Welcome to my blog that chronicles my walks, visits, discoveries, memories, photographs and history of London, The Unfinished City.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Italian Gardens
![]() |
A little piece of Italy in the heart of London. |
With so much to see in Kensington Park, I had to separate the various parts into individual posts.
The Italian Gardens are a wonderfully peaceful place to take a break, considering how close they are to the Bayswater Road. With gently sloping, tree-covered greens, on either side, offering shade, a Pump House with seating and fountains that keep the heat down, you can quite easily forget that you are in the heart of London.
Friday, November 02, 2018
Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood
![]() |
V & A Museum of Childhood |
Friday November 2, 2018.
Having two young daughters, that enjoy traipsing around the Unfinished City, we thought that we would take them somewhere a little different. Normally, they find museums to be a little daunting because of their sheer size, especially my youngest, so we decided to visit the V & A Museum of Childhood.
Set in the heart of Bethnal Green the museum was simple to reach, being just a two-minute walk from Bethnal Green Station. And what a wonderful museum it is.
The museum houses over 6000 garments, construction toys, dolls (and their houses),furniture (from 1640 to the present), 3000+ games (both indoor and outdoor), mechanical toys, plus much more.
It it is a great place to reminisce and remember some of the toys that I played with as a child. Some of which I still have. And, it is the perfect place to have flashbacks, of which I had many.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast Tour, 2018
'Hallowed Be Thy Name'
Friday August 10, 2018.
Considering that I had only seen Iron Maiden perform just 15 months before, I, and my friend David, were intrigued as to what to expect just over a year later.
Word had gone round that this would be a completely new experience with a whole new stage set and design. Old classics would be dusted off and newer ones left out. A greatest hits tour? No. Definitely not! Instead a story would be told through four very different parts. The stage would change to match each part and there would be other surprises. These included an inflatable Spitfire, that loomed out over the stage, complete with spinning propellor, pyrotechnics, Eddie T Head, umpteen costume changes, by Bruce Dickinson and a dual flamethrower among other things.
Once again David and I met at Kings Cross, then ate and drank our way to River Thames. Once again we boarded a Thames Clipper, surrounded by Iron Maiden fans of all generations, and headed for the Greenwich Peninsula.
Unlike 2017 the support act were the awful Killswitch Engage, who proceeded to drive the Iron Maiden fans back out to the bar areas.
Knowing that we had plenty of time we had deliberately paced ourselves, so, knowing exactly where our seats were, took our time, thereby saving our eardrums.
Not long after the noise of the support act had left the building, we made our way to our seats, bursting with an anticipation that could be felt trying to burst out of every fan in the arena.
And, boy, we were not disappointed.
As the sounds of their cover of UFO's Doctor Doctor, played from tape, played around the arena, their was a silence that I had never heard at an Iron Maiden concert. The silence didn't last, as Winston Churchill's 'We shall fight them' speech, again played from tape, bellowed from the speakers. The crowd erupted and, as the stage lights came up, the familiar sound of Aces High began. At which point the aforementioned virtually full-size Spitfire, flew above the stage, strafing those in the front, before turning and crashing behind a mountain of amps. This was followed by Where Eagles Dare, 2 Minutes to Midnight, The Clansman and The Trooper. A theme of war pervading the songs.
The set changed from a camouflage draped staged set to a cathedral like setting, complete with stained-glass windows. Even Nicko's drum kit matched the cathedral's stained-glass and, atop his bass drum, Sooty was wearing a Trooper jacket.
Then it was straight into Revelations which was swiftly followed by For the Greater Good of God, The Wicker Man, Sign of the Cross and Flight of Icarus. Then Fear of the Dark was followed by The Number of the Beast and finally Iron Maiden.
For the encore they belted out The Evil That Men Do, Hallowed Be Thy Name and, to round the night off, Run To the Hills.
We left to the sound of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, with a sense of euphoria that I had never experienced before.
