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Posts Tagged ‘moving to London England’

Moving to London Community Spotlight: Surrey

Thursday January 24th, 2013

urlLocated in England’s South East, Surrey is a wonderful county that offers close proximity to London while providing laid back living and abundant woodland. Surrey actually contains the highest percentage of wooded area in Great Britain at over 22 percent. Those moving to London from US will especially find the Surrey boroughs offer pleasant oases away from the hustle and bustle of condensed city activity.

There are 11 areas within Surrey where London rentals and London property for sale can be found. These are Guildford, Runnymede, Epsom and Ewell, Tandridge,  Woking, Elmbridge, Mole Valley, Spelthorne, Waverly, Reigate and Banstead, and Surrey Heath. The largest of these boroughs is Guildford with Woking coming in at second largest and Ewell being the third largest.

Surrey contains numerous areas which are gorgeous to behold and fun to enjoy with various walking paths and viewing points. Some of the most notable places to venture for a day’s relaxation are Frensham Ponds, Crooksbury Commons, Newlands Corner and Puttenham, Leith Hill, and Boxhill which is the oldest section of natural woodland still untouched within the UK.

Those relocating to London and settling in Surrey will find a vast amount of entertaining activities. You can wander through one of the many breathtaking gardens, meander along various waterways, or choose from a selection of historic houses to visit. There are also numerous museums to tour on cold or rainy days such as Brooklands Museum and the Rural Life Centre, both of which make excellent tours for young and old alike.

During better weather, you can venture from Surrey apartments and take hikes along various bridleways, country lanes and footpaths, strike out for a bit of cycling, play a game of golf, or enjoy a dip in one of many indoor or outdoor pools. Other activities include a serene boat ride with Guildford Boat House, exciting horse racing at Kempton Park, visitations to top area theatres, or family fun at either the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Park or Guildford Spectrum.

Of course, endless days of frantic shopping and lazy dining can also be found in abundance throughout Surrey. High-end fashion shops, trendy boutiques, and festive malls can be found at such places as West Street, Dorking, Working Town Centre, Guildford Town Centre, and Tunsgate Square Shopping Centre.

Once you’ve “shopped until you drop”, you can take refuge in one of Surreys many restaurants offering delicious dishes from an assortment of cultural backgrounds, or duck into any one of a variety of pubs for a refreshing beer or cocktail.

If Surrey sounds like the place that you want to call your new home then contact a relocation consultant to help you with all your London relocation details. They will locate available Surrey apartments for you as well as assist with visas and other forms of necessary documentation, help with shipping and moving your belongings, find areas with required schools, worship centres, etc, have utilities and phones hooked up, and other helpful services. You are sure to enjoy the vast natural beauty and cosy comfort of Surrey!

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4 Things We’ve Loved About Working In London Over The Last Month

Sunday December 23rd, 2012 

COLLABORATION AGENCY - 'Collaboration Agency is a Boutique Technology Agency, a
creative hub in London with a Global network of technology experts and market
experience'  - Collaboration Agency's outreach are UK Agencies and Brands and
International Technology experts.

4 Things We've Loved About Working In London Over The Last Month. 

Published 29th November 2012

1) Drawn in Nights

London’s weather is hit and miss at best, but as the nights have drawn in we’re
reminded that now that London never fails to impress. We’ve got to spend a lot of
time out on the streets of London over the last few months, from taking time-lapse
footage and photographs for our own marketing campaigns in and around central London
to the edgy work done behind the scenes at Red Guerrilla Productions’ East London
debut feature film ‘Who Needs Enemies’. We’ve uploaded our best bits, on to our
Facebook and Pinterest Accounts to share with you.

2) Places to Ponder

If there is one thing we love more than technology and brands, it’s eating and
drinking and London offers up some of the best meeting rooms in the World, nothing
quite like a unique environment to spark some creativity, here’s our offices top 5
places to ponder. Gilgamesh, Cafe Gourmand, Pizza East Kentish Town, Archpelagio
Check out our pics on Pinterest.

3) Self Sufficient Music

Alright, so there’s a lot we like as well as Technology & Brands, but its good to be
well rounded. 3rd up is London’s music scene, London seems to be giving birth to a
new breed of successful, self-sufficient artists. Out there focusing on the music
and ignoring Industry protocols, literally one man industry machines. This month
Collaboration have been creating the follow up material from Aina Rox’x debut EP
Launch ‘Word on the Street’, Aina epitomizes what we love about the London music
scene, she even makes her own hot sauce which makes going to her gigs worth it all
on its own! Watch out for the Word on The Street blog next month!

4) Collaborators

People say it’s during recession that the inspired shine through and flourish and
we’ve certainly started working with some companies who are doing just that and
believe they’re making our working lives more enjoyable too.

