Thames Clipper ~ the best “bus” & the best views in London!

13 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in City of London, Family Activities, Greenwich, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Westminster

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Central London, drink, East London, eat, view

Arguably one of the best views in all of London

When most people think of transportation in London, the tube, the double-decker bus and the black cab all come to mind. However, one form of transportation that is often forgotten is the ‘River Bus’ (not one of the tourist boats). The Thames Clippers are the fastest and most frequent boat fleet on the river. Thames Clipper service is provided through a fleet of 13 boats that provide a surprisingly fast way to get from one end of London to the other. With so much of what London has to offer clustered around the Thames, the River Bus service, these boats provide commuters and sightseers with a fast way to travel around the capital on arguable the most scenic route in London.

Departing from the West End passing Embankment

While you can’t stand outside at the front of the boat, the rear is open and on a pleasant day is a great place to enjoy the sights and the fresh air. The inside has comfortable seats, is climate controlled and has free wifi! There are even toilets. As catamarans the ride is very stable and even those sensitive to motion will likely find it easy to enjoy the ride.

On board coffee & snacks

The Commuter Boats: With no tour guide and no commentary, these fast boats still offer a degree of luxury, with onboard snacks and drinks (from Costa coffee), comfortable seating (always a seat unlike the tube!) and undeniably great views - even for the hardened Londoner. The Thames Clipper high speed catamarans depart from all major piers every 20 minutes from about 8:30am until 9pm. Boats start around 6am (weekdays) and run as late as 11pm but less frequently during those hours. Boat service can be obtained as far west as Putney and as far east as Royal Arsenal Woolwich in the east. However, the most efficient commuter route is from either Embankment or London Eye to Greenwich, with stops at Blackfriars, Bankside, London Bridge, Tower, & Canary Wharf.

Greenwich Pier

There are a few other piers they’ll stop at during peak hours, but you’ll need to ask to get off or wave at the boat from the pier! Its only 35 minutes from London Eye to Greenwich. Compared to riding on the Jubilee line I’d ride the Clipper anytime.

The Tower of London from the Thames Clipper

History: The Thames Clipper service started in 1999 with one boat. Originally usage was about 1500 per week. Now with 13 boats, usage is up to 8500 passengers a day (versus about 2 million/day on buses, and 3.5 million tube journeys/day). Most boats are designed by an Australian company - Aimtek.

One of the Thames Clipper fleet

Costs: If you use an Oyster card when you buy your ticket (no tap in / out - must buy a ticket at the booth) then you receive a 10% discount. You can also buy books of 5 tickets to save queuing time. Oyster discounts for the Commuter boats are £5.85. Under 5′s are free.

An experience that never fails to impress - going under Tower Bridge.

Its a great way to take visitors to London on a scenic tour - but you’ll be the tour guide. If you’ve never ridden these boats yourself its a ‘must do’. It surprises me how underutilized they are.

For more information see: http://www.thamesclippers.com/

The Grosvenor Hotel at Victoria Station ~ a magnificently restored Railway Hotel

05 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Historic Buildings, Restaurants, Westminster

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aviation, Central London, drink, eat, landmark, tea

The lobby of the Grosvenor

Most visitors to London pass through many of the great and historic railway stations - such as Kings Cross and Paddington. Attached to many of these stations are hotels that were built in the 19th Century to provide accommodations to those beginning or ending their train journeys. Over the years many fell into significant disrepair. But recently there have been a number of them that have been sympathetically restored and now offer a level of grandeur and Victorian splendor that has not been seen in years.

A vintage postcard of the Grosvenor.

One of these hotels is the Grosvenor Hotel at London Victoria Station. While thousands travel through the station’s concourse daily, few take the time to visit what is arguably one of the best restored railway hotels in London.

The Grosvenor’s reflection showing its Parisian style.

Through a small entrance in the northwest corner of the concourse you can enter the hotel, or you can enter through the main entrance on Buckingham Palace Road. It is well worth a detour to take in the wonderful entrance hall and enjoy tea in the lounge or drinks in one of the bars.

The Lounge - a great place for tea.