This tour is continuing onto 2020, so if you get the chance get a ticket.
Roll on the next tour.
Up the IRONS!
Saturday, August 04, 2018
London's Roman Fort, Walls & Bastions
Tags:
Barbican,
Bastion,
City of London,
Fort,
History,
Londinium,
London,
London Wall,
Lundenwic,
Roman,
The Unfinished City
Location:
150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN, UK
Friday, August 03, 2018
Museum of London Docklands
![]() |
The past lives on. |
Friday August 3, 2018.
Having visited the Museum of London, on a number of occasions, I thought that it was about time that we took some time to visit her sister museum, in London's Docklands. It was a pleasant summer morning as we approached Warehouse No. 1, which which has been fully restored and now houses the Museum.
Covering the full history of the River Thames and the docks, from the first Roman port, through the 1600s and on to the present day, all of its unique history is here.
On our visit there was a special exhibition entitled Roman Dead. This included many Roman remains that had been unearthed throughout the City. Some of them had only been discovered in the last few years, with the deep excavations undertaken in the construction of Crossrail.
Since we all enjoyed the visit so much, and with there being plenty of time left in the day, we took the Docklands Light Railway to Bank station, before making our way to the Museum of London. Thus visiting both museums, in one day.
On our visit there was a special exhibition entitled Roman Dead. This included many Roman remains that had been unearthed throughout the City. Some of them had only been discovered in the last few years, with the deep excavations undertaken in the construction of Crossrail.
Since we all enjoyed the visit so much, and with there being plenty of time left in the day, we took the Docklands Light Railway to Bank station, before making our way to the Museum of London. Thus visiting both museums, in one day.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Bunhill Fields
![]() |
The grave of Daniel Defoe. |
I had long wished to visit Bunhill Fields Burial Ground and Gardens, as, sometimes, these are often overlooked places that many find macabre.
However, places like this offer a wonderfully peaceful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Plus, there are always the graves of important people, mixed in with the ordinary, everyday tombstone.
Bunhill Fields contains many graves, but some of the more famous are those of Daniel Defoe and William Blake, the latter of which is just a marker stating that he is buried close by. This is set to change, as his actual burial site has now been found, and a new gravestone will be unveiled, soon.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Coal Plates
![]() |
A typical Hayward Brothers Coal Plate, that is roughly 150 years old. |
While walking the streets of London, I always make sure to look down as well as up. It was on one of walks from Kensington to Baker Street, via a convoluted route, that I properly noticed these small, iron plates. I had passed them many times before, but I had never really paid them much attention. What a mistake?!
These are Coal Plates, which are fast vanishing from London's streets. Some of them are plain, while others are quite ornate. Some have no wording, which makes it difficult to identify the manufacturer, while others are proudly stamped with the ironmongers name, or company.
Friday, June 29, 2018
St Giles-without-Cripplegate
![]() |
Reflected Church. |
Friday June 29, 2018.
It was while taking a wander through the Barbican Estate, looking to find as much of the old Roman Walls as possible, that I caught sight of this magnificent looking church reflected in the still waters of the Barbican Lake.
Unfortunately, when I went to the church itself it was closed, but I will be returning to see what wonders it holds, in the near future.
Museum of London
![]() |
Need any more be said? |
Friday June 29, 2018.
The Unfinished City is home to hundreds of museums, the majority of which are free to enter. Currently my favourite museum is the Museum of London, which charts the history of our great city from prehistoric times right through to the present day. It is an absolute joy to explore and I always learn something new, from each visit.
Having said that, until recently I had never explored the entire museum. This was usually because of time constraints, or popping in for a quick exploratory, while waiting for the rain to alleviate.
Museum of the Order of St John
![]() |
St John's Gate. |
Friday June 29, 2018.
It was another warm day that I had spent wandering the streets of the Unfinished City, following the old Roman Walls, when, after stopping for some refreshment, I found what looked like a castle gate. Intrigued, I decided to pop in to see what it was about.