ThinkTank Media are now partnered with Collaboration, they make things and we like
that! From packaging to location and event installations and we’re really looking
forward to bringing lots of campaigns to life in the New Year, for all your
merchandise needs check out www.thinktankmedia.co.uk.

London Relocation, London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the Planet, but
that doesn’t make the World any smaller and can make the logistics of setting people
up in London challenging. Enter the Guys and Girls from London Relocation, literally
setting up accommodation for clients and consultants in a moments notice no matter
what budget we’re working to and we don't have to lift a finger.

It’s people collaborating with us like this in London that make it such a sweet
place to work, yep it all comes back down to the people.'

To read further: www.collaborationagency.com/explore

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5 Essential Tips For Moving Into Your New Apartment

Wednesday October 24th, 2012

The best way to minimize stress in any situation is expecting as much of the unexpected as you can—and that certainly applies to finding and settling into London apartments. Some issues are universal, others are particular to where an international relocation takes you. So here are a few top tips on what to expect when renting London apartments in particular:

1. TAKING INVENTORY OF LONDON APARTMENTS

When the lease is signed and move-in date confirmed, your representing London estate agent or landlord will arrange for a third party to take inventory on the flat before you move anything into it. This will account for all furnishings and other contents that the landlord is providing with the property for your use as well as a report on the condition of these items and the unit itself. Any matters that need rectifying (broken fixtures, furniture replacement/removal, etc.) should be addressed at this or the lease-signing stage so that the inventory reflects with total accuracy the condition in which you’re taking on the property.

The inventory checker usually takes photographs of the interiors of London apartments as well, noting instances of damage, stains, and so forth so that you aren’t held accountable at the end of your lease term. Because the inventory not only protects the landlord but you as the tenant, it’s imperative you review this report and its photos in thorough detail and document in writing any discrepancies you come across—be it something that was overlooked or recorded in error. Make sure all parties involved are aware of these changes and request a copy of the inventory for your own records.

2. RENTER’S INSURANCE ON LONDON APARTMENTS

The items recorded in your London apartment’s official inventory will likely already be covered against flood, fire, and other accidents under your landlord’s insurance. It’s worthwhile, though, to confirm this is the case when you sign your lease.

The next consideration, then, is coverage for the personal contents you’ll be moving into the flat. Taking out content’s insurance requires a bit of research, but it’s certainly worthwhile. According to the Metropolitan Police, there were nearly 63,000 residential burglaries in London over the last year, just a 0.2% increase over the twelve months preceding. If you would like to see statistics for the particular borough in which you’re searching for London apartments, see the Crime Figures page at met.police.uk.

At any rate, there are a number of insurance companies in the UK offering contents protection for London apartment rentals. These include:

Direct Line
Aviva
Churchill

You can also compare insurance quotes at the following:

GoCompare.com
Confused.com
CompareTheMarket.com

While these sites usually have webforms you can fill out for a quote, you might be better off just calling a company directly, since they’ll ask the same questions all over again anyway—usually specific to the buildings in which the London apartments requiring coverage are located (e.g., roofing materials, building grade, what floor the flat is on, number of doors into the building and unit, whether there’s an alarm system, etc.)

3. MOVING INTO YOUR LONDON FLAT

Note that movers obviously must wait until they know a specific UK address to deliver your goods to before they’ll actually ship them. Bear in mind also that even when you’re ready to give them that address, they won’t necessarily be ready to ship to it—for overseas international movers typically wait for a cargo container to fill with your and others’ shipments before loading it onto the boat, so the timing of your delivery with your move-in might not align.

As for moving costs, changes in fuel prices from the time you contract a moving company to when they actually ship your goods could mean a change in their service fee. You’ll also want to contact your new London apartment’s applicable council to determine whether you’ll need to purchase a temporary parking permit for the moving truck—if they get ticketed, you could be liable for the fine.

Finally, just as with inventory, you’ll need to sign off on the quality of your mover’s delivery—i.e., confirm they caused no damage to the building, flat, or your possessions, and that all contents are accounted for. Be detail-oriented about this so you have recourse if something goes wrong.

4. PAYING COUNCIL TAX ON YOUR PROPERTY

One of the more unpleasant surprises of moving into London apartments is receiving the council tax bill. Landlords in the States don’t necessarily pass their property taxes onto their tenants, but in London, we’re directly responsible for this charge.

Council tax pays for community services like street cleaning, parks, schools, police, social housing, etc. and can vary from several hundred to a couple thousand GBP depending on which property valuation band your London apartment’s address falls into. You can pay it in a lump sum or request an installment plan, and full-time students can receive exemption. See Gov.uk and/or your London borough’s website (e.g., Kensington & Chelsea) for more information on council tax and student exemptions.

