It has been many years since I last explored Covent Garden, and it turned out that the area had much more to offer than I first realised. It’s great when you can find new and exciting things in your own home city.
As always (well, mostly) my walk began by the River Thames. I’d left it last in Henley, and here I was back in London, the part of the river I know most. Let me take you now on a journey through markets, an actors’ church, the world of Freemasonry and the land of law.
Crossing over Waterloo Bridge, I turned onto The Strand and then Aldwych, coming off at Drury Lane and working my way into Covent Garden from that direction.
I came across to Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, known as the actors church. The church is hidden away on the other side of the outside courtyard.
I set off towards Neal Street, a very pretty road. I particularly wanted to find Neal’s Yard, which I remember from many years back. I don’t think I had been to Neal’s Yard since I was in my 20’s!
This area is part of Seven Dials and you can read about its history here, along with the theatres and markets, shops and even a map.
Back on to Neal Street, I found The Astrology Shop, which was worth a look at.
Off on my walk again, I’d seen a tall building in the distance, and I wanted to check it out. It looked church-like. On the noticeboard it said cafe, and where there is a cafe there are toilets (usually). This looked promising. I sought out the entrance and was surprised to find myself outside The Museum of Freemasonry. The building is open to all, and is free. So, I thought, why not? I might learn something! It was actually an astounding building with an informative museum, library, huge shop (all upstairs), and on the ground floor is the cafe, and yes, there are toilets!
I think I should have written a blog post just about the Freemason’s Museum, for it is a splendid place, and really worth a look. I knew very little about Freemasons other than the jokes about dodgy handshakes and rolled-up trouser legs! It seems they can take the mickey out of themselves (always a good sign!). Staff were nice and helpful, though I did find myself doing ‘spot the freemason’! Down in the cafe (very reasonably priced menu and drinks and worth going in just for the cafe – subsidised?) there were some very well dressed people (was I underdressed?).
Leaving Freemason’s Hall behind, I set off for Lincoln’s Inn, a place I used to visit from time to time when I was a teenager. One of my jobs was delivering Briefs to Counsel (or Advice to Counsel). This involved hand delivering (I wonder if that still happens?) to Barrister’s Chambers. I still remember the buildings – the clerks in dark offices, the pigeonholes, the rooms stuffed with documents bound in pink ribbon. Much has changed since those days. I expect everything goes by email now. Back in those times, documents used to be typed on parchment paper (Wills and Leases). It took two people to check for mistakes (one reading the other with the draft), and the documents were sewn up. For me (who hated sewing, and still do), sewing documents was actually something I quite liked. Documents were sewn in green tape (and once or twice even sealed with wax!). Documents going to Counsel where bound together with pink tape. The names of the squares now came back to me – Stone Buildings, New Square. However, there was another surprise – Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, which luckily was open. What a magnificence place!
For a little about the history and buildings do read this.
From Fleet Street I entered the Strand and eventually came back on to the River Thames on the north bank at Victoria Embankment. This had been a fantastic walk. A bit of a walk down memory lane for me, and with surprising finds. Highlights for me were the Freemason’s Hall, Lincoln’s Inn Chapel and the wonder of those buildings in Lincoln’s Inn. How regal! I hope you have enjoyed the journey too.
My London+ 