London, The Unfinished City
Come with me as I explore London's history, hidden gems and unusual places. "Not all those who wander are lost..."
Thursday, September 05, 2024
Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum
Monday, September 02, 2024
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.
Sunday, September 01, 2024
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.
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.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
William Blake Mosaics
Monday, August 26, 2024
Hanwell Zoo
Keilyn ready to explore Hanwell Zoo. |
Hanwell Zoo is typical of the many smaller zoos dotted in and around London, with the usual animals to see. Rabbits, ducks, chickens, donkeys and goats are a staple of this sort of zoo.