5. GETTING SAFELY PLUGGED IN AND SETTLED IN

Remember: UK voltage is 240V. US voltage is usually 120V. For any non-UK appliances you set up in London apartments, you must:

1) use an adaptor so that a two-pronged US or EU plug will fit a three-pronged UK outlet.

2) buy at least one transformer to plug appliances operating at less than 240V into, then plug the transformer into the wall.

Foreign TVs and computers usually support up to 240V so only need an adaptor. But for anything else, use a transformer to decrease the voltage entering your appliance. An adapter plug alone will NOT adapt for electricity! It’s useful to plug a power strip into your transformer so you can convert multiple appliances at once—but pay attention to how much wattage the transformer can support so you don’t overdo it.

Who knew London apartments could be so much rip-roarin’ fun, huh? ;)

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Moving To London Area Guide

Friday June 15th, 2012

Make sure that your moving to London area guide gives you a good overview of each suburb and the amenities as well as the major transport routes. You need three things when you’re planning your relocation:

  • To be a short walk from a major train or tube station to be able to get to work every day
  • To be close to the shops/doctors/vets etc for easy everyday convenience
  • To be close to schools if you have younger children

It may not be possible to arrange all three when you’re looking at your area guide alone which is why you need a professional guide and relocation agent to help.

Moving To London Area Guide Assessment

Your London relocation agent doesn’t just dash out to find you a property without taking a full profile and needs assessment. Before you even think of packing your bags and heading off to London you need to establish exactly what your requirements are. Do you need a home that is within walking distance of one of the international private schools? Do you have pets and want to be close to one of the many dog-friendly parks in the city? Do you want to be able to walk to work? These are all questions that only you can answer.

Moving To London Area Guide For Expats

Many Americans tend to stay in similar areas, as do the Australians and the South Africans. there is something to be said for finding a home in a neighborhood where you’re guaranteed to hear a friendly accent from home. There is also something to be said for striking out and exploring London on your own. You’ll be able to make friends wherever you are, so let your relocation agent advise you of a number of different areas and homes before you make up your mind.

Moving To London Area Guide – Expenses

Each area is quite distinct in terms of pricing. Arrange a meeting with your relocation agents and make sure that they understand exactly how much you have to spend. they will probably be able to give you a handy “Moving to London Area Guide” and advise you on costs of things like utilities, council taxes and transport costs that are specific to the area that you are looking at.

 

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Americans Moving To England

Thursday June 14th, 2012

If you’ve never lived abroad, many Americans moving to London, England are somewhat nervous of what they’re going to find. On the one hand, you’ve got films like “Notting Hill” showing idyllic scenes of quaint private gardens and leafy suburbs right in the heart of the city, and on the other hand, you’ve got films showing graphic violence and the problems of housing estates in certain areas of the city. Americans moving to London, England can find that planning their relocation is confusing if you don’t know where to start looking for apartments and schools; doctors and dentists; banks and bakeries. You start right here!

Americans Moving To London England and Logistics

The first step for Americans moving to England starts in the USA. Visas, banking and paperwork are going to be your key concerns. When you work with a professional relocation agent in London they will be able to advise you of the paperwork that you’ll need when you arrive and may even be able to help you with setting up and opening a bank account before you arrive. If you’re moving for work then your employer will be sorting out your visa application and work permit, but you need to sort out visas for your accompanying spouse or partner and your children. Your partner is not eligible to work in the UK just because you are.

Americans Moving To London, England and Tax

This is a big issue that should be sorted out BEFORE you leave the US. Sit down with an accountant (CPA) who specialises in tax for US citizens living abroad. You will have to pay tax in the UK and tax in the US if you do not plan your taxes carefully. Double taxation will take a sizeable bite our of your salary and remember that the IRS does not forget about you just because you’re living in London.

Americans Moving To London, England and Apartments

This is going to be the issue that needs the most input from a professional relocation agent. Many Americans moving to England are not sure of the scale and size of the city. You’ll need to know where you are working to be able to find an apartment on a specific transport route. if you have a family, then the subject of schools and education will also have an impact on where you live. If you’re moving pets to London, you’ll want to find accommodation that is pet-friendly and close to one of the dog parks.

Logistics, planning and a lot of help from a professional agent that specialises in Americans moving to London, England will help make the move as smooth as possible, leaving you free to explore your new home town.

 

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Moving to London From America Advice

Friday June 8th, 2012

When you’re moving to London from America there is a lot of excitement, adventure and unfortunately, paperwork. There are a couple of admin issues that you should get done as soon as possible to ensure that you’re settled as fast as possible and can get out and enjoy your new city and your new home.

