Margaretness Pillbox

A World War II pillbox along the River Thames.

Walking along the Thames Path there is always something new to see or discover.

It was while walking east, from Crossness, that I first saw this World War II-era pillbox. It is typical of the time and was used as an observation post, with a wide 'window' which offered a wide field of vision.

There were many versions of pillbox design, with different areas and counties having their own specific design. This one was adapted, at some point, to be fitted with an anti-aircraft gun. This, obviously, has been removed.

This pillbox has a wide field of vision.

Brief History.

Pillboxes were small, hardened concrete bunkers with loopholes for firing weapons, designed as fixed firing positions. They were part of a network of defensive structures, built in the late 1930s and early 1940s, to defend against a potential enemy invasion and to protect key sites. 

Church of St George-in-the-East and St George's Gardens

The church of St George-in-the-East was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. The foundations were laid in 1714, the building roofed in 1717, and the church was finally dedicated on July 19, 1729. The new parish was created  out of the Parish of Stepney and named St George-ion-the-East, in order to distinguish it from other parishes named after St George.

The church was built on a confined site hemmed in, on its south side, by the buildings which ran along the Ratcliff Highway (now The Highway). Nicholas Hawksmoor designed the church to soar above these buildings, thus ensuring that much of the detail of the church would remain visible for years to come. The original church was formed in the shape of a Greek cross within a rectangle. It had 'pepper-pot' towers, over the gallery staircases, and a tower, at the west end, that featured an open octagon top stage.

In May 1941, during the Blitz, an incendiary bomb hit the church and destroyed the interior. Although the interior was damaged beyond repair, the walls and the 'pepper-pot' turrets remained standing. In 1964, Arthur Bailey designed a modern church interior, which was constructed inside the existing walls, and which was dedicated in April 1964. At the same time a ring of eight replacement bells, cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, were installed.

Fashion and Textile Museum: 'Costume Couture' Sixty Years of Cosprop

The Fashion and Textile museum was founded, in 2003, by the designer Zandra Rhodes and is housed in a building designed by the architect Ricardo Legorreta.

Highlights of the Fashion and Textile Museum's Collection include highlights from the changing face of contemporary fashion, from 1947 to the present day. 

All of these items relate to the design and production of fashion, textiles and jewellery.

The collection includes garments from designers such as Balenciaga, Biba, Christian Dior, Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood. 

The Museum also provides information on and access to the Zandra Rhodes Collection, which is a resource that contains over4 0 years of work. This includes paper patterns, samples, textiles and ephemera. 

The aim of the Fashion and Textile Museum is to offer inspiration to the next generation of creatives, ensuring that the collections are accessible to students and outside researchers, both.

"When the lions drink, London will sink."

One of the fully accessible lions.

If you walk along the Victoria Embankment you, like many others, will quite possibly have missed the large bronze lion heads that adorn the embankment walls, as they face the River Thames.

They were commissioned by Joseph Bazalgette to line the Albert and Victoria Embankments as part of the Victorian sewage system he had engineered. They were sculpted by Timothy Butler, between 1868–1870, who added mooring rings to each lion's mouth. 

Although this was more of a nod to the river, barges and boats would use them when mooring along the river. As the water levels changed and mooring points moved on, the lions eventually lost this role and were no more than redundant features on the river wall.  

Walking with family and friends: London Bridge to Bermondsey... and beyond

New prisoners in an old gaol.

Saturday January 31, 2026:

Cloudy with sunny spells, winds at 4 mph, 10°C (50°F)

Erin is really into art, often designing dresses and fashion items.

So, I decided that we should visit the Fashion and Textile Museum, where an exhibition celebrating sixty years of Cosprop was being held.

''Cornerstone' by Austin Emery.

Erin invited our friend, Steve, and, after meeting at Watford underground station, we set off. We changed trains at Finchley Road and took a Jubilee line train to London Bridge. The museum was just a few minutes walk from the station, so we stopped at Chapter 72 for some drinks, before exploring this part of Bermondsey. 

