One of the highlights of Assassin's Creed: Syndicate is the environment and its amazing depiction of Victorian London. What is even more interesting is that the beautiful capital of the North has not changed much since then. During my two recent trips to London, I happened to visit some of the boroughs that are shown in the game, and naturally it was impossible to not grab the chance to take some photos. This article is mainly a photo log, showcasing select areas from the game and how they look today. All screenshots and photos posted below are mine.
A prominent area in the game is the borough of Westminster, part of Greater London. The Houses Of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower with the Big Ben dominate the scenery with their imposing height and their color, rather simple-looking but so impressive when hit by the sun which makes them look like they are golden.
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The Westminster Bridge, like most of the bridges that cross the River Thames, has undergone several modifications and repairs over the years, but its overall look remains the same, complete with the so characteristic lamps that adorn its sides.
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A very important chapter of the game's story takes place in The Strand, a most vibrant borough of London, and its famous landmarks, the Trafalgar Square, the column of Admiral Nelson and the National Gallery, are depicted with stunning accuracy in the game.
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Just at the side of the National Gallery, is the historical church of St Martin In The Fields, built around 1720-1725.
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One of the most iconic areas of the West End is The Strand, a long stretch that starts from Aldwych and ends at Trafalgar Square. The Strand was and still is a vibrant, bustling district in the heart of the city, associated with artistic activities of all kinds.
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Near the eastern section of The Strand stands Saint Mary-Le-Strand, another historical church which opened in 1727, famous for the baroque elements of its exterior and the rich decoration of its main interior spaces.
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A most famous landmark of London is St Paul's Cathedral, the imposing church that stands majestically on Ludgate Hill. Built in English Baroque style, the church was completed in 1710 and to the day remains emblematic with its size and architecture. In the game, it is part of a very important puzzle.
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Another site of major importance in the game, specifically for Jacob's part, is St Pancras Railway Station. Located in the area of Camden, the building of the station is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, and it never fails to impress and captivate with its compelling beauty. The building was constructed around 1868 and from early on it served as a main central station, connecting several distant and neighboring rules. In 1966, there were plans to demolish the building, but thanks to a campaign fronted by the poet Sir John Betjeman, it was saved along with several others historical buildings, and now still stands as a true gem, one of the most beautiful buildings worldwide, for sure. Today it hosts the vast railway station St Pancras International, which also connects with the neighboring King's Cross Station, as well as the luxurious St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. In the game, it is the place where Maxwell Roth sends Jacob after they first meet so as to sabotage Starrick's plans.
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The famously artistic district of Covent Garden naturally plays its important role in the game, with several of its memories taking place there. Being in the West End, it features several theaters and other establishments of artistic expression and creation. Its most known part is the iconic open-air market inside the portico which also hosts several shops and coffee lounges.
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A special landmark at the Covent Garden marketplace area is the church St Paul of Covent Garden. Completed in 1633, it first served as auxiliary to St Martin-in-the-Fields, but later it became the dedicated church to the parish of Covent Garden. In the game, it is a site of major importance during Evie's memory "Change Of Plans", serving as a landmark that leads her to locating Henry, after the Templars abduct him.
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St Giles Rookery in Covent Garden used to be a slum neighborhood, which is why in the game it serves as one of the major headquarters of the Blighters in The Strand borough, under the surveillance of Victor Lynch. Today it is yet one more vibrant area of the district.
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London's railway network is one of the most complex and vast of the world, and it was extremely developed even in its earlier stages. One of its most famous stations is Charing Cross, a very central spot and landmark on The Strand stretch, very close to Trafalgar Square.
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The Victoria station is yet one more historical site, in the aristocratic district of Belgravia. Today it consists of 19 platforms and connects central London with several other districts and suburban areas. Maybe the most prominent railway station of the Victorian era, as it is even named after Queen Victoria herself.
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One of the many bridges we get to visit and explore in the game is the Blackfriars Bridge, located at the Blackfriars district, near Ludgate Hill. Today the bridge hosts a Queen Victoria statue, created by sculptor Sir Thomas Brock in 1911.
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On 5 September 1666, an extended area of central London was consumed by fire which started accidentally from a bakery and then was spread to several neighborhoods around. In honor of this tragedy which cost the lives of many people and destroyed so many homes, a monument was built in the City area, near London Bridge, standing at 61,6 meters in height. In the game, it is a very important landmark, hiding the second clue to the puzzle that Evie unlocks with finding the first in the secret vault of Edward Kenway's mansion.
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The impressive building hosting the Bank Of England dates back to 1734, and it is famous for its massive basement vault where thousands bars of gold are held. In the game, it is a place of great importance, serving as the headquarters of Phillip Twopenny, the corrupt bank governor and art collector, who plans to steal the gold in an organized robbery. Jacob stops him by assassinating him just in time.
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Just at the side of the Bank, stands the neo-classical building that once was the Royal Exchange and now is a vibrant marketplace. On top of its roof, the emblematic golden weather vane in the shape of a grasshopper watches over the city. It is the emblem of the financier Sir Thomas Gresham who founded the Royal Exchange in the 16th century, commemorating a legend connected to his family's history, according to which the chirping of a grasshopper in a field led to the discovery of an abandoned child who was one of his ancestors.
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The Mansion House is in the same central spot as the Bank and the Royal Exchange. It first opened in 1753 in Palladian architectural style and it is the official residence of the Mayor of London.
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While adventuring with Maxwell Roth, Jacob regularly visits his special place which is the Alhamabra theater in Leicester Square. This was in fact a real-life theater at the time, presenting variety shows - you can read more about it in my article here. Today, in the place where the theater once stood, is the Odeon Luxe Cinema.
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The Tower of London is not included in the game's main map, but we have the chance to visit and extensively explore it if we want during Evie's mission to kill Lucy Thorne, as well as with Lydia Frye as part of the World War I Rift mission. A historic citadel the construction of which started as early as 1078, it consists of several separate wings and has passed from many stages, serving as a royal residence and a prison, among others. Today is one of the most famous tourist attractions of London.
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The Tower Bridge had not been constructed yet at the time in which the main story takes place, but we get the chance to see it while playing with Lydia in the World War 1 Rift. The most well-known bridge of London is now a compelling and fully functional monument.
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The ravens can be seen all around London, even in densely populated areas. They have always been associated with the city, and this is why Jacob names his gang after them. The Rooks pay tribute to London's adorable birds which stand out with their elegance and intelligence.
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