Moving to London from America Checklist

Just as soon as you have found your perfect new London rental you need to make sure that you contact the local council to register you at that address, not only will it help for future financial dealings, like opening bank accounts, but will also help you at the your local doctor and on the National Health Service in an emergency. You will have to pay council tax while after moving to London from America and they will need an address to send the bills to.

After Moving to London From America

Choosing a local doctor is quite important after moving from America. You’ll have to register as a local surgery to be provided with health care. Most doctors don’t take walk in patients, so getting registered means that you can see your doctor whenever you need to instead of going to a public health clinic.

Small items need to be sorted out when you’re moving from America. Getting your utilities turned on may seem a trivial aspect of your big move, but you need to prepare for it.  You don’t have to go with the first power services provider in your area. There are a number of excellent power utility companies that provide very competitive rates and services. There are nearly 20 companies providing electricity and gas across England. UK Power Networks and NPower are two electricity and gas providers.

You’ll have to get a TV license after moving from America, remember that your televisions license is registered to your address, not you as a person, so if you move home, you have to change your address details with the BBC licensing department. You can do all of the paperwork to apply for a television license as well as renew your license and change your flat address online at the BBC licensing website and they will post your license card to your new address.

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when you’re moving to London from America; you can get professional and expert help from a UK based relocation company to take care of the details so you can enjoy the experience.

 

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Moving to London – SING for the Queen!

Tuesday June 5th, 2012

Moving to London is all about preparing for a new cultural environment and embracing it. With the grand four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration underway and culminating today, let’s clear our throats, drink some warm honeyed water, and otherwise prep those vocal chords for belting out a proper British tune—because moving to London means learning the words to a new soundtrack of your life.

Moving to London – Rule Britannia!

“Rule Britannia!” is the ultimate British theme that you hear associated with the UK time and again. Trust me, you’d know it if you heard it (just pop in your European Vacation VHS, fast-forward to when the Griswolds arrive in London, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talkin’ about). It’s a patriotic hymn that was born in 1740 when Thomas Arne set James Thomson’s poem “Rule, Britannia” to music for a masque about Alfred the Great, performed in commemoration of George II’s accession and Princess Augusta’s birthday. The lyrics go on at length, but here’s the chorus to this anthem of British pride:

Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.

A perfect tune to blast on your iPod as you’re moving to London from outside the UK and ready to rally your troops and conquer living in a new land!

Moving to London – God Save the Queen

If you’re an American moving to London, then you should know this next song, too…sort of. Let’s just say I first became aware of it in a pub in Bath, England; it was the day of a football (soccer) match that had drunken pub patrons singing jubilantly, and, my face contorting in confusion, I wondered, “Why are they singing ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’ in England??” It wasn’t until I could finally parcel out the words “God Save the Queen” that I realized, oooohhh…right. This is Great Britain’s national anthem (as well as across its Commonwealth in supplement to regional anthems), brought to us by Thomas Arne once again and first sung in 1745. The lyrics are adapted as necessary to “King” and “him” in accordance with the reigning monarch’s gender, and that’s not all the changes they’ve seen over the years. History and geography has added, subtracted, and otherwise modified lyrics since the original, but the “standard” version sung in the UK is typically limited to the first two verses below:

God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen

Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.

And as you’ve probably deduced from my little anecdote above, yes, the tune is the same as the patriotic hymn “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” sung in the States. A nice—if not highly ironic—little familiarity of home for Americans moving to London and learning to straddle two nations. And you can bet these lyrics have carried on the winds a-plenty this Diamond Jubilee weekend. God save the Queen, indeed! Huzzah!

Moving to London – Sing

The pride and tradition of Britain’s past is certainly something that awes expats moving to London, but, let’s face it, we want to live in the now of the UK as well. Songs did not cease to be written after the 1740s, obviously, and neither is history reserved for the distant past. There is nothing like moving to London to make you realize how history is made every day—case in point: a monarch is celebrating 60 years on the throne this weekend (the second longest reign of a British sovereign). As part of the commemoration, Take That’s Gary Barlow was asked to write the official song of this year’s Jubilee. In his words, he was “shit scared” faced with this responsibility but undoubtedly honored. Says Gary (a little more eloquently this time):

“Meeting the Queen is…well, it’s not like meeting a normal person. She’s surrounded by this powerful aura, but it’s an aura that feels warm, good and nice. I’ve met some powerful people in my life and there’s often a darkness you get with power. Not with the Queen.”

