Monthly Archives: December 2017

Winter in St James’s Park

Posted on 29 December 2017 by

Above: Painting by John Ritchie, made in 1859, showing St James’s Park. St James’s Park is one of London’s most elegant parks. Looking one way it is possible to see the backs of grand buildings that line Whitehall and looking the … Continue reading →

Posted in /Wes-St James | Leave a comment

Halfpenny Surcharge on a letter from Norwich

Posted on 27 December 2017 by

Above: Steam engine depicted in the rubbed bricks on one of the walls at Liverpool Street Station. ‘Reminiscing the Past’ I don’t know how you rate the efficiency of the post where you live. Living in London, I would guess … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Bishopsgate | 2 Comments

Somerset House Skating Rink

Posted on 22 December 2017 by

Above: Looking north in the courtyard of Somerset House at the skating rink. There is something about skating on ice that obviously appeals to people. Within the last few years, as a result of the Crossrail project, two bone skates … Continue reading →

Posted in /Wes-Strand, Subj_Christmas | 2 Comments

London Cab Stand

Posted on 20 December 2017 by

Above: Painting by John Charles Dollman (1851-1934) showing a London cab stand with hansom cabs, growlers (four-wheelers with luggage space on the roof) and horses waiting for their drivers. This is an intriguing painting from many points of view. Although … Continue reading →

Posted in Lon_Comment, Subj_Coaching Days | 2 Comments

St Paul’s from Watling Street

Posted on 18 December 2017 by

Above: Looking west in Watling Street with St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. Watling Street is one of the narrow thoroughfares that probably goes back to the original 9th century Saxon street plan of the City. Watling Street originally aligned … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Castle Baynard | Leave a comment

Williamson’s Tavern, Bow Lane

Posted on 15 December 2017 by

Above: Looking west in Groveland Court at the pub at the end. England is well-known for its ancient and often very picturesque pubs. Over the centuries, London has had its fair share and that also applies to the City. In recent … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Vintry | Leave a comment

St Mary le Bow

Posted on 13 December 2017 by

Above: View looking west in Cheapside at the magnificent tower of St Mary le Bow. The phrase ‘Born within the sound of Bow Bells’ is one that many people have heard. ‘Bow Bells’ simply means the church bells of St … Continue reading →

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Swan Marker and Swans (Statue)

Posted on 11 December 2017 by

Above: The unusual statue standing on the pavement, just a few feet from the entrance to the church of St James, Garlickhythe. The unusual bronze statue is just a short distance from the church of St James, Garlickhythe. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Vintry | 2 Comments

Cordwainer (Statue)

Posted on 6 December 2017 by

Above: The bronze statue is situated on the pavement in Watling Street. The word cordwainer has almost dropped out of the English language – along with the names of several other tradesmen. How many people say ‘I popped into the baker’s … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Vintry | 1 Comment

Vintry and Cordwainer Overview

Posted on 4 December 2017 by

This overview relates to two City Wards – Vintry and Cordwainer. Their original outlines are shown with red dotted lines on the Google map, with which most people are familiar these days. The boundary of the City of London is … Continue reading →

Posted in /City-Vintry, Lon_Overviews | Leave a comment