Just before 11:00 we joined the queue for the museum and waited to go in. A sign had been affixed to the door, stating that the next two visiting times were fully booked, requiring some in the queue to book timed slots for later in the day. We, fortunately, had pre-booked our tickets.

On entering the museum we were each handed a booklet containing almost 50 pages of detailed information on each of the items on display, how Cosprop was formed and a brief history.

1820s wedding dress for Miss Havisham from Great Expectations (1967).

The first item of clothing, on display, was Miss Havisham's dress from Great Expectations (1967), followed by uniforms from The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and War and Peace (1972).

Annual Commemoration of the Execution of King Charles I

On Saturday January 30, 1649, King Charles I was publicly executed outside Banqueting House, on Whitehall, by the Parliamentarians.

On Sunday January 25, 2026, the English Civil War Society held its annual commemoration of the illegal execution of King Charles I, by the Parliament, for the 54th time.

The costumed march of over 200 volunteers armed with muskets, pikes, swords and cannons began on The Mall, near St James's Palace, at 11:30 and made its way to Horse Guards Parade ground.

It was here that a religious drumhead service was held, a Colour was trooped and blessed, the Oath of Loyalty was administered and awards and commissions were presented. 

The wreath was then blessed and trooped around the whole army, before the honour guard took it and fixed it to the railings of Banqueting House, on Whitehall, bringing the ceremony to a close.

The official policy of the King's Army is to never refer to it as an execution as this infers a legal act, which this was not. 

Walking with family: Green Park to Horse Guards Parade... and beyond

The Annual Commemoration of the Execution of King Charles I.

Sunday January 25, 2026: 

Cloudy with light rain, with winds at 4 mph. 

7°C (44.6°F)

It was a chilly morning as Keilyn and I climbed into my uncle Martin's car for the short drive to Croxley station. My mum was already in the car, having been picked up first.

After the car was parked we made our way to the southbound platform and waited for our train. It was a Harrow-on-the-Hill-bound train, meaning that we would have to change to a Baker Street-bound train there. We took this train to Finchley Road, where we boarded a Jubilee line train the few stops to Green Park.

On leaving the station we entered Green Park and made our way down towards The Mall and St James's Park. We stopped to grab a hot drink from the Marlborough Gate kiosk, at which point a fine rain began to fall. With mum and Martin taking shelter beside the kiosk, Keilyn and I decided to go for a wander.

The old guard on leaving Buckingham Palace.

We crossed the Blue Bridge, passed the St James's Park drinking fountain and made our way onto Birdcage Walk. We then headed west, passing the barracks, before turning onto Spur Road and making our way to the corner of The Mall. It was from here that we watched the Guards marching by, having just completed the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. After they had passed us we continued along The Mall and found mum and Martin, with the slight rain finally stopping.

The King's Army of the English Civil War Society getting ready to march.

Along the north side of The Mall the King's Army of the English Civil War Society were mustering in preparation for their march. Small cannons, horses and all manner of weapons were being cleaned, groomed and inspected. 

'Bridge of Aspiration', Covent Garden

This odd looking bridge twisting above Floral Street, Covent Garden, isn't just a random piece of art, connecting two different buildings. It is highly functional and has a name: 'The Bridge of Aspiration'.

'Turner's Old Star', Wapping

A proper East End pub.

On the corner of Watts Street and Meeting House Alley, opposite the southwest corner of Wapping Green, is a wonderful pub with a lot of history.

'Turner's Old Star' is one of those backstreet pubs that are often overlooked, except by those who live locally. Just a five minute walk from the more prominent touristy pubs, such as the 'Town of Ramsgate' and the 'Captain Kidd', this is a wonderful place to visit and relax.

The pub offers big screen TVs, for those who like to watch their sports, a dartboard and pool table, for those who prefer to participate, and a large pub garden, partly covered, where another screen can be found.

Besides various pieces of memorabilia, there is also a Yeoman Warders 'Blue Undress' uniform, within the pub, protected by glass. This was a gift to the pub from a pub regular who was either a Yeoman Warder or had recently retired from that service. 