Barlow worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber and over 200 singers and musicians from across the Commonwealth (oh, and Prince Harry on a tambourine) on this project, and thus the song “Sing” was born in 2012:

Some words they can’t be spoken only sung
So hear a thousand voices shouting love

There’s a place, there’s a time
In this life when you sing what you are feeling
Find your feet, stand your ground
Don’t you see
Right now the world is listening to what we say

Chorus:
Sing it louder, sing it clearer
Knowing everyone will hear you
Make some noise, find your voice tonight
Sing it stronger, sing together
Make this moment last forever
Old and young
Shouting love tonight

To sing we’ve had a lifetime to wait
And see a thousand faces celebrate

You brought hope, you brought light
Conquered fear, it wasn’t always easy
Stood your ground, kept your faith
Don’t you see
Right now the world is listening to what we say

[Chorus]

Some words they can’t be spoken only sung
To hear a thousand voices shouting love
And light and hope

Now sing [x4]

Come all and sing

[Chorus]

Hear a thousand voices shouting love.

Can you hear them? If you’re moving to London, you’re becoming a part of this proud nation, too, so join those voices and SING!!

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Americans Moving To London And Healthcare

Tuesday June 5th, 2012

Many Americans moving to London want to know about the state of healthcare in the UK. There are several details of your relocation to London that you will only be able complete once you’re on the ground. Your relocation agents will be able to sort out quite a few of the details like opening a bank account and finding you that perfect pad, but getting healthcare is something you have to do in person.

Americans Moving To London and the NHS

The NHS in the UK requires that you register in person at a GP to be eligible for all of the healthcare benefits. Once you have found a GP in your neighborhood, you will have to make an appointment to see the doctor as well as register at the practice.

When you get to the doctors rooms you need to ask for a GMS1 form which you will fill out with all of our details. Take your passport and visa along with you as you may be asked for some proof of identity by the GP. There is no waiting period for people to register with a GP. If you are legally allowed to work and live in London then you are automatically eligible for healthcare.

Americans Moving To London and Healthcare Logistics

Once you have filled in your GMS1 form, the practice will forward your application to the Primary Care Trust that will issue you with your NHS card and number and let you know that you are on the system. It can take a couple of weeks though, so if you need medical attention then use the free clinics, (they really are very good) or go to your local hospital.

There is one requirement of the system that may take some of your time. All people wishing to join the NHS have to register at a doctor in person. You cannot register on behalf of your spouse or family when you arrive in the UK. This is why it is important to spend the first week of your relocation to London sorting out the details before you start work and get too busy.

If you need any advice on how to register or where to find a GP, the NHS website has a comprehensive list of all the GP’s. Americans moving to London need not worry that they won;t receive medical care while living in the UK.

 

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Moving to London from New York

Sunday June 3rd, 2012

If you’re moving from New York you’ll probably know quite a bit about how important it is to have a good understanding of the different areas of the city. It can be tough as an American moving from New York to try and find a rental in the perfect neighborhood. Living here means that you have over 100 neighborhood’s and suburbs to choose from and your first step will be deciding on whether or not you’re going to live north or south of the River.

Moving from New York – American Neighborhoods

North London is certainly the more popular choice for Americans moving from New York. There are a number of suburbs that expats tend to favor. The problem is that they are also rather more expensive than usual, and prices tend to be inflated more than they should be. It might be wise if you’re on a budget to look at areas that are not traditionally inhabited by expats. Not only will you be paying substantially less, on your accommodation, but you’ll find that your annual council tax payment is cheaper in many neighborhoods to the south.

Moving From New York and Transport

One of the biggest pluses about living in North London after moving from New York is the transport network. If you have a look at the TfL tube map, you’ll see that there are far more tube stations north of the River Thames. If this is your first time here and you don’t know the city very well, then living in north London is a definite plus. There are many areas in South London that just don’t have any tube stations, and while this is going to change with the additions to the East London tube line that have finally opened. It can still be a challenge to have to catch a train and two buses to get to work.

Moving From New York  - Choose North London

North London has some of the most famous parks and open spaces for you to enjoy. Many of the Royal Parks are here and you’ll have a fair amount of open space to enjoy during the summer months. In terms of entertainment, it can be said the central London with the bright lights of “Theatreland” and the thousands of clubs and bars, does actually fall into the North London area. That said, this area is huge and if you’re looking for entertainment and excitement you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for no matter where you choose to live after moving from New York.

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Americans Moving to London – Crown Envy

Thursday May 31st, 2012

Americans moving to London this summer, you won’t be double-checking to make sure you’ve arrived in the right place. With every street strung up with Union Jack and Queen Elizabeth II flags, Britain is officially in bloom. There’s no question that the Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympics combo this summer has officially stirred up the national pride and brought on an onslaught of tourists. And admit it—we Americans are salivating over every bit of it. Many Yankees are visiting the UK for the festivities, but Americans are entreching themselves directly in the cultural traditions of England. After a while, it becomes a part your life, too, a part of your pride.

