The objects in the title are some of those that we saw on today’s walk. With clouds and sunny intervals and a temperature of 20°C, conditions for rambling were pleasant except for a gusty breeze that ever and anon posed a threat to hats.

What are these openings for?

Being interested in architecture makes you notice odd things that might otherwise escape attention. An example is this vertical row of four plaques, three of which have openings. What is their purpose? We have exhausted our capacity to guess.

King Square Garden

We entered this small park called King Square Garden. It is divided into a common area and a dog-free area with a children’s playground. Though plain, it makes a pleasant green place among tall buildings.

Dog with “snake”

We were amused by this dog who, after playing with sticks thrown by his owner, discovered what looks like a discarded hose from a vacuum cleaner and started playing with it. Perhaps he was imagining fighting a big snake.

St Clement’s Church
Photo by Tigger

Exiting the garden at the far end brings you to this church. Built in the 1820s and rebuilt in 1953, it is quite impressive with the broad columns and tall spire.

St Clement’s, side view

Here is another view – from the side. The church is hard to photograph because of the narrowness of the walkways around it and foliage which delights in blocking your view!

Squirrel raiding the bin

A little further on from the church, we spotted a squirrel raiding the rubbish bin. He would drop down inside and reappear with something to eat which he would consume delicately while perching on the opening. Each time he disappeared, we took a step forward in order to have a closer view when he reappeared. Eventually, we took a step too far and he took refuge some feet away on the grass. We then left, so that he could continue his search of the bin undisturbed.

Triangular building

We entered City Garden Road where I was intrigued by the shape of this building which was obviously designed to fit the awkwardly shaped site. What must the rooms be like – triangular? Imagine trying to fit carpets to such a room!

Old Paper Mill

Also in City Garden Road is the first of our mills, which is an old paper mill. I have not so far nanaged to find its history and will keep looking.

Dieseker & Co Ltd

And here is the second mill, that of Dieseker & Co Ltd which sports a fine chimney in addition to the factory building. Dieseker was founded, I believe, in Hamburg in 1881 and supplied marble and stone goods, but I don’t know when they established their business here or when it closed. The building had been repurposed as a mix of office and residential accommodation.

Regent’s Canal and Tunnel

On previous walks we have reached the Regent’s Canal but not managed to have a clear view to photograph it. Today, we arrived near the road bridge which provides this view. In the background you might be able to make out the entrance to the Islington Tunnel. As there is no towpath, any craft without engines has to be “walked” through.

The Plaquemine Lock

Near the bridge is a pub with an unusual name, the Plaquemine Lock. This takes its name from a historical site in the USA and was chosen to fit its current role as a restaurant serving Cajun food. Founded in the 1850s and rebuilt in 1938, the pub was previously known as the Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. While I am in favour of people being able to make their own choices in life, I am always a little sad when a traditional pub is given a whimsical name especially one that has nothing to do with its history or the locality.

From here, we wended our way through the back streets to the Angel and Jusaka for our coffee. So here is today’s entry in the Most Often Featured Angel Landmark stakes (drum roll): The Angel Building!

The Angel Building