History of Oxford Street
The street was originally part of the Via Trinobantina, a Roman road between Essex and Hampshire, and was known as Tyburn Road through medieval times. It became Oxford Street in the 18th century, when it became a fashionable address for the upper middle classes. In the 19th century, it became associated with theatres and entertainment venues, and was commonly known as “The Street of a Thousand Lights”.
In the 20th century, Oxford Street began to be associated with department stores such as Selfridges and Liberty, and was also the location of several important cinemas. Since the 1990s, however, it has become increasingly dominated by chain stores and fast food outlets.
Oxford Street Stores
As one of the most popular retail destinations in London, Oxford Street is home to a number of high street and designer stores. If you’re looking for a new wardrobe or just some inspiration, be sure to check out these stores on Oxford Street.
- Topshop – British fashion institution, Topshop is always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends. With everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Topshop.
- Selfridges – one of the most famous department stores in London, Selfridges is the perfect place to find designer labels and high-end fashion. With everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Selfridges.
- House of Fraser a British store, House of Fraser is the perfect place to find everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories. With a wide range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at House of Fraser.
- John Lewis – the perfect place to find everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories. With a wide range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at John Lewis.
- Harrods – one of the most famous stores in London, Harrods is the perfect place to find designer labels and high-end fashion. With everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Harrods.
- Next – a British clothing store, Next is the perfect place to find stylish and affordable clothes for the whole family. With a wide range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at Next.
- Debenhams – a British store, Debenhams is the perfect place to find everything from clothes and shoes to beauty products and accessories. With a wide range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at Debenhams.
Christmas Lights
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in London is the switching on of the Oxford Street Christmas lights. Every year, on the last Wednesday in November, crowds of people gather to watch as the lights are turned on. This year, there was a special performance from British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding before the lights were switched on by Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Lindsey Hall.
The switch-on event marks the start of the Christmas shopping season on Oxford Street, which is one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe. Over the following weeks, millions of shoppers will flock to the street to do their Christmas shopping. The Oxford Street Christmas lights are an essential part of the festive season in London.
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