It turns out that this is the home of the Museum of the Order of St John. The museum charts the origins of this religious military order, from 11th century Jerusalem, through to its modern role as the international first aid charity, the St John Ambulance.
So, in I went.
Some of the areas, like the Priory church and its crypt, plus the rooms upstairs could only be accessed on a guided tour. Unfortunately, I did not have the time for a guided tour, so I just enjoyed the museum galleries, on the ground floor. Plus, the garden beside the Priory church, which were all free to visit and contained a wealth of historic information, artefacts and models.
I will be visiting again, hopefully soon, to take in the whole of this building.
For anyone interested in the history of this charity, St John's Gate is well worth the visit.
So, in I went.
Some of the areas, like the Priory church and its crypt, plus the rooms upstairs could only be accessed on a guided tour. Unfortunately, I did not have the time for a guided tour, so I just enjoyed the museum galleries, on the ground floor. Plus, the garden beside the Priory church, which were all free to visit and contained a wealth of historic information, artefacts and models.
I will be visiting again, hopefully soon, to take in the whole of this building.
For anyone interested in the history of this charity, St John's Gate is well worth the visit.
'The Jugged Hare'
![]() |
A Paradise for any Taxidermist. |
Friday June 29, 2018.
It was during one of many wanders around the Unfinished City, that I discovered this wonderful pub. With its oak floors, red leather seats and walls covered in stuffed hares, along with other animals of varying size, it immediately caught my attention. So, I stopped off for a quick drink, while I planned the rest of my wander.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
'Cart & Horses'
![]() |
The Cart & Horses: Birthplace of Iron Maiden. |
Saturday May 26, 2018.
When I was just 10 years young, I purchased my first 7" single. It was Iron Maiden's 'Run to the Hills'. I have been a fan of theirs ever since, so I decided that it was high time that I visited The Cart & horses, Stratford, where Iron Maiden performed their first gig, back in 1976.
Tags:
East End,
History,
Iron Maiden,
London,
Newham,
Pub,
Public House,
Stratford,
The Unfinished City,
West Ham
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Dinosaurs in the Wild
![]() |
A family of Triceratops, on the Montana Plains. |
Saturday April 28, 2018.
We arrived early, which gave us a chance to use the facilities, before we boarded our timepod, following our safety briefing in which we also received special glasses, that would allow is to see through the reinforced windows.
We arrived early, which gave us a chance to use the facilities, before we boarded our timepod, following our safety briefing in which we also received special glasses, that would allow is to see through the reinforced windows.
It took only a few seconds to travel back 67 million years, at which point our timepod deployed its wheels, converting it into a X90 CTP land vehicle, and we headed to Timebase 67.
A few scary moments as some dinosaurs took an interest in our vehicle, with one clambering over the window, as it tried to get on the roof, but, otherwise, it was a plenty journey ambling past some Alamosaurus, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, Dakotaraptor and many more.
We disembarked and went into the visitor's centre, where our guide explained where we were and what we would see. Around the walls various CCTV screens showed the goings on around the base: Living quarters, hospital, canteen, dry store, various laboratories, workshops, gym and various other areas of the Timebase. After a good look at some of the press clippings, commemorative plaques and other paraphernalia on the walls we headed into a laboratory, where there were some great exhibits on show: A forearm from a Tyrannosaurus, various dinosaur brains, an Alamosaurus heart, various bugs and even dinosaur droppings!!! Many of these items could be handled, making it a real educational environment.
From here we then went on to see the autopsy of an Alamosaurus: This included the removal of some internal organs and the sawing off of the cranial plate, to expose the brain. Luckily the autopsy took lace behind a glass screen, so we were in no danger of getting covered in blood.
The hatchery was next, on the experience, where we could see various dinosaur nests. While we were there a baby Dilophoraptor hatched, which they named Keilyn Raptor, after the birthday girl herself.
The animal labs, nocturnal and daylight, were next, before we headed up to the Lookout Platform.
