Bayham Abbey
I wanted to visit Bayham Abbey because I had come across the Abbey when I was making Green Lewisham. The original Abbey was founded in Brockley, in Lewisham, and then moved down to... READ MORE
Bodiam Castle
We were heading back to London after a few very enjoyable days in Rye, but on the way stopped to see Bodiam Castle, and Bayham Old Abbey. They are both fascinating and it... READ MORE
The Church of St Thomas in Winchelsea
We had walked in the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and decided to take a quick look at Winchelsea. Our first impression was that it was similar to Rye, although much quieter, but then... READ MORE
Rye Harbour
We drove out or Rye, along the River Rother, and down to Rye Harbour, only about two miles outside Rye. When we left there was a seagull on the car, and yet another... READ MORE
Corners in Rye
This post is about a few corners in Rye, bits and pieces discovered while walking round. READ MORE
Main streets in Rye
The town is small and the main streets in Rye can easily be explored in a few days. READ MORE
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Evening in the City
As I walk around London with Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London, 1862, my thoughts and eyes are frequently diverted from the serious job of exploration.
Barnard’s Inn
Barnard’s Inn today is a secret place, entered through a doorway on Holborn which gives no hint of the history through the doorways and narrow corridors. (Authoritative article here.) By 1435 a School of Law had been established on the site … Continued
Freemasons’ Hall – Stunning Art Deco
‘..Freemasons’ Hall is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London. Grand Lodge has been in Great Queen Street since 1775, the present Hall being the third building on … Continued
Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London, Day 6, A warren of streets & Covent Garden (no.34)
I felt Mr Bradshaw was a little uncomfortable guiding me around Long Acre, Covent Garden and the warren of streets behind Drury Lane, but we will do our best to share the visit with you.
‘Nude Girl’ by Ernest Schaufelberg
Mr Bradshaw and I were wandering in the streets around Covent Garden, and in Russell Street is The Fortune Theatre opened in 1924, the first theatre to be built in London after WWI. Mr Bradshaw could not have known the … Continued
The Bishops’ Tree at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace has been the country seat and home of the Bishops of London since about 700. It is surprising sight, perhaps unduly neglected, but now undergoing major renovation. In the grounds is the Bishops’ Tree.
Autumn Colours in London
London is filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Amazingly the leaves haven’t yet fallen, and occasionally there is a blaze of colour. In my wanderings with Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London, 1862, as my companion, I have found these wonderful sights.
Curious textual similarities?
Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London 1862 says of Seven Dials on p.120: ‘..The angular direction of each street renders the spot rather embarrassing to a pedestrian who crosses this maze of buildings unexpectedly, and frequently causes him to diverge from the road … Continued
Bradshaw’s Hand Book, Sixth Day, The West, St Giles to Lincoln’s Inn (no.33)
We return to Oxford Street and just beyond Argyll Street should find the Pantheon, converted in 1834 into a Bazaar. (Pictures here.) However, the building was demolished in 1937 and the site is now M&S.
Town or Country?
Mr Bradshaw accompanies me to London each week for an intensive guided tour. I plunge into the London of 1862, trying to understand, comparing his thoughts to my own, and just savouring me-time. I am learning a lot – retaining … Continued