The weather was not promising. It was cloudy and a gusty wind made it feel colder than the thermometer suggested. I put the hat-lock on my hat, to be on the safe side.

What’re you looking at?
Photo by Tigger

We passed through Claremont Square and, as always, looked for the kitten. He was in the window, which seems to be a favourite place. In the midst of grooming, he became aware of us and our interest and gave us a questioning stare.

“Electra” or the Circling Cyclist
Photo by Tigger

We took a turn round Myddelton Square and spied a familiar figure. The other day, we saw that the model name of her bicycle is “Electra”, and that struck us as a good name for its owner. Henceforth, we will refer to her as Electra!

We made our way to Myddelton’s deli and consumed our coffee on the “terrace” outside, despite the wind. Then we started walking again.

Wharton Street

From the deli, we walked along Wharton Street, which slopes downwards and reveals the BT Tower in the distance.

Melting steps

We were intrigued by these steps that seem to have partially melted.

Blowing in the wind
Photo by Tigger

This photo by Tigger will give you an idea of the conditions because it shows how the blossom is being shaken by the wind.

Strange fruit

We wondered what this strange bush was with unusual fruit that resembles onions…

Hanging by a thread…

They looked like onions because they are onions. Someone has hung them by strings from the branches of a shrub. I cannot imagine why.

King’s Cross Road

We arrived at the bottom of the hill at King’s Cross Road. It wasn’t as busy as it sometimes is and I was glad about that.

The Carpenter’s Arms

I think I have photographed this pub before. Built no later than 1840, it is looking rather miserable at the moment with the windows covered. Will it be revived? Many have closed during the pandemic never to open again.

Great Percy Street

We passed the end of Great Percy Street and so I photographed it from this, for us, unusual angle. You can just about make out the greenery of our “happy place”, Percy Circus.

Ornate doorway

This doorway is very ornate and includes a pair of winged lions or griffons. The building is currently occupied by a branch of Travelodge but I am sure it must have originally been intended for a nobler purpose.

Ghost signs

Nearing King’s Cross Station, we passed this building with faded signage on the façade. These old advertisements are often called “ghost signs”, a term that I don’t particularly like. They may have faded but they indicate the actual business once transacted here and are real enough. Perhaps “historical signs” would be a kinder name. I know nothing about the firm that had the signs painted or when it existed here.

Calidonian Road

We crossed the famous “Cally” (Caledonian) Road though it doesn’t appear to be anything special as seen from this viewpoint.

King Charles I

I noticed this Victorian pub in Northdown Street. What’s special about it? Nothing, really, but it struck me as a not very propitious name for a pub – or anything else – given the fate suffered by its namesake. Let’s hope the pub does not meet a similarly ignominious end.

Joseph Grimaldi Park

A couple of streets further on, we entered Joseph Grimaldi Park. The park is the former burial ground of the no longer extant St James’s Chapel. It was transformed into a public park by the removal of the gravestones – all but one, that is.

Gravestones placed against the wall

As with other old London graveyards, the stones have been removed to the periphery and placed against the wall where they are gradually weathering away and losing their inscriptions.

Grave of Joseph Grimaldi

The one exception is the grave of Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), the famous actor and comedian often dubbed “the father of clowning”. This has been restored and has given its name to the park. The grave is still visited by admirers.

Musical “graves”

In one corner of the park are to be found these mock graves. The intention is that treading on a section rings a bell, each bell having a different tone. Need I say that most of the bells no longer ring? How do I know? Guess!

Trying out the bells
Photo by Tigger

I tried them and Tigger photographed me while I was doing so. Busted!

A busy Pentonville Road

We left the park and entered into a busy Pentonville Road. We did not have to endure it for long, however, as from here we soon reached home where we rewarded ourselves with tea and slices of buttered fruit loaf!