Blue Plaque: Elizabeth Garrett Anderson

First female doctor, first female member of a school board and first female mayor and magistrate in Britain.

Working, as I do, for the National Health Service, I have a developed a fascination with the history of hospitals, especially the buildings themselves, and of the pioneering staff who worked in them.

Viewing London

Sunset behind St. Paul's Cathedral, taken from One New Change.

With the Unfinished City constantly changing, as new buildings are added to its skyline on an almost yearly basis, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the perfect spots from which to see these remarkable buildings, from either up close and personal, or from an unobscured vantage point.

Thankfully, London has a number of great vantage points from which you can see some remarkable views, many of which are free, or fairly cheap.

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30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

The Gherkin.

30 St Mary Axe is one of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture, in the City of London, and is one of my favourite buildings in the area. 

Old and New.

With its triangular and diamond shaped glass panels it offers some truly unique photographic opportunities, regardless of whether it is sunny or overcast.

The Gherkin from the Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street.

The Gherkin is gradually being hidden by newer office blocks.

Sea Life London Aquarium

A  perfect predator.

The Sea Life London Aquarium is one of those places that I can quite easily spend a good few hours, in a calming and relaxing environment. The exhibits are changed often enough that there is always something new and refreshing to see.

With huge ocean tanks, containing sharks and rays, an underwater tunnel shark walk, smaller tanks, with their myriad of species, to the realm of the penguins, there is something to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

London Mithraeum and the Cult of Mithras

The Temple of Mithras.

Ever since I had first read about the Temple of Mithras, I had wanted to see it with my own eyes. 

Recently, the temple was dismantled from its location on Queen Victoria Street and moved back to its original site, on the banks of the Walbrook River, below the new Bloomberg building.

The Mithraeum, although incomplete, is wonderfully staged, with lighting and sounds bringing the temple and cult of Mithras to life.

I was not disappointed and think that everyone should take a trip back in time to Roman London. 

It is free to visit, but I would suggest booking a time-slot so that you are not disappointed.

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