York Watergate, Victoria Embankment Gardens

It is hard to believe, now, but that this small building once stood on the north bank of the River Thames.

Originally an entranceway with stone steps that was used to reach the river, where boats moored along the river's edge could be boarded. 

This building has not been moved. But the River Thames was narrowed, in 1862, when construction began on the new sewer system and Victoria Embankment was created, which has resulted in this building now resting some 133 metres (436 feet) from the banks of the river.

A large tablet close to the gateway reads:

THIS GATEWAY MARKS THE POSITION

OF THE NORTHERN BANK OF THE RIVER THAMES

BEFORE THE CONSTRUCTION

OF THE VICTORIA EMBANKMENT 1862.

It was built in 1626 by Nicholas Stone.

Master Mason for George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, to serve

as the watergate to York House, which the Duke had acquired from

the Archbishop of York, in 1624. The arms on the river front and the motto

'Fidei Coticula Crux' (the Cross is the Touchstone of Faith) on the land side

are those of the Villiers family. York House was demolished in 1675 and

streets were laid out on the site. In 1893, the gate having fallen into

decay, the London County Council obtained parliamentary powers

to acquire and preserve it as an object of public interest.

However, although the tablet attributes its erection to Nicholas Stone, Indigo Jones and Balthasar Gerbier may also have had a part in it.

It is built of stone in three bays, with rusticated bands on the side facing the river. The two lions on the top hold shields with anchors to symbolise the Duke of Buckingham's service as Lord High Admiral.

Today, it lacks its balustrade, stone-paved landing stage and steps.

Christmas Lights By Bus Tour

 

Crowning Glory.

Sunday November 27, 2022.

As a treat my mum booked tickets for herself, my grandson Theodore, Erin, Keilyn, Emma and myself.

After meeting up at Watford Metropolitan line station, we made our way to Finchley Road, where we changed to a Jubilee line train and continued on to Waterloo.

As we had arrived early we had time to grab a warm drink and a quick snack, form one of the many stalls along the Embankment.

A little something to warm us up.

Suitably fed and watered we made our way to our stop, on Belvedere Road, and waited in line for our bus. Being at the front of the queue enabled us to pick the best seats. Erin, Keilyn and Theodore sat at the front of the top deck, below the covered area while Emma, mum and myself sat in the open air, which allowed for a better view.

Our Carriage Awaits.

The weather, which had been unsettled and drizzly for most of the morning, was dry with a mild temperature, until we boarded the bus and the drizzle started again. 

Trafalgar Square: Nelson's Column

Nelson's Column.

Whenever you visit Trafalgar Square it is impossible to miss Nelson's Column, on its pedestal, surrounded by four bronze lions. However, getting a good view of Lord Nelson, at the top of the column, is not so easy.

Nelson's Column.

It is strange, now, to think that when the square was being designed it was to be named for King George IV, in celebration of his ascension to the throne. When this was changed and it was decided to name it after Lord Horatio Nelson the plans still did not include a column, nor fountains.

Erin and Keilyn sitting with one of the bronze lions.

Roman Bath

Roman? Tudor, more like!

Saturday June 6, 2015.

This is one of the more unusual, hidden gems of the Unfinished City, that I had been eager to see for quite a while. The National Trust, who look after the Roman Bath, state that the you can visit at any time between 09:00 and dusk, to view the Roman Bath through a grill, but viewing of the interior must be made by contacting Westminster Council.

However, having visited on a number of occasions, the door has always been locked, except one time. On that visit, the window, through which you can view the interior, was so grimy that I couldn't make anything out. There is a light, that works on a timer, to illuminate the interior, but this was out of order. Maybe next time will be better.