With huge windows and touchscreen information terminals, there was much to see and do. While we watching the dinosaurs, in their natural habitat, a vehicle outside one of the windows was attacked by a pair of Ankylosaurus. The vehicle suffered some severe damage and its occupants were forced to leave the burning X90 CTP. Our guides, who realised what was happening, dispatched some men in Hazmat suits to rescue the stranded visitors. At this point a pride of Tyrannosaurus approached the Timebase and we were hurriedly forced to evacuate.
While some guides led us through some dark tunnels, other guides, armed to the teeth, stayed behind to buy us some escape time. We headed into a lift that took us down to sub level 4, where, we headed in to another corridor. The roof of this corridor was made of glass, giving an amazing view of an underwater world. However, we soon forced to crouch low to the ground as a Prognathodon peered down at us, no doubt thinking we were food.
Soon, though, we made our way to the emergency escape pods which, after a minor technical issue, returned us to 2018.
Dinosaurs in the Wild is part educational, part expedition, but 100% awesome. Suitable for all ages, although some very young children may find some of the expedition a bit scary, I would thoroughly recommend it as a destination.
Friday, April 27, 2018
ZSL London Zoo
![]() |
The Sumatran Tiger, Jae Jae, cuddles his mate, Melati, in Tiger Territory. |
ZSL London Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country, if not the world. It is a place that is constantly evolving, which offers something new on each visit. It is a place that all of my children love, regardless of their age on each visit.
With the Snowdon Aviary being the next big regeneration project, I cannot wait to see what happens after its completion.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Famous Londoners: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
![]() |
First female doctor, first female member of a school board and first female mayor and magistrate in Britain. |
Working, as I do, for the National Health Service, I have a developed a fascination with the history of hospitals, especially the buildings themselves, and of the pioneering staff who worked in them.
Monday, April 09, 2018
Viewing London
![]() |
Sunset behind St. Paul's Cathedral, taken from One New Change. |
With the Unfinished City constantly changing, as new buildings are added to its skyline on an almost yearly basis, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the perfect spots from which to see these remarkable buildings, from either up close and personal, or from an unobscured vantage point.
Thankfully, London has a number of great vantage points from which you can see some remarkable views, many of which are free, or fairly cheap.
Sunday, April 08, 2018
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
![]() |
Strange Fruit. |
30 St Mary Axe is one of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture, in the City of London, and is one of my favourite buildings in the area. With its triangular and diamond shaped glass panels it offers some truly unique photographic opportunities, regardless of whether it is sunny or overcast.
Tags:
Architecture,
Baltic Exchange,
Chamber of Shipping,
City of London,
London,
MillenniuM Tower,
Norman Foster,
Skyscraper,
St Mary Axe,
The Gherkin,
The Unfinished City,
Trafalgar House
Location:
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP, UK
Friday, March 30, 2018
Sea Life London Aquarium
![]() |
A perfect predator. |
The Sea Life London Aquarium is one of those places that I can quite easily spend a good few hours, in a calming and relaxing environment. The exhibits are changed often enough that there is always something new and refreshing to see.
With huge ocean tanks, containing sharks and rays, an underwater tunnel shark walk, smaller tanks, with their myriad of species, to the realm of the penguins, there is something to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
London Mithraeum
![]() |
The Temple of Mithras. |
Ever since I had first read about the Temple of Mithras, I had wanted to see it with my own eyes.
Recently, the temple was dismantled from its location on Queen Victoria Street and moved back to its original site, on the banks of the Walbrook River, below the new Bloomberg building.
It is free to visit, but you must book a timeslot. I was not disappointed and think that everyone should take a trip back in time to Roman London.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Commonwealth Day
Celebrating the Commonwealth. |
As I wasn't permitted inside, I spent the morning soaking up the atmosphere, and plenty of coffee, as the temperature was hovering just above freezing. Suffice to say that I while I struggled to keep warm, my daughter was inside Westminster Abbey, dancing in front of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities.