Our Royal Fixation

But even beyond Americans moving to London, those in the States have displayed an absolute fascination with the Brits spurred on greatly by last year’s royal wedding. What a bunch of Anglophiles we’ve become in 236 years, haven’t we? ;) Am I the only one that finds that ironic??

We fought for independence, kicked and screamed against a monarchy to establish democracy. Yet we’ve tried so desperately to create royalty of our own out of politicians and celebrities. Um, yeah, they’re not quite the same. So we’ve turned our heads away from that tatty, tacky bunch back to Mother England. If there’s anyone that can do royalty right, it’s the British.

England’s X Factor

British royalty is really just symbolic these days. England has long since embraced democracy, too, yet a millenium of monarchy is a tough current to swim against. Americans moving to London like I did a few years ago will readily recognize how steadfast in tradition the British are, and why not? Their tradition is cool!! The palaces, the pageantry. The inspiration, the imperialism. The regal architecture and costume and fanfare that accompanies royal celebrations is a feast for the eyes that can’t help but dazzle Americans moving to London, just visiting, or even watching it on TV. Mind you, I don’t dream of undermining America’s own rich history and beauty here—I may live in the UK, but my heart is in the States. I’m a patriot through and through, but even I can’t help but embrace the je ne sais quoi of Britain’s charisma. It’s not that we want them to rule us again. We just think that they rule.

Join the Jubilation

Speaking of all this monarchy mania, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee officially kicks off Saturday and lasts through Tuesday, 5 June. The locals seem very excited—loving any event that gives reason to celebrate Britain since they don’t really do holidays like Americans do, but also the fact that the Jubilee grants us all an extra bank holiday. I don’t know whether to dread or delight in the prospect of what folks will do with four days off in a row…sure, a lot will skip away on vacation, but those of us stickin’ around are in for festivities galore. I myself am terribly curious about the thousand ships set to sail down the Thames on Sunday! A thousand! This is what I’m talkin’ about, people—the Brits know how to celebrate in ultra style! So, in time for this, take a break from unpacking and get yourself out of that new apartment (compliments of your dear London Relocation agent!) and dive right in the middle of Britain’s brand of red, white, and blue.

 

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Moving to London: London Leaders

Monday May 28th, 2012

Moving to London involves a lot of planning and research. And while your immediate relocation needs will involve sorting out employment, finding the right London apartment and neighborhood for you, and perhaps getting children situated in new schools if you’re moving to London with a family, the best bit is learning more about London itself.

England is a proud nation that continues to make history with big events coming up like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and summer Olympics, and this British history is something the locals are proud to share with newcomers. My Sunday series here exploring the biographies of Britain’s monarchs is a little preview for you, then, if you’re moving to London and want the gist of its rich royal past.

Moving to London – William & Mary’s Successor

Last Sunday, we briefly reviewed the joint reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. As they had no children, next in line to succeed is Mary’s sister and (King James II‘s daughter) Anne. As Queen Anne was born prior to James II’s conversion to Catholicism, her succession complies with Parliament’s Settlement Act of 1701. She isn’t into antagonizing Parliament anyway, but she does attend most cabinet meetings to hold her Catholic-born half-brother, James, at bay.

Moving to London – Unification and Separation

Queen Anne’s reign seems to be characterized by simultaneous coming together and breaking apart. The most significant event to transpire is the Act of Union in 1707, whereby Scotland joined England to form Great Britain—Anne is therefore the first monarch of Great Britain, with a shared Parliament, flag, and denomination of money though Scotland retains its religious, legal, and educational systems.

As for the divides moving into London and the kingdom at large, Anne’s reign sees two political parties officially develop and diverge: the Whigs and the Tories. Their opposition and fight for control over Parliament and the Queen’s favor tears Anne in two directions, as does the matter of her own heir, which pits her against her own half-brother. Anne is further embroiled in conflict when a close and long-held friendship with Sarah Churchill (wife of the Duke of Marlborough, who led England to several military victories during the War of the Spanish Succession, which began months into Anne’s reign) turns publicly sour. It seems Sarah is too confident in her position as the Queen’s favorite and becomes too big for her britches—in addition to growing overbearing with Anne, she criticizes her in public.

Moving to London – Talk to the Hand, Sarah

As a means of gaining more influence with the Queen, the Tories plant Abigail Hill into her household to win favor over Sarah. Ultimately, tensions between Anne and Sarah do indeed escalate to the point where the Queen dismisses the Duke of Marlborough of his services despite his impressive record and shuns Sarah for her new BFF, Abigail.

