The modern postcode system can trace its roots back to the 1950s, but many historical events can now be tied to them.

From battles to buildings, some modern areas can reveal a lot more about the UK than the set of letters and numbers may otherwise suggest.

Here we pick out a few that are cemented into history for events that unfolded in the areas nearby.

The Battle of Hastings, Battle: TN33 0AD

BritishBattles

1066 is one of the most easily recognisable dates in English history, marking the successful invasion by William the Conqueror.

The Battle of Hastings saw King Harold killed, purportedly by arrow through the eye – a scene depicted in the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

The Norman conquerors later built an Abbey near the site of the battle which can still be explored today.

Great Fire of London, Monument: EC4R 9AA

Wikipedia

Famously started at a Bakery on Pudding Lane, the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed thousands of homes and destroyed much of the city.

The wooden buildings, dry following an extended drought, caught fire easily and the fire fighting techniques of the time were limited.

By the time widespread demolition was ordered so that firebreaks could be created it was already too late, and London was burning.

The 61.5m tall Monument – designed by Sir Christopher Wren – is positioned 61.5m from the bakery where the blaze began, providing a timely reminder of the Great Fire.

The Gunpowder Plot, Westminster: SW1A 0AA

Britainnica

The conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 is still marked today on 5 November but its origins remain unclear.

Whether as a work to re-establish the Catholic religion in England or for other reasons, the plan was to detonate barrels of explosives on State Opening Day when the King, Lords and Commons would all be present.

Guy Fawkes is remembered as the principle conspirator as he was the one caught with the gunpowder in the cellars, but there were many others involved – most of whom were killed or arrested (before being executed for high treason).

Battle of Naseby: NN6 7DD

Imgkid

The decisive moment in the first English Civil War came at Naseby in Northamptonshire. The army of King Charles I was comprehensively beaten by the Parliamentarian New Model Army under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax.

The Parliamentarian victory in 1645 decimated Charles’ forces but it would be another four years before the Civil War was effectively ended.

It had however, ended any chance of an overall Royalist victory.

Wembley Stadium, London: HA9 0WS

Fifa

England’s only World Cup triumph came on home turf in 1966 under the white Twin Towers of Wembley Stadium.

Although that stadium was recently replaced, the legacy of the World Cup winners – including Booby Moore (above centre) lives on.

There are of course many different places across the UK that synonymous with famous historical events – so why not go exploring and see what you can find...