Sunday, March 04, 2018
General Lying-In Hospital
![]() |
A bit of an archaic term, but still a wonderful building. |
Although no longer a hospital it is still part of the Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, who use it as offices and a training facility.
Chinese New Year Parade 2018
![]() |
Flying High. |
As always, with a parade on this scale, there was a delayed start, but it was soon underway and we found that we were had a pretty good view; On the kerb, with no one in front of us.
After the parade finished we headed through Chinatown, back through Leicester Square and down on to Trafalgar Square.
After taking in the atmosphere we headed off for some food, before heading home.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Famous Londoners: Sir Douglas Bader
![]() |
Not bad for a man with no legs. |
Recently I took a stroll around the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, visiting various places that I hadn't yet seen.
One of the things that I wanted to see was the English Heritage Trust Blue Plaque, to commemorate Douglas Bader, on Petersham Mews. I have been fascinated by his story since I was about 8 and thought that it was time that went to see where he had once lived.
Thursday, February 08, 2018
MillenniuM Wheel (London Eye)
![]() |
The World's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. |
I have walked beneath it countless times, but did not get to take a flight on it until November, 2017.
Booking in advance we managed to get a deal whereby we got two flights on the same day; One in the morning, the other in the evening. And, it was far better than I thought it was going to be, even though the weather wasn't the best.
Tags:
Cantilevered Observation Wheel,
David Marks,
Ferris Wheel,
Julia Barfield,
Lambeth,
London,
London Eye,
MillenniuM,
MillenniuM Wheel,
Observation Wheel,
South Bank,
The Unfinished City
Location:
Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Embassy of the United States of America (1960-2018)
![]() |
Home to the Diplomatic Mission of the USA, from 1960-2018. |
However, one of the most imposing, and I would say magnificent, buildings around the square, is the old Embassy of the United States of America, with its gilded bald eagle sitting on its roof.
![]() |
June 2020 |
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Piccadilly Arcade
![]() |
The finest Edwardian Arcade left in London. |
Considering the amount of times that I have walked along Piccadilly, I can count on one hand the amount of times that I have walked through the Piccadilly Arcade.
It is one of those hidden gems that so many people miss, but it is well worth visiting, even if it is just to escape the hordes of tourists, or escape from the London weather.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Lumiere London 2018
![]() |
Westminster Abbey looking glorious at Lumiere London 2018. |
As soon as the dates were released for this years Lumiere Festival, I knew that I would be attending. Falling across four nights, Thursday 18 - Sunday 21, we decided that the Friday would be the best night for us.
Fortunately, I was allowed to leave work slightly early, thank you to my manager for that, so that I could pick up the girls, with my wife. This afforded us the luxury of being able to leave for London, earlier than expected.
As we had all had a long week, and knowing that Erin (6) and Keilyn (4) would be tired, I had planned a route that would allow us to see some of the installations, while staying close enough to transport links, should the girls become too tired.
Tags:
Artichoke Trust,
Grosvenor Square,
King's Cross,
Leicester Square,
Lights,
London,
Lumiere Festival,
Mayfair,
Public Art,
South Bank,
The Unfinished City,
Westminster
Location:
London, UK
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
'Giro', The German Ambassador's Dog
![]() |
"Giro" A Faithful Companion! London in February 1934. Hoesch. |
For instance: I have walked around, along and through Waterloo Place many times. Whether going to Pall Mall from The Mall, or looking at the various statues or simply just wandering around the area. But, not once, in all of these visits, had I noticed this little grave to "Giro", nestled beneath a tree.
I had to find out more about this curious little grave.
