Come with me as I explore London's history, hidden gems and unusual places. "Not all those who wander are lost..."
Monday, October 21, 2024
'The Southwark Tavern'
Thursday, October 17, 2024
'Jacob' by Shirley Pace
The inscription on the plaque states:
"Jacob
The Circle Dray Horse
The famous Courage dray horses were stabled
on this site from the early nineteenth
century and delivered beer around London
from the brewery on Horselydown Lane
by Tower Bridge.
In the sixteenth century the area became
known as Horselydown, which derives from
'Horse-lie-down', a description of working
horses resting before crossing London Bridge
into the City of London.
Jacob was commissioned by
Jacobs Island Company and Farlane Properties
as the centrepiece of The Circle
to commemorate the history of the site.
He was flown over London by helicopter
into Queen Elizabeth Street to launch
The Circle in 1987."
As a little footnote, I am not entirely sure that this is the actual derivation of Horselydown.
Monday, October 14, 2024
Walking with family and friends: Mile End to Old Street... and beyond
Regent's Canal. |
Saturday October 12, 2024.
Keilyn and I set off from home at just after 09:05, for a short walk to Watford underground station, where we met my friend Steve. We boarded a train to Baker Street, changing to an Aldgate train at Finchley Road. We alighted at Liverpool Street and headed into the depths to catch a Central line train to Mile End, from where our walk would begin.
Leaving Mile End station we immediately headed to a small independent coffee shop, Coffee London, for some refreshments.
Across the road we noticed a mural and murals would become something that we would see a lot of on this walk, although we were yet to know this.
With hot drinks in had we crossed Mile End Road, to check pout the mural, before we turned onto Grove Road and began our journey.
Ahead of us was a railway bridge that carries the mainline from Liverpool Street over Grove Road. It is this mainline that we plan to follow back towards the City of London. However, this bridge was severely damaged on June 13, 1944, when the first V1 'flying bomb' to fall on London destroyed it and severely damaged homes on nearby Antill Road, to the east, and Burnside Street and Belhaven Street to the west. The latter streets were later demolished and a small park is now in their place. Walking through this park we could hear skittering sounds in the undergrowth, which turned out to be mice that seemed unperturbed by our presence as they darted from tree to tree.
The path led us to the Regent's Canal, where we spotted three metal portraits by the towpath, so we went down to investigate. One of the metal statues was of a Towpath Horse, which were essential to pull boats along the canal, bringing trade and business to the area. The second was of Sylvia Pankhurst, who was a leading member of the suffragette movement and who worked tirelessly for better living conditions in the East End. The final statue is of Ledley King, an East Ender who would go on to play for Tottenham Hotspur FC and represent England at the World Cup.
Meath Gardens has an interesting history, too. It originally began life as one of the eight private cemeteries that sprung up in the 1840s. However, Victoria Park Cemetery, which opened in 1846, was so poorly run that it couldn't make money in this poverty stricken area. By 1856 it had fallen into such a state of squalor that calls for its closure soon rang out. It finally closed to burials in 1876, after 1000,000 interments, the majority of which were children. Nearly all of the monuments and gravestones were cleared and the grounds landscaped, with it opening as Meath Gardens in 1894. The bodies were never removed.
Continuing our walk we crossed beneath the mainline and continued west along Bancroft Road, before heading back under the mainline to Three Colts Lane. We crossed Vallance Road, where I took a photo of some newish houses that stand on the spot of some now demolished homes, one of which, 178, was home to Ronnie and Reggie Kray. A little further and we reached 'The Carpenter's Arms'. once the local pub of the Krays.
From here we headed north along St Matthew's Row where we spotted various mosaic designs, affixed to the walls of William Davis Primary School, and a Watch House, opposite, attached to the grounds of St Matthew's Church Gardens.
This is a much larger Watch House than the one I had previously seen in Rotherhithe. We soon found ourselves on Bethnal Green Road which followed westward, before turning down Chilton Street and onto Cheshire Street. Here trendy cafes and vintage shops filled both sides of the road, which brought us out to Brick Lane.
On Sclater Street a few market stalls were beginning to unpack their wares, so we stopped for a browse. Keilyn picked up a small 'bum bag', while I purchased two old London bottles and a couple of whisky miniatures, one of which I gave to Steve. Sclater Street soon rejoined Bethnal Green Road and we found ourselves beside Shoreditch Boxpark.