And so, Anne has allowed herself to be influenced by favorites and ministers, and though she’d hoped to rule over a balanced government, the Whigs and Tories alternate in dominance, the Tories winning out by the end of her reign…sort of. When Anne dies in 1714—the last monarch of the Stuart line—her named successor is Protestant prince George of Hanover, the Whig’s pick.

Who knew this could be so educational, right? Join me next week, fellow amateur historians, for more rockin’ on with the royals.

Related sightseeing: the Queen’s Closet at Kensington Palace, where Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill had a huge cat-fight pivotal to going their separate ways.

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Moving to London: The Leaders

Sunday May 20th, 2012

Moving to London is more than moving house—it’s moving into a new culture with its own accumulation of history. I cannot even imagine what history lessons must be like here when I think of the millennia and monarchs to be covered versus the couple centuries of US history we were taught. From a homework standpoint, I’m very grateful for that, but as a lifelong learner I’m keen to expand my knowledge of other nations, which is why you get to delight in my mini-History 101 lessons here. :)

If you’re moving to London like I did myself a few years ago, come learn along with me…

Moving to London – Make Way for the House of Orange and Stuart

If you’re researching moving to London and chanced upon my post last week, we saw the overthrow of King James II. He had become uncooperative with Parliament and messed about with private property and historic rights, not to mention converted to Catholicism and posed a threat to the national religion. Enter William III and Mary II. Mary is the daughter of James II and his first wife, born Protestant and thereby Parliament’s preferred choice to James’s younger, Catholic-born son. Though twelve years younger than William, she married him pursuant to foreign policy under Charles II‘s rule. Both grandchildren of Charles I, William and Mary are not only husband and wife but also first cousins. William’s Orange line of the family in the Netherlands does not have the same hereditary rights, but, on Mary’s insistence, in 1689 he is crowned King of England alongside her, the new Queen of England.

Moving to London – A Joint Monarchy

It wasn’t Parliament’s original intention to coronate both William III and Mary II; they really only want Mary. Mary by this point, though, is willingly subservient to her husband—though he’d repulsed her when the arranged marriage first came about, she’s grown to love him and kicks up her wifely duties in response to a long-term affair he held with one of her ladies in waiting. So the good wifey gets her husband a crown, but Parliament ends up effectively getting its way anyway: moving to London‘s palaces doesn’t make William an altogether permanent resident; he is more interested in military campaigns on the continent, leaving Mary to rule as regent in England, where she shares a mutual adoration with its people.

Moving to London – The Bill of Rights and Beyond

Originally called the “Declaration of Rights,” the Bill of Rights outlines Parliament’s grievances with James and new terms limiting the power of the monarchy and enhancing that of Parliament going forward, which William and Mary agree to in the spirit of preventing sovereign abuse of taxation, legislation, and religion. The Toleration Act of 1689 grants Protestant non-conformists the freedom to worship, but the same does not apply to Catholics; Catholics are also barred from ascending the throne to follow assertions of other Parliamentary rights (like forbidding wars without its consent) established by the Settlement Act of 1701. This last measure was in response to William’s costly conquests on the Continent in his “Grand Alliance” against France.

Mary II ultimately dies of smallpox in 1694, leaving William bereaved and ruling alone until 1702, when he himself dies after falling off a horse. They were childless, so join me next Sunday to find out who succeeds to the throne if you’re moving to London and eager to learn more about its substantial history.

Related sightseeing if you’re moving to London: Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace, where the monarchs resided (the latter is where William fatally fell of his horse), and Westminster Abbey where they were coronated.

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Guide For Americans Moving To London

Thursday May 17th, 2012

The best guide for Americans is going to be a map of the city and ‘the Underground’. While you’re living in London you’ll have to rely mainly on the public transport system to get around. Having a car is not only expensive, but it is a nightmare to find parking, traffic is gridlocked much of the time and you’ll be paying for something that you rarely use. The public transport system: Tubes, trains and buses, is efficient and will get you where you need to go quickly and cheaply…Except when it doesn’t.

Transport Guide For Americans

If you’re an American moving to London, then you will have to be prepared for the worst, in terms of transport. The weather does sometimes have an effect on the time of tubes and trains, and there are occasionally strikes or public threats that can close down some of the transport network for a period of time. You don’t want to be stranded at work with no way to get home on a winter’s night with sleet and snow swirling around you like you’re on an expedition to the poles.

Neighbourhood Guide For Americans

To avoid any problems, many people have decided to live closer to the city, so that they are never bothered by a lack of public transport. Walking in London is not only a necessity, but it’s a great way to explore the city. One of the first items that you purchase when you are moving to London should be a pair of sturdy walking shoes. You don’t need hiking boots, but a pair of good trainers will make a huge difference when you have to walk home to your London flat in freezing weather.

