane. £14, book in advance, 8pm
SINGLE LAUNCH: Celebrate the launch of Toya Delazy's new single Nu High at Muse Soho. Watch the video ahead of its release, and party the night away with music from Shelly Ravid, DJ Tank Escobar, and Toya Delazy herself. £5-10, book in advance, 8pm
Good cause of the day
REFUGEE FUNDRAISER: Beatboxer Ball Zee, poet Chimene Suleyman and comedian Nish Kumar are performing alongside many others in a night of entertainment. Funnyman Tiernan Douieb is hosting the event at Conway Hall in aid of helprefugees.co.uk. £5, book in advance, 21 July 7.30pm
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Our daily pick of Funzing events
HAPPINESS TALK: Psychologist and author Dr Raj Persaud is giving a TED-style talk on how to be happier, if it's even possible to be happy. £10, 19 July
MURDER MYSTERY: Find out if you're more Sherlock Holmes or Dr Watson in an interactive street game around Baker Street. £15, 23 July/6 August/20 August
