Now that Tigger is back working full-time Monday to Friday, and especially when the weather is cold and perhaps wet as well, it’s very easy for me just to stay at home all day. I have decided to make more of an effort to go out once a day and to walk for at least half an hour.

The South Library

Having exhausted the stock of French books in Finsbury Library, I have had it in mind to visit other libraries in the borough to see what they have available. In Essex Road is the South Library and today I paid it a visit. You have to choose your day carefully because this library is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It rained heavily this morning and so I waited until 11 am when, according to the forecast, the weather should improve. It did too, well, to the extent that it stopped raining, though it remained very cold.

Where three streets meet

I set out along the High Street which was very busy. I took this photo where three streets meet: straight ahead is Liverpool Road; on the left, the High Street; and, to the right, Upper Street. The High Street doesn’t end here, however: it disappears at the junction with Upper Street and reappears later.

The Tram Shed – taken over by Amazon

Continuing on, I reached the Tram Shed (known as such though I believe it became an electricity sub station for the tram network before been diverted to retail use). It has now been occupied by Amazon as a one of its Fresh outlets.

The “other High Street”

The High Street reappears, running beside the Tram Shed. Unlike its other section, here it is a quiet residential street.

The High Street gives way to Camden Passage and this, together with the Tram Shed, was once famous for its antiques shops and, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the large and lively antiques market. The local antiques trade suffered a blow when the small shops were expelled from the tram shed. Then the pandemic struck a further blow when lockdown rules caused the market to be suspended.

Remnants of the antiques market

Today being Friday, I went along to see whether the market was back in operation. Sadly, these were the only stalls I could find. Perhaps when the warmer weather returns, things will improve.

Big puddle

Camden Passage runs out into Essex Road near Islington Green. I photographed this puddle which provides eloquent witness to this morning’s heavy rain.

Broken-down bus

Essex Road was seemingly choked with slow-moving traffic. One reason for this turned out to be a broken-down bus. I could hear the sound of a mechanical tool being used, though I couldn’t see where. Also, I spotted what looked like the bus driver walking up and down nearby so perhaps they were hoping to repair the vehicle and put it back in service.

Three-level pavement

As I continued, I walked along this stretch of unusual three-level pavement.

Library entrance hall

I reached the library and went inside. This is one of the many public libraries funded whole or in part by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It was completed in December 1916.

Emotion in Art
by New North Academy

In the library entrance hall was this impressive gallery of faces, part of an art project at New North Academy entitled Emotion in Art.

Into the library

I entered the library which is not very large. I had brought a bag with me in case I found any books that interested me but, in the event, it was not needed. I performed a complete tour of the book shelves but there were no books in French, none at all. I have some on my phone to be going on with.

Astey’s Row Rock Garden

Beside the library is a narrow thoroughfare called Astey’s Row (named after John Astey who put up builings here in the 18th century), and running along it is Astey’s Row Rock Garden. As the sun had now started to shine, I decided to go for a little walk in the garden.

Fallen tree left in place

Despite being rather narrow, this park or garden is quite pleasant. It is well endowed with rocks, as its name suggests, though I am uncertain whether they are real or artificial. I was glad to see this fallen tree left in place to provide home and sustenance for those creatures that specialise in using dead wood.

Aboard the 73

As I had done my intended half-hour of walking, I felt it was legitimate to take a bus for the return journey. A number 73 reached the stop at the same time as I did and I went aboard. When the warmer weather returns, I will perhaps go for longer walks and hope to recover some of my “form” lost during the pandemic.