Aldgate Pump

At the corner of Leadenhall Street and Fenchurch Street, where the two streets join to form Aldgate High Street, you will find a stone obelisk with a lantern mounted to its top.

It is no ordinary obelisk, but is in fact the Aldgate Pump, a historic landmark point that marks the beginning of the East End and was mentioned by Charles Dickens, as well as being sung about in traditional rhymes and songs.

It was originally situated further west, on the site of what was to become Fenchurch Street station.

The freshwater well was fed from one of London's many underground rivers, beginning its journey in Hampstead, to the north, and had been used since the 13th century. The water was said to be "bright, sparkling and cool and of a pleasant flavour".

However, it was later discovered that the water was contaminated. The decaying organic matter and calcium from the bones of dead Londoners, in the nearby cemeteries, had begun to leach into the underground rivers and streams.

So, in 1876, when the Aldgate Pump was moved to its new location, it was connected to the mains water supply.

This current pump is made of Portland stone, and dates from the 18th century, while the brass wolf's head spout is 19th century. The lantern, at the top of the obelisk, is a handmade replica of the original, which was lost in 1900.

In 2019 the City of London Corporation, with the assistance of the Heritage of London Trust, repaired and restored the pump. Some of the money came from Miss Anthea Gray, who had left a generous gift in her Will, to the Heritage of London Trust.

Walking with family and friends: King's Cross to Hampstead Heath... and beyond

Saturday January 18, 2025.

Keilyn and I headed off to London, earlier than usual, as we were to meet my friend who was travelling to King's Cross from Peterborough.

As we reached Northwick Park Keilyn took a photo of one of only four remaining K8 telephone boxes left on the London Underground.

Our timing was almost perfect with Keilyn and I exiting onto King's Cross plaza just ten minutes after Gary. After a walk through St Pancras International we began our walk. 

We headed north along Midland Road and onto Pancras Road, where we stopped at St Pancras Old Church to see the remains of the Hardy Tree. The graves that the ash once stood over are now covered in weeds, while the Hardy Tree lies in pieces on the grass. Such a loss.

We left St Pancras Gardens and followed Camley Street which led us to Murray Street, our route taking us ever northward. Camden Square brought us onto Camden Road, where we turned onto Royal College Street. It was here we discovered 'Dots Music'. The steps, to the shop, were painted like piano keys, so Keilyn pretended to play them.

Up Royal College Street we went, before finding ourselves on Kentish Town Road where we stopped to grab a hot drink each, from an independent coffee stall.

After spotting a camel, on Highgate Road, we noticed a LFB Fire Investigation van, with its occupant in a white coverall, which fascinated Keilyn. We passed Parliament Hill School and William Ellis School, before we turned in to Hampstead Heath, where school children of all ages were playing rugby, while their parents watched on. Other people were using the running track as we dodged the joggers and dog walkers.

We left Hampstead Heath, via Savernake Bridge, and headed along Roderick Road, at the end of which, on the other side of Mansfield Road, was the London School of Mosaic, which is situated in 'Waxham House'. It was here that we made the mistake of turning left, following Mansfield Road onto Gordon House Road. Eventually we reached Highgate Road, where we turned left. Keilyn started laughing as we approached a LFB Fire Investigation van, with its occupant in a white coverall, as she had realised, long before us, that we had taken so many left turns that we had completed a circle!

Kenwood House, Hampstead

Wednesday August 14, 2024.

We arrived at Kenwood House at about 11:20 and made our way into the Entrance Hall.

Here we were met by some English Heritage tour guides, who explained a little about the house, before pointing us in the right direction from where to start our tour.

We began by ascending the Deal Stairs to the upper floor, where we discovered fragile valuables, like cameos, belt and boot buckles, jewellery, and other miniature collectables.

We then made our way to Lady Mansfield's bedchamber, Miss Murray's bedchamber and Lord Mansfield's bedchamber, before entering the Upper Hall. 

All of these rooms are currently home to 'Strike a Pose: Stephen Farthing and the Swagger Portrait' exhibition.

Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola

The perfect escape from the Unfinished City.

The Hill Garden and Pergola, Hampstead, were one of those places that I had wished to visit for quite a while. So, on a trip to Golders Hill Park Zoo and Deer Enclosure I decided to take the opportunity to visit this much talked about space.

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 a somewhat eerie, place to visit.