Yesterday, while Franny and Mom had a mellow day at home, Dad and I decided to explore a new part of London. We found a walking route in our book, Secret London, which we followed religiously. The new part of the city we visited was, literally, the City. It is the oldest part of London, and although there were modern office buildings as well (very much a business area), the architecture was beautiful and exactly what I pictured "old London" to be.
Our walk began at the St. Paul's tube station (we took the Northern Line to Bank, and walked to St. Paul's) and then through Postman's Park. Although small and fairly quiet, there is a wall in the park with tiles dedicated to normal people whose lives have been taken doing heroic deeds. Unfortunately, the idea never caught on, so most of the tiles date back to the late 1800s, but it was still really interesting. Dad and I then continued on until we reach the area with all of the major London courts, including the Old Bailey (Britain's most famous criminal court). Continuing on we pass more exquisite churches, buildings, and streets. We then turn down Ely Place, a street that is technically not in London. It is owned by the crown, has gates and a gatekeeper, and is "in" Cambrideshire. It houses a little-known church, St Etheldreda, with a crypt and chapel. According to Secret London, the crypt is "the oldest centre of Roman Catholic Worship in London." Also in Ely Place is Ely Court, the tiny street (more of an alleyway) barely wide enough for two people. But it does house one of the oldest and most hidden pubs in London, the Old Mitre. We continue to follow the book, seeing more sights such as Gresham College and Cutler's Hall. We head to Gough Square to visit Dr Johnson's house- the birthplace of the first-ever dictionary. We get coffees on Fleet Street, and walk through yet more almost deserted roads and houses. Everyone seems to know exactly where they're going and don't pause for a second to admire the tiny cafes, the beautiful courtyards, the hidden sights... everywhere we turned there was more to see, and that is something I never want to take for granted. Our day in the City was fantastic, and I'd go back again any day. Our book says it's a one and a half hour walk, yet it took Dad and me nearly four hours because we spent so much time looking in old churches and buildings: I think that says something about my new found love for the City!
1 comment:
Gretta - Please let me know if you run into Andy ( http://es.pn/nNUhWY) on one of these trips - make sure you get your picture taken with him if you do. I think your dad would approve.
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