History: While many of the early railway companies built and operated hotels at their major stations it was not the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company (LB&SCR) that built The Grosvenor hotel at Victoria Station but a wealthy builder - Sir John Kelk - whose firm built the station. The hotel was always intended to be opulent and lavish, and Kelk hired noted architect J T Knowles to design London’s ‘grandest hotel’. The plans were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1860 and building was swift. The hotel opened to the public in 1862 a year after the station opened.

The Brasserie bar.

The exterior of the hotel was modeled after Parisian chateaus and palaces and interior design reflected this style too. The design of the hotel was so different in its day that it inspired the design movement called ‘the Grosvenor style.’

The interior of the hotel originally featured a grand panelled hallway, marble floors & four poster beds. The hotel also boasted luxurious smoking lounges and even an elevator or “lifting room” which was one of the first in London. The Grosvenor was immediately popular with the London’s elite and its smoking lounges became acceptable alternatives to the gentlemen’s clubs. A curious fact is that in 1928, Beryl Markham, mistress to Henry, Duke of Gloucester and son of King George V, gave birth to a son in the hotel. She was a celebrity in her own right as the first person to fly across the Atlantic east to west in a solo non-stop flight.

Renovations: Most of these railway hotels suffered from lack of funds as first class rail declined and the jet-set era arrived. The Grosvenor Hotel (owned now by Guoman Hotels) was one of these hotels that clearly needed modernising. However, the owners went a step further and over the last few years not only updated the hotel but effectively fully restored it to be a glamourous place. As a Grade II listed building, the guidance of English Heritage was used to help with the restoration so that both the original style and the enhancements made in the 19th Century could be preserved. Gold leaf was even returned to the columns in the grand lobby and original white marble pillars were restored. Now that the renovations are complete its worth a visit.

Vintage railway poster inside the hotel.

Today: The original first-class railway lounge is now an opulent cocktail bar - Reunion - and well worth a visit. The Lounge is a wonderful place to enjoy afternoon tea (with all its formality), and the bar in the Brasserie is a great place to enjoy a drink, coffee or food with its large fireplace and vintage railway posters. There is also a great Cantonese restaurant on site - the Grand Imperial.

The staircase in the Grosvenor’s lobby leading up to the Reunion bar.

Location: 101 Buckingham Palace Road (at Victoria Station), SW1W 0SJ

Closest Tube: Victoria

The Royal Exchange, London ~ arguably the world’s first shopping mall!

30 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in City of London, Historic Buildings, Shopping

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breakfast spot, Central London, drink, eat, landmark, tea, World War II

The Royal Exchange, south entrance.

Right in the very heart of the City is the Royal Exchange. A wonderful building, with a great history that is as vibrant today as it ever was. While maybe not one would expect for a topic on a site that focuses on ‘London Off The Beaten Path’ I find that many people do not know the history of this building and others think it is still a stock exchange or part of the Bank of England. With many visitors to London spending most of their time in the West End, it is worth reminding people that for its history, its shops and its restaurants, a trip to the Royal Exchange is well worth it. Sitting at the Grand Cafe, with a cocktail or glass of champagne in hand, while enjoying the ambiance of one of London’s most magnificent buildings is an experience not to be missed.

The north entrance to the Royal Exchange

History: The building of the Royal Exchange was first completed in 1565 and in 1571 it received its ‘Royal’ title and obtained a licence to sell alcohol from Queen Elizabeth. It was the vision of Thomas Gresham who wanted a central facility for commerce in the City of London to mirror that of the Bourse in Antwerp. The original bell tower summoned merchants at 12 noon and 6pm to come and trade. Gresham realized that it would be hard for him to make money solely by facilitating a place for trading, so he built two floors of retail shoppes - about 100 kiosks in all - that paid rent to him creating a profitable business. In effect, he had built the world’s first shopping mall.

The Grand Cafe at the Royal Exchange

This original building was destroyed in 1666 during the Great Fire. Within 3 years it was rebuilt. While stock traders certainly used this facility (in addition to coffee houses) they were expelled from the Royal Exchange in 1698 due to their rowdy behaviour. Insurance traders, including those from Lloyds, did business here and stock brokers became regulated through licences - which started to create the basis of an organized stock market. This new building survived until 1838 when fire again ravaged the building. In 1844 the third iteration of the Royal Exchange was opened by Queen Victoria - the structure we see today. This rebuilt structure now had a roof that covered what used to be an open courtyard.

