My first glimpse of something beautiful and other London, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

The first thing I saw at London

Bridge

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Stepping out of the taxi at London Bridge Hotel I was delighted & excited to see two of my favourite things = blue sky & a magnificent church.
Southwark Cathedral was once a Parish Church & became a Cathedral at the beginning of the 1900's . In earlier days St. Swithin of the weather fame founded a convent on the site. Later in its days as a Parish Church William Shakespear was present at the baptism of John Harvey who founded the University in the USA.
I was amazed how clean & shiny the detail on the tower looked in the winter sun.

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Phone: 020 7367 6700
Address: Montague Close Southwark
Directions: Next to the Bourgh Market
Website: www.southwark.anglican.org/
Other Contact: cathedral

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Tower of London: See the Gate where a Princess Entered

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Apr 29, 2006

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Traitors Gate was originally called Water Gate but changed its name when the gate became a landing place for boats carrying the Crowns' enemies. Traitors Gate would be the last thing the would see before entering the Tower and being put to death. Princess Elizabeth on a visit to the Tower on Palm Sunday 1554, refused to enter via the gate saying she was no traitor, she changed her mind when the heavens opened and threatened to soak her. On a latter visit as Queen she insisited on entering via the gate proclaiming that what was good for a Princess was good for a Queen - but she did get out alive - most who entered did not.

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Phone: 0 20 7709 0765
Address: Tower Hill, EC3
Directions: Tower Hill tube
Website: http://www.armouries.org.uk/tower/

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Southwark and Bankside: Step Back into the Past

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Apr 29, 2006

Shad Thames

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The name Shad Thames was a corruption of St. John at Thames with reference to the Knights Templar of the order of St. John who owned land there. Great Victorian warehouse were build here in 1873. Huge quays loaded with tea, coffee and spices from all parts of the world were stored here. The barrow boys would wheel the barrels high up on the walkways which criss crossed between the buildings of Buttler's Wharf and Cardmon Wharf. The 20th. Century saw these warehouses fall into decline and the last one closed in 1972. The area saw much regeneration in the 80's and 90's the buildings are now expensive flats. If you are rich enough you can have ajoining flats so you don't have to share the walkway it will be your private terrace.

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Address: Thames Walkway
Directions: Between London Bridge & Tower Bridge

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City of London: Award winning building of glass & steel

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Mar 18, 2006

The Erotic Gerkin

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Known locally as The Erotic Gerkin the Swiss RE Building has won 11 awards including the Sitling Prize. Opened in May 2004, the buildings official name is St. Mary Axe and was designed by Fosters & Partners. It really is a lovely building with its stunning black glass & glimmering steel. The public are not permitted in the building but the plaza is open for your enjoyment with shops bars & cafes but they are so expensive & more suited to the city folk who work in this building.

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Address: St. Mary Axe
Directions: In the heart of the financial district

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Tower Bridge: See the famous bridge that was nearly sold!

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 26, 2006

Tower Bridge

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I like the old story surrounding Tower Bridge & London Bridge - it goes something like this - The USA wanted to buy Tower Bridge but mistakenly asked for London Bridge and their offer was accepted = so glad they got it wrong!!
Tower Bridge was constructed in 1894 & used to be a brown colour until The Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 when it was painted Red White & Blue.

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Phone: 0 20 7626 3065
Address: Tower Bridge Road, EC3/SE1
Directions: Tower Hill or London Bridge tubes
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

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River Thames: Splash your Cash!

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 25, 2006

Throw a party in style

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We didn't go on a river cruise on this trip (far too cold brrrrrr) & we couldn't find another 40 people to book with. The cruise costs 8.95 + vat & sails with a minimum of 40 people. A luncheon cruise is available for 27.95. If you prefer to take a bus tour you ticket price will incude a river cruise but on a much more modest vessel.
If you have plenty of cash you can charter the boats for Weddings or Parties check out the website for prices.

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Phone: 020 7623 1805
Address: River Thames South Bank
Directions: On the Jubilee Walkway between London Bridge & Tower Bridge
Website: thamesleisurelimited

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Legal London and the Inns of Court: Go watch a trial in this famous Court

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 26, 2006

London Legal London and the Inns of Court

Let justice commence

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The Old Bailey or Central Criminal Court has public galleries where you can go & see a trial take place. The inscription on the great court house reads "Punish the wrong doer and protect the children of the poor" It is the most important court in all of Britian & stands on the site of the notorious Newgate Prison. The lady standing a top holds the scales of justice in one hand & the sword of freedom in the other, she faces the area where the condemned were executed. Some famous trials include OSCAR WILD 1895 DR. CRIPPIN 1910 & PETER SUTCLIFFE 1981. Please make sure you enter by the public entrance as a tourist & not the main entrance as a condemned to be prisoner!!!

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Address: Old Bailey Street
Directions: Corner of Newgate Street & Old Bailey Street EC4
Website: www.theoldbailey

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Legal London and the Inns of Court: See a Divorce Case for Free

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 28, 2006

Civil Court - Royal Court of

Justice

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The Royal Court of Justice is London's Civil Court & is housed in the last major gothic revival building. Build in 1882 & opened by Queen Victoria it is an impressive piece of architecture build with 35 million bricks & faced with Portland Stone. It is said that the architect G.E. Street died from worry & stress during its completion.
A fine building to see as you walk London's streets but maybe not to die for!!

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Address: The Strand
Directions: Near St. Pauls Cathedral
Website: courtservice.gov.uk

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River Thames: A little piece of Australia in London

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 28, 2006

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Home to the Australian High Commission this building is the oldest diplomatic Australian mission abroad. King George opened the building on 23rd. August 1918. which was designed by the Scottish Arcitect Marshal MacKenzie. Hundreds of thousands of British people sought & won a new home in Australia - this place was the beginning of their journey.

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Address: The Strand

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Theatres and Opera: A night at the Theatre

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Written by scottishvisitor

on Feb 28, 2006

Woman in White

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