Fireplace and Alcoves, Vincent Street

Standing alone in the heart of Westminster, surrounded by ivy, a fireplace can be seen on the street. This is a relic from one of many houses that once lined this end of Vincent Street, but were destroyed during World War II.

The building that now stands next to this site is Dean Abbott House, which is a sheltered accommodation and retirement housing complex, with security gates and fencing that stop you from seeing more of the relics of the area.

However, during my visit to the fireplace, I got talking to tone of the residents, Tom, who was returning from the shops. He explained about the fireplace and the houses that had once stood here, before mentioning that there was more to see, if I was interested.

A moment later Tom led me through the security gate and showed me the other alcoves, still in situ. Although not as impressive as the fireplace, it was still interesting to see these remnants from the past.

Grove Road Bridge: Site of the first V-1 attack in London

This bridge is typical of many railway bridges in London, or the rest of the country for that matter. However, this bridge has a special place in London history and to find out more we must travel back to 1944.

On Tuesday June 13, 1944, at around 04:30, the first V-1 flying bomb, also known as 'buzz bomb' or 'doodlebug', to hit London, detonated on this railway bridge, which carries the London North Eastern Railway from Liverpool Street.

The blast severely damaged the bridge and demolished twelve houses and over fifty others were damaged, with much of the damage occurring on Antill Road, Belhaven Street and Burnside Street.

Six people lost their lives, while another forty-two were injured.

The bridge, being a vital transport route, was repaired and operational by 19:45 on June 14. This repaired bridge would stay in place until the entire bridge was replaced in 1948.