Originally posted on May 23rd 2021, ed-edited with additions on May 25th 2021.

The weather continues cloudy with showers and a gusty windy that makes it feel colder than the thermometer indicates.

Cloudy skies over White Lion Street

As usual on Sundays, we started the day with a shopping run to Sainsbury’s.

Chapel Market – no tables and chairs

In Chapel Market, both the Farmers’ Market and the usual market were in full swing. One thing was noticeable: the complete absence of tables and chairs in the road in front of the pub and cafes. The pub and the Millennium Cafe had a couple of tables on the pavement but that was all. It’s as though they have all suddenly realised that they are allowed to serve customers inside and no longer need to provide covered seating outside.

Sainsbury’s – averagely busy

Sainsbury’s was averagely busy for a Sunday morning but we were soon finished because this week we needed relatively few items. That was a pity in one sense because I had a voucher for triple points but there is no sense in buying more than you need just to grab points. One can also be happy about spending less!

It’s beginning to rain

As I hurried ahead through the market to buy the coffee, it was beginning to rain, though not heavily. Coffee in hand, we returned home to put away the shopping and have lunch.

Balloons and flag

After lunch, we went out for a walk. In view of the weather, we remained in the local neighbourhood. In Pentonville Road, we spotted several cars decorated with flags. This one also had a collection of balloons on the roof. What was it about? It turns out that tomorrow, May 24th, is the anniversary of Eritrea’s independence (1991) from Ethiopia, and the occupants of the cars were in celebratory mood.

Cruikshank Street

We walked down Cruikshank Street and, along the way, noticed something odd about the numbering of the houses. The numbers were not in sequence. That’s all I can say at present as it will take more research to find out the reason for this.

In Cumberland Gardens

Cruikshank Street becomes Holford Street and leads into Great Percy Street, off which is the pleasant Cumberland Gardens.

Pretty flowers

In front of one of the houses was a bush or shrub full of tiny but beautiful flowers.

A marquee in Lloyd Square

Lloyd Square, you may remember, is one of the few squares whose central garden is still private to residents. The most we can do is to peer over the hedge. Today, we saw that they are in the process of erecting a marquee. Perhaps the square is going to celebrate a festival of some kind.

Wilmington Square Gardens

We later passed by Wilmington Square, one of those whose garden is open to the public. We did not go in on this visit so I made do with a quick photo.

Covered with mirrors
Photo by Tigger

In Merlin Street we spied a strange sight in an upper window. At a quick glance, it looked like a dressmaker’s dummy but closer observation showed that it was covered with reflective tiles or mirrors. I have no idea of its purpose (if, indeed, it has one).

Carriage entrance no more

Further allong is this rather fine arched entrance with a pair of gates. I assume it was origianlly intended as a carriage entrance though that usage has been discontinued by the placing of a bollard in the centre of the passage at the far end.

Hardewixcke Street

We entered Hardwicke Street and I stepped into the road to take a photo avoiding the parked vehicles, A car came round the corner behind me and passed very close, obviously not expecting to find a pedestrian in the way. Near miss!

Decorative lamp with faces

Where Hardwicke Street meets Rosebery Avenue stands a building, now residential, that was once the offices of the New River Company. In front of it is a pair of elegant lamps. I had not previously noticed that they are decorated with human faces.

Wonky lamp

No, I’m not holding the camera crooked! The street lamp is definitely leaning at a drunken angle. Perhaps the roots of the nearby tree have pushed it out of alignment.

War memorial and pigeons, Spa Green

We walked through Span Green Gardens. The pigeons, some perched on the memorial, others on the grass, seemed in happy mood. People feed them and so they are not as anxious to find food as other street pigeons and have more time for socialising.

A pleasant green oasis

Spa Green is quite small as parks go but it is pleasant and provides a welcome green osasis among the built-up streets.

New River Head Gardens

These gardens cover part of the area that originally comprised the New River Head, that is, the terminus of Hugh Myddelton’s aqueduct. I have seen an old photo which shows the area covered by lakes. All water now is confined underground.

The pub vine

We turned into Arlington Way and from there into Myddelton Passage. I thought I was the one who was obsessed by the pub vine but it turns out that Tigger is also! It was she who pointed out that there are already signs of grape clusters growing, still tiny, of course, but visible if you look carefully.

Gate to the viewing platform

The gate was open to the New River Head viewing platform so we went in. There are panels of information and illustrations but…

Obstructed view

…the view is disappointing as it is obstructed by new buildings and the growth of the gardens. There are plans to “develop” the New River Head, making it public access and this will no doubt degrade the historic site even further.

The church screened by foliage

We made our way home, passing through Myddelton Square. The trees are recovering their foliage nicely but the dull conditions do not show the gardens to best advantage. Let’s hope the weather improves soon.