Friday, October 13, 2017

Anglophile Friday - Fascinating London Walks


London is a great place for walking. I don't know how many miles we put on, but we walked a lot, and I even burned off a piece of cheesecake from Borough Market.

On Sunday afternoon, while my brother and his wife went to the British Museum, Mr. C. and I wandered the streets SSW of St. Paul's Cathedral. What interesting places we found!

Coincidentally, some of the same places were on our ghost walk the following Saturday night.



I love all the wonderful architectural detail!



St. Andrews isn't new, the King's Wardrobe isn't new, Communion isn't new, so it must be that communion at 12:30 on Thursdays is new.

From londonguidedwalks.co.uk:

"King’s wardrobe established by medieval king Edward III – kept ceremonial robes of state, on view just as crown jewels are today.

"The Wardrobe, originally housed within the Tower of London was where (as the name might suggest) King's (sic) kept their clothes, and also armour and treasure. It was moved in 1311 by Edward II to Lombard Street, then later to the site where the group are standing, by Edward III. It's currently a quiet little space populated by a few trees, offices, a hotel and enclosed largely by 18th century houses. 

"In 1604 Shakespeare received 4 ½ yards of scarlet cloth from the Wardrobe enabling him to attend state entry into London of James I. 

"If you have ever read any of Samuel Pepys' diary, the name might sound familiar, as 'The Wardrobe' was the generic name given to the surrounding area and one he mentioned quite frequently. Pepys was a visitor to the Wardrobe on several occasions as he was required to dress the part for attending Court. He must have been one of the last people to visit before the Wardrobe was destroyed by the Great Fire.
"Christopher Wren did have grand plans for the rebuilding of London, much like what had happened in Paris, but his plans were ignored. Much of then known London was rebuilt without any alteration to the original street plan. Houses, this time, were made of brick rather than timber.

"The wardrobe, however, was not rebuilt. In 1709 the office of the Wardrobe was abolished and the garden of the great house was converted into this courtyard.
"



The Shard, defiantly piercing through the ancient and beautiful. 
Don't ask me why.

The walk was much longer than the portion I'm showing you now, so I guess this is to be continued...

And eventually, I'll get around to starting at the beginning!

***


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Judy

14 comments:

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Fascinating! And yes, all those architectural details are beautiful. I especially like how they have the lights over the front door hanging on wrought iron trellis'.

Cathy said...

Such beautiful buildings. What is the Shard? Looks very modern.

Elizabethd said...

London is such a juxtaposition of very old and extremely new. I loved the flowers by doorways, so pretty.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

These photos are great, Judy. The detail that you picked up is amazing. Have a great weekend.

MadSnapper said...

the shard is amazing, but my favorite is all the rounded walls of buildings and beautiful old brick. I would like to see what it looks like from inside the shard

Terri D said...

That looks like the best walk to take! Much better than walking through a museum. Love the photos and am so happy you got to go again! Hoping for more pictures!!

NanaDiana said...

You certainly found some beautiful streets for roaming. Just gorgeous old places-ones that will stay in your mind forever. I have to look that shard up....I am now wondering why it was built. xo Diana

Cheryl said...

What fun to join you on your walk through London. You are a great tour guide! (Did you take long walks before your trip to build endurance for your sightseeing strolls?)

Vee said...

The Shard might be an attractive enough building in a different setting. There not so much. I imagine it provides great views of London and the surrounding area, though. Most fascinating about The Wardrobe. As always, your pictures and commentary are excellent.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I enjoyed the walk around London. The tall tower is amazing next to the older building.
Great photos. Enjoy your day!

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

I love walking in London and you've chosen a good area, a bit off the usual tourist spots, to do it. That's you, though, isn't it?! Must admit, my jury is out on the Shard. Whoever runs it also posts aggressive-looking blokes with cauliflower ears and heavy overcoats outside, who eye up passers-by suspiciously; it's like being an extra in The Sweeny.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Love your photos. I want to go back! Those streets make me feel like home yet I've never lived there.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, I haven't made it out of the country this year, but I did have a domestic trip I posted today. I hope you'll enjoy it half as much as I've enjoyed the posts about your trip. The Shard - why? I quite agree with that! Why are these modern monstrosities allowed to be planted in the middle of all that beautiful architecture?

podso said...

I guess I'm catching up on your blog. Keep these posts coming. I enjoy all your photos. That last one is a bit striking with that out of place monster there in the middle.

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