Learn More

This prominent London thoroughfare is indeed home to two of the city's most famous attractions: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the adjacent London Planetarium. The street's name, however, has a history that stretches back much further than the establishment of these popular tourist spots. It is a corruption of "St Mary at the bourne," which referred to a church dedicated to St. Mary that was built on the bank of the Tyburn, a small stream or "bourne."
Over time, the name evolved. The area became known as St Mary-le-bourne, influenced by the French preposition "le" which was common in place names, and was eventually shortened to Marylebone. A common but unsubstantiated theory suggests the name comes from the French "Marie la Bonne," meaning "Mary the Good." The road itself was constructed in 1756 and was originally called New Road, serving as one of London's first bypasses to help drivers avoid the congestion of Oxford Street.
Today, Marylebone Road is a major artery in central London, forming part of the city's Inner Ring Road. While the London Planetarium closed as a separate attraction in 2006 and became part of Madame Tussauds, its iconic dome remains a landmark on the street. The road and the surrounding neighborhood retain their historic name, a reminder of the small church and stream that once characterized the area.
More Other Trivia Questions
Venetian blinds were invented in which country?
20According to Irish legend, a man called Jack could not enter heaven because he was a miser, and could not enter hell because he had scorned the devil. As a result, he had to walk the earth for eternity with his light. This legend is the origin for what ph
20Which US state has the highest per capita income, almost $20,000 per person, as well as America's highest median household income, around $41,000?
20What is the name of the five-dice game where players try to create different combinations similar to poker hands?
20When we see statues of military heroes of horseback, the position of the horse's feet often signify something. What is signified if the horse's two front feet are rearing up in the air?
20Cemetery officials in this major city have decided that his burial site has become too much trouble to keep up. So as soon as the 30-year lease on his grave expires in July, 2001, his body will be moved. Which city, which person?