Friday, September 30, 2016

Policeman's Hook

London The Unfinished City
A one-of-a-kind cloak hook.

Friday September 30, 2016.


It was a beautiful Summer's day, as I strolled down Long Acre on one of my strolls around the Unfinished City. As I reached the junction I was unsure of which direction to take, so I mentally flipped a coin and decided to head along Great Newport Street

As I crossed the road I noticed this peculiar looking hook, on a wall of one of the buildings. As I had never seen anything like it I decided to take a photo, so that I could do some research when I returned home. As it turns out, this is the only Metropolitan Police Hook in London.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

'Gloriana'

London The Unfinished City
A Right Royal Barge.

Saturday September 10, 2016.

I was quite surprised when, walking around St Katharine Docks, I spotted the Queen's Rowbarge 'Gloriana', nestled amongst other vessels of varying size and stature. 

Because of the crowds, which were all trying to get a good view, it was hard to get a decent shot, but I was happy with this one.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Wilton's Music Hall

London The Unfinished City
Last of the Grand Music Halls.
Saturday September 10, 2016.

It was a damp afternoon as I wandered around the Tower Hamlets area of the Unfinished City, looking for interesting architecture and hidden gems, and boy did I find one. It was just as the rain started to pour, that I stumbled upon this true piece of East End history. And, to my great relief, it was open. So, inside I went. 

A multi-million renovation had just been completed on the building, which had been suffering from damp, rot, a leaky roof, subsidence and more irksome things.

Tobacco Dock

London The Unfinished City
Land-locked Dock.
Saturday September 10, 2016.

Tobacco Dock was another one of those places that I heard lots about, but had never visited. It was by pure chance that, as I wandered along the Ornamental Canal, I noticed the masts of two ships. As I climbed the stairs I realised where I was, so set about taking some photos.

London The Unfinished City
Tobacco Dock.

Although, on my visit, the docks were closed, it was good to finally see the ships and gates, before I continued walking eastwards.

'The Prospect of Whitby'

London The Unfinished City
London's oldest riverside inn.

Saturday September 10, 2016.

The Prospect of Whitby is one of the pubs, in the Unfinished City, that I had wanted to visit for many years. So, as I began a walk from St Katharine Docks, I knew where I would be ending up, which made the walk even more exciting. 

London The Unfinished City
What's in a name?


The exterior is amazing, but I much preferred the view from the foreshore. Inside there is a pewter-topped bar, which compliments the 400 year old stone floor, the only original piece of the building. 

London The Unfinished City
The front of The Prospect of Whitby.


On the foreshore, in front of the window overlooking the River Thames, is a replica gallows and noose, which commemorates one of the pubs frequent clients: 'Hanging' Judge Jeffreys.

'Rope Circle' by Wendy Ann Taylor

London The Unfinished City
I Spy... A Heron.


Saturday September 10, 2016.

For a change I decided to take a walk through an area of the Unfinished City that I was unfamiliar with. 
So, I started at St Katharine Docks and headed towards Wapping. 

Before I reached the Ornamental Canal, I noticed this sculpture beside Hermitage Basin. 

The circle makes for a great photo framing device, too.

London The Unfinished City
I spy... The Shard.