It is definitely one of those old fashioned East End boozers that are sadly disappearing, which is a great shame.

The interior of the pub.

Brief history.

In 1685, Lydia Rogers, the wife of carpenter John Rogers, was a member of a radical religious sect called the 'Anabaptists'. She was accused of making a 'blood pact' with the devil, who was said to have cut a vein in her right hand to obtain the blood to use as ink for the contract. 

The local minister spent time praying with her as she confessed her sin.

Astronomical Clock, Bracken House

It is always important to look everywhere, when walking around London. This includes looking up as well as down, as you navigate the labyrinth of London's streets, as you never know what you will see. 

This is how I saw what could be London's strangest clock.

It is quite easy to walk by the building at 10 Cannon Street, without paying it much heed. It is much like any other office block, built in the 1950s, rising nine-storeys into the sky, with larger windows than most buildings of the time. Its only real difference is the pink sandstone cladding. But, even this doesn't really make it stand out, standing as it does on its own.

But, above the door is something that should grab your attention. At first glance it looks like an enamelled tile, or an elaborate design to draw the eye. It is, in fact, a clock. But, not a boring old clock that just tells the time. This is an astronomical clock and it really is a wonderful object.

West India Docks

The next time you’re visiting Canary Wharf, take a moment to look beyond the towering glass and steel. You are standing in a place with a history that is as rich, complex, and sometimes brutal, as any in London: Welcome to the West India Docks.

Once the beating heart of a global trading empire, these docks tell a fascinating story of ambition, immense wealth, human cost, and ultimate transformation.

Before the West India Docks, the River Thames was a chaotic mess of ships, theft, and congestion. Enter the powerful West India merchants, who successfully lobbied for dedicated, secure docks. The result was the West India Dock Act of 1799, paving the way for a revolutionary development on the Isle of Dogs.

'Assembly' by Peter Burke

Sculptures... Assemble.

On the Thames Path, in Woolwich, you will find sixteen metal men, congregating together as if they are about to attend a meeting. These curious figures, who would not appear out of place in an episode of Doctor Who, are actually a public art project, by the sculptor Peter Burke.

Winchester Palace Great Hall

Ruins of the Great Hall of Winchester Palace.

Being one of the wealthiest and most important of England's Diocese, at the time, the Diocese of Winchester owned land from England's south coast up to the south bank of the River Thames.

Southwark, the oldest of London's Boroughs, was the perfect place for Winchester Palace to be built. 

Winchester Palace, was built in 1144 by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. It was to become the London townhouse for the Bishop of Winchester. 

The 80 acres of land adjoining the River Thames were governed according to the laws of 'The Liberty of the Bishop of Winchester', from 1127. In this term 'Liberty' meant jurisdiction. By the end of the 15th century 'The Liberty of the Bishop of Winchester' was shortened to 'Liberty of The Clink'.

A Medieval map showing the location of Winchester Palace.

The palace was arranged around two courtyards, which housed many buildings. These included a brew-house, butchery and the first of  Southwark's six prisons... The Clink. As a townhouse, from where the bishops could escape from everyday stresses of governance, the palace also had a pleasure garden, a bowling alley and tennis courts.

The interior of the great hall as it may have appeared in the 15th century

© Historic England (illustration by Liam Wales)

In the 17th century the palace was divided into tenements and warehouses. In the 19th century a fire ravaged the area and the ruins of the palace were rediscovered. 

Walking with friends: Aldgate to Limehouse... and beyond

A message from 'Beak and Squeak'.

Monday January 5, 2026: 

Sunny with Northwest wind at 9 mph. 

2°C (35.6°F), but the windchill made it feel like -4°C

First walk of 2026.

I had arrived at Aldgate station early, so I had a wander around the edge of the City of London, while I awaited the arrival of Dyan, who would be accompanying me on today's walk. This would be Dyan's first walk with me, so I had picked a route that went along with some of her interests.

