Searching for the Creed: Assassin's Creed London Landmarks

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29 Dec 2023

Written By:

Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

Edited By:

Colum Blackett

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London - 1868 vs. 2023

Gustav also known as Gargudon from the TOWCB team, has found a second home in London over the few years, having done some back and forth travelling between there and Denmark, settling in London for a period of time every now and then. Seeing the city in real life provided the inspiration for this article, giving us the opportunity to showcase and compare various iconic landmarks of the great city, portrayed in-game in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate during the Victorian era, versus their real life counterparts today.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral, located right in the heart of the City Of London, is one of various landmarks there isn’t much about to say about, other than it has stood the test of time, and Marc Alexis-Coté and his team did a stellar job at recreating it in-game. It’s very likely some slight downscaling of the cathedral itself has taken place, but other than that it and the surrounding garden more or less looks the exact same.

An iconic example of English Baroque architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral boasts one of the largest domes in the world, inspired in the likes of the Roman grandeur.

£23.61 to visit.

Tate Modern

Next is the massive factory and turbine hall in Southwark, right on the other side of the water from St. Paul’s, that has most likely turned into the museum known as Tate Modern. No name to this location is given in-game so we can’t be fully sure, but the size and location of it certainly suggests it. The factory has no matter what undergone a few changes on the outside, having an overall flatter exterior, no massive chimney on the left but in the centre instead… And most certainly on the inside too, trading in piping hot metal, dangerous machinery and fight rings for fancy exhibits, souvenir stores, cafés and such.

The former Bankside Power Station that has now been repurposed into the Tate Modern as we know it was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the same architect who designed the iconic red telephone boxes in London.

No tickets needed / free access to the public. Tickets only needed for temporary events. Cost may vary and unclear.

Waterloo Station

The famous Waterloo Station right in the heart of Central London, has certainly seen its share of changes and expansions, since first opening in 1848. Back then it only had 6 operating platforms, while today it is the biggest train station in London and the UK overall with 24 platforms. The interior itself has certainly also changed its looks, going from a very classic industrial and Victorian look, to a much more modern and brightly looking design.

Trafalgar Square

This famous square, named after the iconic naval battle in 1805 on the Spanish coast, led by Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose monument is also raised at this location, also housing The National Gallery, more or less looks the exact same then as it does now, and Ubisoft did a great job at replicating it. The surrounding area has certainly seen changes though, with among other things the gate to the main road towards Buckingham Palace yet to be constructed.

Leicester Square

The iconic Leicester Square located right besides Piccadilly Circus, is one area that has certainly undergone various changes over the last century and a half. Then, really just a park. Today, that park but surrounded by restaurants, a massive LEGO and M&M’s store, cinemas, and home to world premieres of some of the biggest movies in the world, attended by some of the biggest names in film.

Covent Garden

Not much has changed about the famous Covent Garden market and halls, located not far from Leicester Square. While the selection of shops and places for refreshments has certainly expanded, the halls themselves and the square outside, also housing St. Paul’s Church remains intact.

Piccadilly Circus

Another area that has certainly changed over the last 155 years is Piccadilly Circus, located but a little north of St. James’ Park in the heart of Westminster. Famous for its massive billboard and the lights from it, it’s safe to say this crossroad wasn’t as bright nor necessarily crowded then as it is today. A massive double floor Boots store under the billboard, as well as restaurants and other shops in the surrounding area have also found their way into this iconic circus, but one part that stood strong then, and most certainly still does today, is the also famous fountain, right in the centre of it.

Big Ben & Houses Of Parliament

Not much to say about what is undoubtedly London’s and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, other than with restorations and repairs made to the tower every now and then, Big Ben and the Houses Of Parliament, also known as the Palace Of Westminster, has stood the test of time, more or less looking the exact same today as it did during the Victorian era, where the tower itself was still a relatively new landmark, only having been completed 9 years prior in 1859.

The Clock Tower’s nickname comes from Sir Benjamin Hall’s name, who was the first commissioner of Public Works in London and also in charge of the construction of the Houses of Parliament, the building to which the tower is attached to. You can find his name inscribed on the bell within the tower cast in 1852.

Tickets range from £25 for adults, and £10 for children 11-17.

Westminster Abbey

Once again, not much to say about this one, other than it has stood the test of time and Ubisoft did a spectacular job at recreating the iconic abbey located right besides Houses Of Parliament. Only real noticeable changes on the exterior would be the fencing around the abbey, further construction and the addition of a souvenir shop in the bottom right corner, as well as a clock on just one tower instead of both.

Originally a Benedictine Monastery, The Abbey has become one of the most popular London attractions. Serving as the resting place for several notorious people such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin (among others). Interestingly, the Abbey proudly holds the oldest door in the whole country. A wooden door leading to the Chapter House that was crafted around the 1050’s.

Tickets cost £31.10 for entry.

Buckingham Palace

Except for restorations now and then, the iconic royal palace itself hasn’t undergone many changes, and Ubisoft once again did a great job replicating it. It’s mostly the area out front that has changed over time, being more round, and overall much larger and more spacious today. The Victoria Memorial is also something that has only found its way onto the outside palace grounds in the last century or so, being unveiled in 1911, with construction fully finished in 1924.

Although the actual core of the palace was designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, the construction and planning of the Palace itself dates way back, most precisely, in the 1700’s commissioned by King George III. To this day, the Palace is not only the home of the Royal Family, but also 800+ people, all staff members.

There's a cinema, pool, post office, police station, clinic and even a cash machine. Buckingham Palace is basically its own opulent little village.

Tickets cost £38.39.