Tags:
Carlton Place,
Dog,
Embassy,
German Ambassador,
Giro,
Grave,
Headstone,
HMS Scout,
Leopold von Hoesch,
London,
Nazi Dog,
Royal Gun Salute,
The Unfinished City,
Unusual,
Waterloo Place,
Westminster
Location:
Nash House, St. James's, London SW1Y, UK
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese'
![]() |
Is that the River Fleet, I hear? |
![]() |
Heading into the cellar. |
On entering I found it to be quite dark, with wood panelling and little in the way of natural light. Spread across a number of floors, with various bars, it has a feeling of being lost in time.
![]() |
Throughout the reigns of... |
Once my eyes adjusted to the diffused light, the building almost came alive with its history.
![]() |
A cosy little space in the cellar. |
Buying a pint of bitter I took a seat in one of the near empty spaces and savoured the atmosphere of this historic place.
Tags:
Charles Dickens,
City of London,
Fleet Street,
Grade II Listed,
Great Fire of London,
History,
London,
Mark Twain,
Pub,
Public House,
River Fleet,
The Unfinished City,
Wine Office Court,
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Location:
145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU, UK
Friday, January 05, 2018
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Waterstones, Piccadilly
![]() |
Well worth the wait. |
What was peculiar was that of all the bookshops that I had visited, in London, this one had passed me by. What a mistake that was. It is massive and spreads across six floors. It has since become my favourite bookstore, especially with the views that are on offer on the fifth floor.
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Royal Gun Salute
![]() |
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, in Green Park. |
A Royal Gun Salute is fired on numerous occasions, throughout the year, and is a marvel of horsemanship, skill and military discipline.
All of the salutes, that I have witnessed, have taken place in Green Park, but I hope to see one at Horse Guards Parade, this year.
Tower of London: Medieval Palace
![]() |
The bedchamber of King Edward I. |
The first part of the Tower that I visited, on entering from the Byward Tower, was the Medieval Palace. It is remarkably well preserved and with actors wandering through the rooms, dressed in medieval garb, you get a real sense of life in the 1200s.
Some of the walls, and parts of the flooring, have been left in a bit of disrepair, to show how the palace was constructed.
Monday, January 01, 2018
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola
![]() |
The perfect escape from the Unfinished City. |
I was not disappointed. The Hill Garden is beautifully maintained, with manicured lawns, flowers, shrubs and trees from around the globe, a Georgian Arbour and, of course, the Pergola. Unfortunately, the Pergola was partially closed as someone had hired it for their wedding, so I was unable to witness the spectacular views over Hampstead Heath.
Although the Pergola is in need of some serious restoration, it is still a remarkable, and somewhat eerie, place to visit.
'Tamesis Dock'
![]() |
The Tamesis Dock floating pub. |
It was during a late afternoon wander along the River Thames that I discovered the 'Tamesis Dock' floating pub. Intrigued I stepped aboard for a drink and found it to be cosy and welcoming.
![]() |
Never a truer word written. |
Much like the TARDIS, from Doctor Who, the 'Tamesis Dock' is a lot larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Of course, there is seating available on the decks, too, for those warm London days and nights.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
The Historic Mayflower. It was a wonderfully warm Saturday afternoon as I, and my work colleagues, Gary and Steve, entered the histori...
-
The View from The Shard. Saturday, August 10, 2019. It was a perfect Saturday morning as my wife and I made our way to The Unfinishe...
-
Reflections on the Past. Sunday November 1, 2015. My first visit to London's Docklands was back in 1988. Saturday October 8, to b...
-
The perfect escape from the Unfinished City. The Hill Garden and Pergola, Hampstead, were one of those places that I had wished to visi...
-
Stompie's Stomping Ground. Saturday June 6, 2015. For this walk around the Unfinished City I began my journey at Borough Market, ...
-
A bit of an archaic term, but still a wonderful building. Considering the amount of regeneration around the South Bank, especially clos...
-
The Sumatran Tiger, Jae Jae, cuddles his mate, Melati, in Tiger Territory. ZSL London Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country, if no...
-
Home to the Secret Service - MI5. Friday August 5, 2016. I had been passed Thames House on various occasions, but because of the sh...