One of London's 'Slum' pubs, soon to be demolished.

On leaving Aldgate station we headed along the very narrow Little Somerset Street, as I wanted to get some photos of the 'Still & Star' pub, before it gets pulled down. The pub closed in 2017 and is one of only a few 'Slum' pubs left in London. This pub was converted from a private house into licensed premises, in the 1820s. Rumours abound that the new developers are going to build a replica of the pub in front of their new office block. Which begs the question, "Why not keep the original building?"

We followed Little Somerset Street and joined Mansell Street, Goodman's Fields and the Prescot Street. Prescot Street was the first street, in London, where the buildings were numbered, rather than having signs hung outside. This practice spread, aiding the flourishing postal service.

A true Victorian pub.

We passed the 'English Martyrs Church', built between 1873-1876 and then the 'Princess of Prussia', named for Victoria Louise, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and the daughter of German emperor Wilhelm II. I must pop in here, one day.

2025: A Year in Review

HMS Belfast 'fires' her guns.

What a year 2025 turned out to be!

I surpassed last year's walking and underground distances, while visiting new places, and some familiar places, with family and friends.

January

Almost good enough to eat.

Some of the highlights from January included visiting Paddington and Kensington, where we saw 'The Wild Table of Love', 'Man in a Clock', Kensington Gardens, Gnome Land (again), the Design Museum and Japan House. At Japan House Keilyn and I visited the 'Looks delicious! Exploring Japan's food replica culture' exhibition, which was a wonderful and informative exhibition, which Keilyn really enjoyed.

Camden, Hampstead Heath, 'London School of Mosaic', the 'World Peace Garden' and the Regent's Park were all visited, too.

The 'Whitechapel Bell Foundry', 'Trinity Green Almshouses', the Regent's Canal, Mile End Park and Ropemakers Fields, Canary Wharf and Trinity Buoy Wharf, for what would be the first of three visits this year.

February

Knight of Cnihtengild.

February saw me partaking in only a few walks. I saw the statue of the 'Knight of Cnihtengild' by Denys Mitchell, Elsyng Spital Church Tower, the Bell Building in Lambeth and the 'Sam the Cat' statue, all while learning much more.

March

BBC Television Centre.

Some of the highlights from March saw us visit Swiss Cottage, Lancaster Gate, Portobello Road Market, BBC Television Centre, Shepherd's Bush Market and 'The Princess Victoria', one of London's last 'Gin Palaces'. 

Crystal Palace Park and its dinosaurs, Primrose Hill, Camley Street Natural Park, the 'Word on the Water' bookshop on a boat, the grave of Joseph Grimaldi and various alleyways were also explored. A highlight was Emma and I staying at The Tower Hotel, for our anniversary.

April

Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper).

April highlights included visiting Barbican, the 'hidden' garden at St Vedast-alias-Foster, seeing possibly the oldest tree in the City of London, Tower Hill Market, Borough Market and Lambeth, where we discovered a piano that was once played by Charlie Chaplin Senior. 

East India Docks, the 'Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper)', West India Docks, Trinity Buoy Wharf (second visit) and the Royal Docks.

London Transport Trivia

Below you will find many fascinating, interesting and unbelievable facts

 about London's Transport system.

If you know of any trivia that I have missed, or if you spot an error, please, get in touch.

Obviously, with upgrades, new stations, extensions and the ever-changing city, these figures are likely to change, but were correct at the time of writing.