We headed south, along Shoreditch High Street, before heading west along Great Eastern Street until we reached Leonard Street. It was here that we stopped for some refreshments at 'The Griffin'.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
'Dick Whittington's Cat' statue and the 'Whittington Stone'
Monday, October 07, 2024
23-24 Leinster Gardens (False Houses)
A real house (left) and a fake house (right). |
Thursday, October 03, 2024
'Athena' by Nasser Azam
I spotted this large bronze statue, in the centre of a roundabout, outside London City Airport and was immediately struck by its size. Unfortunately, as it was a cloudy day, I couldn't get a photo with the sun lighting up the silver coating that covers this giant bronze statue.
Standing at 12 metres (39 feet), it has to be one of the tallest bronze statues that I have ever seen. In fact, it is the tallest bronze statue in the United Kingdom.
Newham Council's Strategic Development Committee were the ones who commissioned the statue, stating:
“London Athena will face east towards the airport and its approach road with her head looking up at the sky and her arms outstretched about her as if greeting or waving to aircraft in and out of the airport.”
Nasser Azam, who designed 'The Dance' on the South Bank, was commissioned to design the figure and it was unveiled in 2012.
Athena is the Greek Goddess of war, handicraft and practical reason.
London City Airport objected to the statue, who had requested to use the roundabout for signage and advertising related to the airport. They lost their objection, which I am glad about as this statue is definitely an improvement for the area.
Nasser Azam, who was originally from Newham, had the bronze cast at his foundry, Zahra Modern Art Foundries, which he had purchased in 2010. This foundry, originally called the Morris Singer Art Foundry, was the one that cast the Trafalgar Square Lions.
Because of the finish, applied to the statue, many people forget that it is made of bronze.
A small disc states:
"Athena
by
Nasser Azam
bronze
2012
with the support of
Elan Corporation, plc"
Wednesday, October 02, 2024
Walking with family: London Bridge to St Katharine Docks... and beyond
With the Metropolitan line completely closed and the London Overground (Lioness line) not going beyond Finsbury Park, uncle Martin, Keilyn and I took the 09:24 fast train from Watford Junction to Euston, then a Northern line, via Bank, to London Bridge.
From here we crossed Tooley Street and took the stairs down to the Contorted Tunnel, which would lead us to Hay's Galleria.
Our first stop was Café Piazza, where we sat and had hot drinks. Vanilla latte, for me, Cappuccino, for Martin and a Hot Chocolate with cream and mini marshmallows for Keilyn.
Suitably refreshed we headed out of Hay's Galleria and headed to HMS Belfast.
With tickets in hand we boarded this historic vessel and begun our exploration. Our first surprise was seeing a German Navy Corvette-class ship, named Magdeburg, moored on her port side.
Across nine decks we clambered, exploring every inch of the ship that was open. The boiler room and one of the gun turrets were closed for maintenance.
We made our way from the Quarter deck towards the Fo'c'sle, before we headed up the decks sitting in the Admiral's chair, the Captain and Navigating Officer chairs, before reaching the Flag deck.
Then we headed down to visit the Mess decks, Sick bay, the Galley, the Engine room, the Chapel, Operations room, the Lower steering position, Gun turret and everything in-between.
Two and a half hours later we disembarked HMS Belfast and stopped for some lunch from one of the street vendors, that had setup along The Queen's Walk.
Monday, September 30, 2024
London's 'Magnificent Seven' Cemeteries. But, originally, there were eight
During the 1830s and 1840s eight private cemeteries were created in an attempt to solve the problem of overcrowding in Victorian London's churchyards.
This was brought about by a number of factors that included the rapidly increasing rates in birth and mortality and a migration of people from rural areas to the city, due, in part, to the Industrial Revolution.
In 1831 London suffered a cholera epidemic and public health became a major issue. It was believed that poisonous vapours from decomposing bodies was a factor in the outbreak of both cholera and typhoid.
As churchyards became full graves were dug at a depth of just 3 feet (1 metre) and, within a few months, were used again.
'Resurrection Men' were another problem. These Resurrectionists would raid cemeteries in order to snatch a body, which would then be sold to hospitals for medical students to dissect. These body snatchers would select a grave and then dig a hole at the head end. They then broke the coffin and, using a rope, dragged out the body, thus not having to do a full excavation. They were also careful not to take any jewellery or clothes, as this would result in more serious charges, punishable by transportation to the colonies. Bodies belonged to no one, so their removal was a far less serious charge.
