Further to my post yesterday, I must just mention the Royal Doulton building just behind White Hart Dock off Albert Embankment. When I saw it I thought, what a striking building, but I had no idea of its history. It was only that I posted some photos on a Facebook Group page that someone mentioned it.
So I have looked it up and can do no better than post this link, which has some wonderful photos. I think I shall return here another time. There is obviously more to discover.
My journey started here (see photo above) at the American Embassy. I’d been here once before a few years ago. It was rather like a building site then, and still they are building new apartment blocks. They now come with cafes and supermarkets beneath – little villages in themselves. The gardens are also an improvement. But I came today specifically to see the swimming pool between two apartments. See on the photo what looks like a walkway? That’s a pool! I’d seen it recently on TV news with lots of people in it. Today, being a weekday, no one was there. Even so, it was still a spectacle. Would you like to swim in it?
American Embassy (above)
After a quick wander around, I set off for the Thames. To the left is Battersea (the old Power Station) and to the right central London and Westminster. I was walking to the right, but not before I walked a little way back to grab a photo of Father Thames.
It wasn’t long before I spotted something on the other side of the road. Three seats in the form of boats, and some arches that looked like a church. I crossed over to inspect this and came across White Hart Dock which can be traced back to the 14th century. Royal Dalton had buildings along here, and you can see the tunnel that led to other docks and the Thames. I have never come across this dock before, and that’s what I like about London. It never fails to amaze and surprise me.
Looking towards Battersea
White Hart Dock
Behind the old dock something else caught my eye, and before I knew it I found Old Paradise Garden. What a beautiful garden. This seems to have been built on a former churchyard. It is a quiet oasis with a beautiful array of wildflowers in the centre. The park is still having a makeover, but there will be a play area. Also, the Garden Museum (close by) run gardening lessons here on Friday mornings for local residents. There are raised beds with various plants and herbs. This is a lovely place to sit.
From there it was back to the Thames via St Mary’s Gardens. St Mary’s is the home of the Garden Museum, but the gardens here are free. Next door is Lambeth Palace. Over the road is Lambeth Bridge.
Lambeth Bridge
Westminster
Walking along the Thames Path I came across the wall where people have written the names of loved ones who have died of Covid 19. I knew of this wall, but was surprised about how long it is. It stretches almost from Lambeth Bridge to Westminster Bridge. Certainly a peoples’ memorial.
From here it was a short walk to the London Eye and then towards Waterloo. I stopped off at St John’s Church gardens to eat lunch and to have a quick read before returning home. It had been a lovely morning.
London Eye
St John’s Churchyard
St John’s, Waterloo
My London+ 