This afternoon we skipped lunch and made first for a familiar resting place.
Blue sky, white clouds
The heat wave (“heat wave” in British terms, at any rate) has returned but for how long?
Sitting outside Myddelton’s
The above mentioned familiar place was of course Myddelton’s deli, where we took coffee to prepare for what came next.
Myddelton Square Garden
We next sat for a while in Myddelton Square Garden where Tigger hoped to entered into negotiations with one or more squirrels. However, the fluffy-tailed folk were not forthcoming, perhaps because there was a “Family Event” in progress in the garden which may have put them off leaving the shelter of their trees.
Aboard a 43
Next, we took a number 43 bus.
London Bridge Station
We left the bus at its terminus at London Bridge Station and passed under the new (well, only a few years old) railway bridge with Southwark Cathedral peeping over it.
Heading towards Borough Market
Then we found ourselves going towards another bridge en route for the famous Borough Market. Unfortunately, this meant we were heading into crowds of people, one of my pet hates.
Southwark Cathedral
We passed by Southwark Cathedral. This is an interesting historic building, well worth a visit (though perhaps not on a Sunday). Another time, perhaps.
Replica Golden Hind
Next on our route was the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind. It can usually be visited but at present is being refurbished and is therefore closed to visitors.
Remains of the Bishop’s Palace
Here too we find what remains of the palace of the Bishop of Winchester, built in the 13th century. The wall with the rose window, empty of glass, is about all that is still visible. The Bishop owned the land hereabouts and was also its lawgiver, with his own dungeon in the palace cellars. That dungeon eventually developed into the notorious Clink prison, today a museum.
Street art by Jimmy C
Continuing on, we photographed this picture of William Shakespeare by street artist Jimmy C.
The Anchor
We reached the Thames where this riverside inn called the Anchor stands close by Southwark Bridge.
Looking under Southwark Bridge
This view looks downriver along the Thames under several bridges.
The Globe Theatre
Along here too is the famous replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. (And no, I have never been inside it.)
Historic houses
I am much more intrigued by these houses nearby. It is said that queen-to-be Catherine of Aragon spent the night here when she first landed from Spain. Also, Sir Christopher Wren, so it is said, lodged here while building St Paul’s Cathedral.
Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral
We passed under the Millennium Bridge (no jokes about wobbly bridges, please) which, if nothing else, provides a convenient route between St Paul’s and the Tate Modern gallery.
The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern, as you no doubt know, resides in what was a big old power station, hence the enormous chimney. Sorry – not a good photo, because the sun was behind the building.
Crowds
Crowds are my least favourite environment and we found ourselves among crowds for much of this walk along the Thames.
Yard and art fair entrance
We were here in the arcade under the OXO tower and behind it is this yard, which no doubt has a name though I don’t know what it is. Here was the entrance to an art fair that Tigger wanted to see. The building with the remain of wording on it is called Barge House.
Entrance
To be precise, it was called “Roy’s Art Fair”, in case you want to look it up. No, I don’t know who Roy is, either.
General view
The fair extended over several floors and rooms and there was too much to give a meaningful account of it so the above general view will have to do.
Caffè Nero
We took a welcome pause and rest in a nearby branch of Caffè Nero. There were surprisingly few customers despite the crowds passing the door.
“Façadism”
We set out for a bus stop whose whereabouts were known to Tigger, on the way passing this egregious and controversial example of “façadism” (the barbarous destruction of a fine old building with a token nod to conservation by retaining part of the original façade). The remains belonged to the old Nautical School.
Christ Church Southwark
We passed Christ Church Southwark. The original was built in the 17th century but destroyed in World War II. It was wisely decided to built the replacement to a new design rather than attempt to imitate the original. The result seems to me utilitarian rather than beautiful but others may opine differently.
Drinking fountain
My attention was caught by this drinking fountain standing nearby. Unfortunately, there is no inscription indicating its date of installation but I would guess middle to late Victorian era, though I could of course be wrong. In case you are wondering: my photo isn’t crooked, the fountain is.
Absurd modern architecture
We found Tigger’s bus stop. Nearby was this absurd piece of modern architecture, looking more than anything like a coffin standing on end. Who designs this stuff, and worse still, who accepts these designs and commissions them to be built?
Aboard the 63
We boarded a number 63 bus to start our journey home. In the picture, we are passing a pub beside Blackfriars Bridge, now called simply Doggett’s but originally called Doggett’s Coat and Badge in honour of actor-manager Thomas Doggett who in 1715 instituted an annual watermans’ rowing race, the prize being a coat and a badge. The race is still run today and you will find more about it here.
Mount Pleasant Post and Sorting Office
We changed buses near the famous Mount Pleasant postal sorting office. A number 38 bus carried us the rest of the way to the Angel.
At home we caught up with our missed lunch and settled in for a pleasant evening at home.
SilverTiger at home and abroad 