Such was the proliferation of 'body snatching' that Watch Houses were built, besides graveyards, and were manned by armed watchmen.
In 1832 an Act was passed by Parliament that encouraged the construction of private cemeteries outside central London.
Between 1833 and 1845 eight garden cemeteries were established, four of which were consecrated by the Bishop of London, Charles James Blomfield.
According to census records London's population was one million, in 1801, but had doubled to two million by 1841. At this point London had a death rate of over 45,000 people a year, or 125 people a day.
In 1981 Hugh Meller, an architectural historian, dubbed the surviving group of cemeteries 'The Magnificent Seven', after the movie of the same name.
Each of these cemeteries is unique, making them all worthy of a visit.
Kensal Green Cemetery (General Cemetery of All Souls)
Opened 1833, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and founded by George Frederick Carden, a barrister.
The main buildings were designed in the Greek Revival style, by John Griffith, and it originally covered an area of 54 acres, which was later increased to 72 acres.
It is still in operation.
West Norwood Cemetery (South Metropolitan Cemetery)
Opened 1837, in the London Borough of Lambeth.
The main buildings were designed in the Gothic style, by Sir William Tite and covers an area of 40 acres.
In 1966 it was purchased by Lambeth Council who run it with the Diocese of Southwark.
It is still in operation, partially.
Highgate Cemetery
Opened 1839 (west) 1860 (east), in the London Borough of Camden.
Architect Stephen Geary chose this site for its views over London, which had once been the grounds of Ashurst House but now had St Michael's Church built on it in 1832.
Stephen Geary was assisted by David Ramsay, a nurseryman, in making Highgate the most beautiful and popular cemetery of its time.
It is still in operation.
Abney Park Cemetery
Opened 1840, in the London Borough of Hackney.
Situated in the grounds of Abney House, once home to Isaac Watts, this cemetery was left unconsecrated, making it a popular burial ground for Dissenters, especially after Bunhill Fields closed to burials.
The chapel was the first non-denominational cemetery chapel in Europe.
In 1979 the London Borough of Hackney took ownership of the site.
It is still in operation.
Brompton Cemetery (West of London and Westminster Cemetery)
Opened 1840, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Stephen Geary was the original architect, but he was replaced by Benjamin Baud who designed a more formal layout, including the central avenue and domed chapel.
It is the only Crown Cemetery and is managed by The Royal Parks.
It is still in operation.
Nunhead Cemetery (All Saints' Cemetery)
Opened 1840, in the London Borough of Southwark.
Built on a hill, with views over London, it was designed by architect James Bunstone Bunning, who had replaced Stephen Geary.
In 1976 it was purchased after it was allowed to fall into neglect by its owners United Cemeteries Limited, who were looking to build on some of the land.
It is still in operation.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery (City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery) (Bow Cemetery)
Opened 1841 (closed in 1966), in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Many of the burials here were made in common graves. In 1966 it closed, when the Greater London Council bought it, with the intention of turning it into a park. Many of the monuments and trees were removed, but, following a public outcry, it became a nature reserves and urban woodland.
It is no longer in operation.
Victoria Park Cemetery
Opened in 1845 (closed in 1876), in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
This was the last of the eight garden cemeteries, but was the first to close.
Following its closure the monuments were cleared and it was turned into a public park, opening in 1894.
It is now called Meath Gardens, with only its original archway, inscribed with 'VPC', giving any hint to its original purpose. I wonder how many people use this park, without realising what lies beneath?
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Olympic Bell (London 2012)
The Olympic Bell, which Bradley Wiggins rung to signal the opening of the London 2012 Olympics, now hangs rather forlornly outside the London Stadium.
It is a monster of a bell that will, in all likelihood, hang hear for the rest of its days, never to be rung again. This seems to be a waste of a bell, to me, as a bell is designed and tuned to be rung.
Having never seen it up close I was shocked by the sheer size of it.
"Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises" - The Tempest |
Monday, September 23, 2024
Watch House, Rotherhithe
This Watch House, on St Marychurch Street, was used by Watchmen in the 19th century.
Charles 'Charlie' Rouse, circa 1850. |
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Obelisk & St George's Circus
Monday, September 16, 2024
'Sunbeam Weekly and the Pilgrim's Pocket' by Peter McLean
Thursday, September 12, 2024
'Nature's Throne' by Paula Haughney
One of the ten stones that surround Nature's Throne. |
Monday, September 09, 2024
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. |
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.