To the City of London

My course had a mandatory field trip led by Tracey Hill, our fearless 17th century/walking expert, to the City of London to explore some of the sights, smells, and sounds of ye olde towne. We had been reading Stowe's Survey of London, which goes through many of the areas of the city back in the early 17th century describing the layout of the city streets, the businesses, the people, the river, the trade, and the politics of the time. Liveries, not guilds as some believe, controlled a lot of the commerce and brought in huge amounts of wealth to the members and the city during this time. Many of the groups still have their headquarters functioning today and can be distinguished by the crest hanging outside their hall and their chandelier just inside the entryway.
    Trevor, Verity, Percy and I dutifully galloped behind Tracey much of the way around the city, but she never led us astray and even fed us tea and snacks. Upon arriving in London, we headed straight for Farringdon tube stop to start our tour.

Check out the program's blog where Verity wrote a great post on more details of the trip. Pictures too!



The remnants of the old City of London are nicely integrated with the new, so it can be startling to realize that, like this old entrance to the city, 17th century and older landmarks are still around and functioning as part of the cityscape.

One of the old gates into the city. There were many along the border of those districts.

The garden inside St. John's.

Creepy skeletal tomb.

So Thursday, since I had prayed fervently for nice weather, turned out really beautiful. Cold but sunny. We'll take it.

The Queen is never pleased. Especially with this weather. Outside the Museum of London.

A lovely sunset on the Thames.

Percy snapped this while we explored the shore of the Thames just below a pub called The Banker. This is on the edge of the city of London and out of sight in the water are old wood pilings dating back to the 17th century.

The Shard, one of London's newest skyscrapers.

The lights changed colors. St. Paul's beyond.

All the busy Londoners going home from work. Tower Bridge in the background (we are on London Bridge).

Our first night was a bit rough because of a mishap with scheduling our hostel. So, we had to walk all the way back across the river late that night to find a Premier Inn. I was so cold and feeling very sick so I took shelter in this Hobbit hole.

Probably the only thing that got me up this morning was the hope of going to Paul's for a Valentine's Day almond croissant. I was really sick, had a sore throat and was mildly feverish. And it was still cold and rainy, but I'm all smiles. 

I'm madly waving my plastic bag at Verity to move in front of me to catch this bus behind me going by. I'm crazy.

When we came into this church, Tracey walked up to this and patted it lovingly and said "hello John, good to see you" as if she were greeting an old friend.

So many attempts to get this picture. Poor Verity.

Guildhall, I believe the Mayor of London has offices here.

Trevor, Tracey, Verity, and Percy admiring the Guildhall square.

My valentine's day card from London this year.






Comments

  1. This looks like such a great adventure even though you were a little miserably sick. There are lots of Paul bakeries here......

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