While some of the areas close to central London are extremely pricey in terms of residential accommodation. If you’re looking for somewhere within walking distance of the city centre, then you should look at places like Islington, which is about 2 miles from the city centre and is a trendy, and yet reasonably priced neighborhood. Bethnal Green and Stepney are neighborhoods in east London, and are perfectly located if you work in the financial district or close to Canary Wharf and the Docklands developments.

When you’re looking at your guide for Americans you need to tell your relocation company exactly where you’ll be working and how far you’re prepared to walk in bad weather!

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Advice On Moving to London

Tuesday May 15th, 2012

 

Your professional London relocation services company will ask you a lot of questions and give you a lot of advice on moving when you contact them with regards to helping you with your relocation. Today’s post are not about the trendiest or most fashionable areas that many Americans look for, but rather the facets of you as an individual that will help your relocation agents give you the best advice on moving.

 

Advice On Transport

 

One of the most important pieces of advice on moving and choosing a new home will be the distance you are prepared to travel to get to and from work. Your relocation agents will ask you for the physical address of your offices so that they have a good idea of the closest public transport hubs and the amount of time it will take you to travel to work in rush hour.

 

Some lines are more crowded than others during ‘peak time’ and you’ll have to decide how long you’re prepared to travel each day. If you don’t mind a commute involving a couple of tube changes and bus ride or two then you can live pretty much anywhere in the city. If you’re looking for quick and convenient, your choices of neighborhood may be restricted. The average commute for a Londoner is about an hour, unless you’re prepared to pay the exorbitant process of living in the heart of the city and being able to walk to work each day.

 

Advice On Moving With Children

 

If you have a social network or are planning your relocation with children this will be another factor in your choice of neighborhood. London is a huge city and if you have friends or family in a certain area you may want to tell your relocation agents that you’d like to be close to your support structure as far as possible.

 

You don’t have to make up your mind over the internet, most London relocation agents will organize a list of properties in different neighborhoods to show you within a day of arriving in the city. the best advice on moving to London is to take your time and explore different areas before you decide.

 

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Moving to London: More London Leaders

Sunday May 13th, 2012

If you’re moving to London (or maybe already have) and ever previously followed my Weekend Warrior Sunday series, whoa!! Has it seriously been since the first of year that I’ve left you hangin’ on King James II?? Uh, sorry about that. I’ve been on a months’-long hiatus with blogging as I’ve helped London Relocation with its new website content—for this, the redesigned site, as well as its newly launched pet relocation site and pending one for businesses whose employees are moving to London. At any rate, I’m baaaaaaaack and with a vengeance, just like James II‘s opposers, apparently…

An inevitability of moving to London is encountering its history in every step you take. There is no avoiding a monument here or a plaque there and historic buildings all around that remind you of all the city’s layers of time. Today, we’re ripping up the modern-day pavement to peel back centuries of sediment and new construction to peek at 1665.

Friends in High Places

Already in 1665, his first year of reign, James II has discontinued meetings of Parliament to rule on his own. He appoints Catholics in prominent political, military, and academic places to promote the religion over Protestantism. And it’s in 1667 that he takes his measures for religious tolerance further by issuing a Declaration of Indulgence that he requires all Anglican clergy to recite to their congregations.

The Situation Gets Heir-y

By 1688, in only three years’ time James II has managed to alienate the nobility and burgeoning commercial class largely due to his imposing religious views. To make things more complicated, he has an adult daughter, Mary, who is Protestant and therefore who Parliament wishes to see succeed James’s throne. James’s second wife, however, gives birth to a Catholic son, James Francis Edward. Consider Parliament nervous. But they don’t take a seemingly assured Catholic succession lying down. They appeal to Mary and her husband William of Orange to come to England and assume the throne—in a weird twist of the family tree, they are both rightful heirs. So, William lands in Devon with an army, and as they’re moving in to London, James II is fleeing out of it to avoid capture—he’s alienated his own army and navy by this point, after all, so no one’s got his back.

Reconciled to Exile…Eventually

James doesn’t quite get away with it. He is indeed captured, but William goes easy on him and allows him a safe journey to France to live in exile. In 1689, Parliament renders his throne abdicated and jointly coronates William and Mary the King and Queen of England. James hasn’t given up yet, though; he makes his way to Ireland to assemble French-backed troops there. William’s forces defeat him, however, at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, so James lives the rest of his life (just over another decade) in exile in France.

Well, if you’re moving to London, hopefully your movements to and from the UK go a bit more smoothly, hey? No need for drama when your loyal London Relocation agent is there to ensure a smooth transition every step of the way. So use the time you’re saving on moving to expand your knowledge on its history—join me here next Sunday for more bite-sized bits!

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