'Nature's Throne' by Paula Haughney

As Keilyn and I approached this grassy area, from a tree-lined path, we thought that we had discovered an ancient stone circle. And, in a way, we had. It just wasn't as old as we thought. 

There were ten etched granite stones, some of which had rusted metal fittings sticking out of them, while others had holes cut through them. Each was of varying height and shape, making each of them unique.

At the centre a massive 'throne' commanded attention, even though it was not as tall as the surrounding monoliths, it was considerably larger than the other stones.

After a good exploration, and having taken a seat on the throne, we left the area to continue our walk.

One of the ten stones that surround Nature's Throne.

This piece of public art is entitled 'Nature's Throne' and was designed by Paula Haughney.

A well-worn plaque, affixed to one of the granite blocks, states:

"Nature's Throne

by Paula Haughney

Opened by J.W.E. Jackson, J.P.

Chairman of the Authority

1st October 1990

Commissioned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

through the Public Art Development Trust

Supported by the Countryside Commission

and Greater London Arts"

Holborn Union Infirmary

The main building (rear) and the north 'Nightingale' ward (front), from the east.

Between 1877-79 Henry Saxon Snell was asked to design a new Union Infirmary, to the west of Archway Road, Highgate. He had previously designed other London workhouses, including St Marylebone and St Olave Union infirmaries.

Henry Saxon Snell designed the infirmary with a large four-storey central building, where the beds, on the wards, were placed at right angles to the main walls, along internal partitions. 

The north building.

'Nightingale' Wards to the north (male) and south (female) were linked to the central building with ground-floor corridors. Theses wards had their beds placed in long rows against the walls, with windows on either side that created a through-draught. 

Holborn Union Infirmary, from the west.

Although opening in 1879 work continued on the site until its completion in 1885.

The infirmary also included a workhouse, care facilities, a laundry room and a workshop building, all built in a decorative Gothic Revival style.

Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum

I have known about the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum but never had the time to visit it, Keilyn and I rectified this, on Sunday (September 1), by paying it a visit.

We were greeted at the gate by a friendly volunteer who explained about the museum, how it was run (and by whom) and what there was to see. She also informed us that the Marshall Steam Engine would be fired up at noon and again at two o'clock. With this information Keiyn and I thanked her and set off to explore the exhibits.

Of course, the first thing that Keilyn headed to was the 1967 Stock Victoria line carriage, jumping straight into the driver's cab. While Keilyn pressed buttons and pulled levers, I inspected the second of the Victoria line tube carriages. 

Eventually I convinced Keilyn to come out of the train, promising that we would return to it, so that we could explore more of the museum.

We spotted an old Bedford lorry in a garage which was opposite the Fire Museum. As took a photo Keilyn went into the Fire Museum, having spotted a fire engine. I went in a different door, where I found some vintage fire appliances, tools of the trade, memorabilia and much more. 

Oddly, hanging from the ceiling were two large models aeroplanes. One of a Mosquito, the other a Lancaster Bomber.

I then went into the second part of the museum, where I found Keilyn checking out an amazing collection of toy vehicles, all of which were fire related. A few of them I recognised as toys that I had played with as a child. Firemen's uniforms, from overseas, were displayed in a large cabinet, while another cabinet was filled with all types of fire extinguisher.

The largest exhibit was the fire engine, which was used in the first few seasons of the television series 'London's Burning', which was cool to see.

Walking with Keilyn: Walthamstow to Hackney Marshes... and beyond

Looking north along the River Lea.

Sunday September 1, 2024.

Today was the last chance for Keilyn and I to make a walk around London, before she heads back to school on Wednesday.

So, after having to plan a new route, due to certain lines being closed, we set off on the London Overground (Lioness line) to Euston, where we changed to the Victoria line to Blackhorse Road.

From here it was just a short walk south on Blackhorse Road to St James Road, then Station Road, before turning right on Markhouse Avenue.

Presently we came to our first visit of the day... Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum. We were greeted by one of the volunteers who explained that the museum is free to enter, run by volunteers and makes its money through donations and the hiring of some of its exhibits. 

Keilyn in the cab of one of the 1967 Stock Victoria line trains.

Our first stop was to the two 1967 Stock Victoria line carriages, with Keilyn heading straight to the driver's cab. Buttons were pushed and levers were twisted and I didn't think I was going to get her out of there.

Overseas Fire Memorabilia.

Eventually, I convinced her to leave the train and to explore more of the site. So, we headed to the Fire Museum. For its small size this museum packs quite a lot of memorabilia, appliances, badges, uniforms and much more into the space. 

As seen in 'London's Burning'.

The fire engine was the one used in the early seasons of the TV series 'London's Burning', which was quite cool to see.

The Marshall steam engine.

From here we headed to 'The Engine Shed', where various engines and pumps were displayed, some of which were working, before we entered the Grade II listed Victorian pumping station, which houses two Marshall steam engines and a collection of of smaller engines and pumps. It was fascinating to read the history of the items and to see these marvels up close. At noon one of the Marshall steam engines was set running, which was a joy to behold.

Liverpool Street to Chingford line.

In the Boiler House, accessed from the main pumphouse, a model railway had been built, with its various engines running along the tracks. It is based on the Liverpool Street to Chingford line and was very impressive to behold. 

Walking alone: Elephant & Castle to Borough... and beyond

Friday August 23, 2024.

As I still had some time away from work I decided to take another walk through London. I was going to be joined by my youngest, but Keilyn and her sister Erin had both gone away for the week, so I was left to explore on my own.

A simple journey saw me catch a Metropolitan line train to Baker street where I changed to a Bakerloo line train, that whisked me off to Elephant & Castle, which is as good as a starting point as any.

At Lambeth North the carriage emptied and I found myself in an deserted carriage, which was cool.

After exiting the station I turned right, as I had no route to follow, and began walking along St George's Road towards Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, before turning right, again, on to Lambeth Road.

Approaching St George's Circus I took some photographs of the obelisk, at the centre of the roundabout, before turning my attention to the Bakerloo line London Road Underground Train Depot, situated on the corner opposite.

I continued along Borough Road and onto Borough High Street, from where I turned right onto Trinity Street. Realising that I was going to end up going around in circles, I turned left onto Globe Street, which led me to Pilgrimage Street.

I found that I was in a small residential area with not much to offer, so I turned right onto Manciple Street, before turning left onto Hankey Place. And I was glad that I did.

This small street with its houses and flats had secrets to show. Along the low walls many of what I thought were iron railings were, in fact, ARP stretchers, left over from World War II. I had heard about these but had never seen them in person, so I was thrilled.

I exited Hankey Place and turned left onto Long Lane. before heading up Tennis Street to Angel Place. Now, Angel Place is a small alley that links Tennis Street with Borough High Street, but, again, this hides a secret. 

The tall brick wall, to one side, was once the south boundary wall of Marshalsea Prison, which stood near here until it closed in 1842. Behind it is St George's Churchyard Gardens, where I sat in the shade for a few minutes, before continuing on my walk.

Suitably rested I continued along Angel Place to Borough High Street. As it was approaching noon I thought I would find a watering hole and stop for a beverage. So, I continued up Borough High Street and crossed Southwark Street and found myself outside 'The Southwark Tavern'. And in I went.