St Giles-without-Cripplegate

Reflected Church.

Friday June 29, 2018.

It was while taking a wander through the Barbican Estate, looking to find as much of the old Roman Walls as possible, that I caught sight of this magnificent looking church reflected in the still waters of the Barbican Lake.

Unfortunately, when I went to the church itself it was closed, but I will be returning to see what wonders it holds, in the near future.

Museum of London

Need any more be said?

Friday June 29, 2018.

The Unfinished City is home to hundreds of museums, the majority of which are free to enter. Currently my favourite museum is the Museum of London, which charts the history of our great city from prehistoric times right through to the present day. It is an absolute joy to explore and I always learn something new, from each visit.

Having said that, until recently I had never explored the entire museum. This was usually because of time constraints, or popping in for a quick exploratory, while waiting for the rain to alleviate.

Gallery

Museum of the Order of St John

St John's Gate.

Friday June 29, 2018.

It was another warm day that I had spent wandering the streets of the Unfinished City, following the old Roman Walls, when, after stopping for some refreshment, I found what looked like a castle gate. Intrigued, I decided to pop in to see what it was about.

The Most Venerable Order of St John.

It turns out that this is the home of the Museum of the Order of St John. The museum charts the origins of this religious military order, from 11th century Jerusalem, through to its modern role as the international first aid charity, the St John Ambulance.

Trinkets.

So, in I went.

Some of the areas, like the Priory church and its crypt, plus the rooms upstairs could only be accessed on a guided tour. Unfortunately, I did not have the time for a guided tour, so I just enjoyed the museum galleries, on the ground floor, plus the garden beside the Priory church. 

A Templar chair.

The galleries contain a wealth of historic information, artefacts and models and the garden is a quiet oasis in the heart of a bustling area, where small tables and chairs are available to soak up the peace and serenity of the space.

The Cloister.

I will be visiting again, hopefully soon, to take in the whole of this building.

"I'll take the Priory!"

To see more photographs from my trip, click the link below.

Gallery

For anyone interested in the history of this charity, St John's Gate is well worth the visit.

Museum of the Order of St John

'The Jugged Hare'

A Paradise for any Taxidermist.

Friday June 29, 2018.

It was during one of many wanders around the Unfinished City, that I discovered this wonderful pub. With its oak floors, red leather seats and walls covered in stuffed hares, along with other animals of varying size, it immediately caught my attention. So, I stopped off for a quick drink, while I planned the rest of my wander.

'Cart & Horses': Birthplace of Iron Maiden

The Cart & Horses: Birthplace of Iron Maiden.

Saturday May 26, 2018.

When I was just 10 years young, I purchased my first 7" single. It was Iron Maiden's 'Run to the Hills'. I have been a fan of theirs ever since, so I decided that it was high time that I visited The Cart & horses, Stratford, where Iron Maiden performed their first gig, back in 1976.

So, with my friend Len in tow, we made our way to Stratford, via the Jubilee line, to visit this iconic establishment on a beautiful summer afternoon.

Walking into the pub the first thing to greet us was the small stage where, back in 1976, Iron Maiden first performed.

Hallowed ground.

After a couple of photos we grabbed a drink each and admired the merchandise on sale, before heading to the rear garden to enjoy the sun.

Merchandise for sale.

A few more photos and another drink was had, before we headed off to continue our walk.

What else was I to drink?!