Monthly Archives: February 2020

Royal Exchange Western Portico, London

The Royal Exchange was constructed 1841-1844 by Sir William Tite, and is listed as a grade 1 building per Historic England.  It is constructed of Portland stone, and the western portico features eight columns and sculptured figures in the typanum … Continue reading

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City Hall on River Thames–Updated

The City Hall building on the south bank of River Thames near London’s Tower Bridge is “despite its name…not in and does not serve a city” according to Wikipedia.  It was designed by Norman Foster and constructed between 2000 and … Continue reading

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Whitehall Court: Royal Horseguards Hotel and The Liberal Club

I believe anyone might readily be forgiven for thinking this historic and distinguished looking building facing the Thames River was something more spectacular than a hotel–even a 5-star hotel.  It says “government” and “important national business occurs here” to me.  … Continue reading

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Harrods, Laduree, Basil Street Apartments and Walton Place

I had my first taste of Harrods’ tea in 1994, after my colleague brought a tin to me from one of his visits.  Of course, nothing would do but that I hop off the tour bus when we passed the … Continue reading

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Pont Street Mews, St. Saviour’s Church, and Walton Street

Pont Street Mews is a cobble-street cul-de-sac off Walton Street, housing 26 residential properties.  The two and three storey properties were built in 1879.  They were originally constructed as a coach house and/or stable accommodations for the houses on Pont … Continue reading

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27-31 Basil Street, SW

I always enjoy a variety of architecture, including rear of buildings.  While on our fast track around London, we pulled to a stop next to the Cafe Rouge on Basil Street in Knightsbridge area. I also enjoy street views, especially … Continue reading

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Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens: The book by J. M. Barrie and illustrations by Arthur Rackham

The illustrations and some content of this post is courtesy of the Project Gutenberg-tm mission. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away … Continue reading

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Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

The Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens led me on a quite remarkable story.  Do you detect a common theme here in the London postings?  Like many children, I grew up hearing the story of Peter Pan, albeit the US … Continue reading

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Italian Gardens

The Italian Gardens was designed by James Pennethorne in 1860.  Prince Albert and Queen Victoria holidayed at the Osborne House on the Isle of Wight (royalparks.org.uk), and being a “keen gardener” the Prince created an “Italian garden with large raised … Continue reading

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Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial

At the South Gate of Kensington Palace, and adjacent to the Memorial to Princess Diana, the fences are covered with tributes.  Flowers, photographs, signs, candles, and stuffed animals cover the fence along the walk.  Although we, as well as many … Continue reading

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