A

• Acton has the most stations, of any town, with seven: Acton Central (Mildmay), Acton Main Line (Elizabeth), Acton Town (District & Piccadilly), East Acton (Central), North Acton (Central), South Acton (Mildmay), West Acton (Central)
• Acton Town is the first station, alphabetically
• Acton Town was originally called Mill Hill Park
• Albert Gunter 'jumped' his No. 78 bus over Tower Bridge as it was opening, to avoid a catastrophe, in December 1952.
• Alcohol was banned on the network in June 2008
• Aldgate station is built on a plague pit where over 1,000 bodies were buried, in 1665
• Alperton was originally called Perivale-Alperton
• Amersham is the highest station above sea level, at 150 metres (492 feet)
• Angel station has the longest escalators on the network, and in the UK, with a vertical rise of 27 metres (90 feet) and a length of 61 metres (200 feet)
• Archway was originally called Highgate, then Archway (Highgate), then Highgate (Archway)
• Arnos Grove station was inspired by the Stockholm Public Library
• Arsenal was originally called Gillespie Road, then Arsenal (Highbury Hill)

B

• Baker Street has the most platforms, with 10
• Bakerloo line has 25 stations
• Bakerloo line is 23.2 km (14.4 miles) long
• Bakerloo line opened on March 10, 1906
• Balham is the only station on the network that contains none of the letters from the word ‘underground’
• Bank station has two moving walkways
• Bank was originally called City
• Barbican was originally called Aldersgate Street, then Aldersgate, then Aldersgate & Barbican
• Bayswater became Bayswater (Queen's Road) & Westbourne Grove, then Bayswater (Queen's Road), with the suffix gradually dropped 
• Becontree was originally called Gale Street
• Boston Manor was originally called Boston Road
• Brent Cross was originally called Brent
• British Museum (disused) sits between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn, but it hasn’t been used since 1932
• Bromley-by-Bow was originally called Bromley
• Burnt Oak became Burnt Oak (for Watling), with the suffix gradually dropped
• Bus route 24 is London's oldest, still running bus route, between Pimlico and Hampstead Heath

C

• Cable Car has 2 stations
• Cable Car is 3,600 ft (1.100 m) long
• Cable Car opened on July 4, 2012
• Canons Park was originally called Canons Park (Edgware)
• Central line has 49 stations
• Central line has the longest single journey, from West Ruislip to Epping, at 54.5 km (34 miles)
• Central line is the longest underground line at 74 km (46 miles) long
• Central line opened on July 30, 1900
• Chalfont & Latimer to Chesham is the longest distance between stations, at 6.3 km (3.9 miles)
• Chalfont & Latimer was originally called Chalfont Road
• Chancery Lane became Chancery Lane (Grays Inn), with the suffix gradually dropped
• Chancery Lane has the shortest escalator, which has only 50 steps
• Charing Cross (Bakerloo line) was originally called Trafalgar Square
• Charing Cross has the most exits to street level, with 13
• Charing Cross was created in 1979, when Trafalgar Square and Strand stations were merged
• Charles Holden took inspiration from the Moscow Metro for his design of Gants Hill station
• Chesham is the furthest station from central London, at 40 km (25 miles)
• Chesham is the most northerly station on the network
• Chesham is the most westerly station on the network
• Chiswick Park was originally called Acton Green, then Chiswick Park & Acton Green
• Chorleywood was originally called Chorley Wood, then Chorley Wood & Chenies, before becoming Chorleywood
• Circle line has 36 stations
• Circle line is 27 km (17 miles) long
• Circle line opened in 1863, but wasn't completed until 1884. It became the Circle line in 1936
• Circle line stopped being a true circle in 2009
• Clapham North was originally called Clapham Road
• Cockney rhyming slang for the Tube is ‘The Oxo’, as in 'Oxo cube'
• Covent Garden to Leicester Square is the shortest journey on the network, with the platforms just 260 metres (853 feet) apart
• Croxley was originally called Croxley Green

D

• Dagenham East was originally called Dagenham
• Dagenham Heathway was originally called Heathway
• Debden was originally called Chigwell Road, then Chigwell Lane
• District line has the most stations, with 60
• District line is 64 km (40 miles) long
• District line opened on December 24, 1868
• District line rail maps were originally published, in the 19th century, with the maxim 'Time is Money' on the cover.
• Docklands Light Railway has 45 stations
• Docklands light Railway is 38 km (24 miles) long
• Docklands Light Railway opened on August 31, 1987
• Down Street station (disused) was used as a bunker, by Winston Churchill, during World War II