The building started trading stocks again in January 1845. When WWII started in 1939 trading at the Royal Exchange was suspended for about 9 months. During the war the building was a survivor, escaping the damage inflicted by the Blitz. By 1972 all stock trading left the building as the London Stock Exchange had its new premises opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

Shops at the Royal Exchange

The most recent renovations were in the 1980s when the roof was restored and two floors of new offices were added, and in 2001 when it was extensively remodelled by architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, resulting in the addition of new boutiques and restaurants.

For a brief period of 9 years in the late twentieth century, the Royal Exchange reverted to its use as a centre for financial trading as the home to the London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE).

Antique watch shop at the Royal Exchange

Today: The Royal Exchange is to some degree back to the way it once was - a shopping mall - though a very upscale one. The shops are open from 10-6, though some restaurants open at 8am and stay open until 11pm. In the centre of the courtyard is the Grand-Cafe, with its oval bar, and all day dining. You can make reservations for breakfast, but otherwise its no reservations. On the mezzanine level of the Royal Exchange is Sauterelle a more upscale French restaurant with a great view over the Grand Cafe and central courtyard. Shops include sellers of watches, art, clothing and antiques, among others - most are generally considered ‘high end’.

Located at: Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR

Closest Tube: Bank

World Rugby Museum, Twickenham, London ~ the largest rugby museum in the world.

23 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Family Activities, Museums (Historical), Richmond upon Thames

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American London, sports, West London

The World Rugby Museum, Twickenham

On the 2nd October 2013, the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham officially reopened after a substantial makeover. In addition, the tunnel and England changing room were refurbished and have enhanced the facility in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Since the stadium and museum are only a 20 minute train ride from Waterloo station it is well worth a visit since this is the home to the largest rugby venue in the world and the 5th largest sports stadium in all of Europe.

View from the field

Located in the east stand of the stadium is the World Rugby Museum (the largest in the world) and a great experience for all - whether a fan of rugby or interested in sports and the culture associated with them.

Rugby museum display

The WRM gives a unique insight into rugby by allowing visitors to follow the history of the game from its origins at Rugby School to the present day. Discover why people love rugby, from the grassroots game to the elite sport, and get the stories behind some of the greatest players, matches and tries.

The new ‘Play Rugby Zone’

Highlights of the Museum: In the “Play Rugby” Zone visitors take up the challenge of this new interactive area by testing your skills including speed, strength and kicking prowess, to find out “What Kind of Rugby Player Are You?”. There is an array of trophies on display including the Calcutta Cup, an intricately engraved trophy made from 270 silver rupees for which England and Scotland have competed since 1879. There is also film and video footage allowing you to re-live some of rugby’s most memorable moments, along with the world’s finest collection of rugby memorabilia comprised of over 25,000 iconic objects dating back to the beginning of the game. There is also a programme from the 1924 Olympics - the last time rugby was played at the Olympics (though Sevens are coming in 2016) where the USA team won gold making them the still current Olympic champions.

The new England dressing room

Tour: The guided tour gives you access to some of the most exclusive parts of the Stadium, including entry to the England dressing room, the royal box and the players’ tunnel along with a view from the pitch side.

Fans’ messages on the redesigned tunnel wall

History: Rugby Football Union (RFU) started in 1871 and the collection provides insight and perspective from its founding to the current day. Over the years many rugby unions have donated items to the museum. As the collection grew, the RFU decided to put items on display. In the late 1970s and early 80s, display cabinets contained a small sampling of the collection, and then in 1983 a museum was built in the south stand to provide a permanent home. In 1996 the museum moved to the newly redeveloped east stand. In 2013 it reopened after renovation and reimagining.

WRM Display

Visiting Info: The Museum is generally open Tues-Sat 10-5, and Sun 11-5, though closed on and often around match days/weekends - so check website before visiting. Tours are at specific times during these hours and should be prebooked to ensure space. Museum adult entry: £8, or £16 (as of 2014) if combined with a tour. Concessions available. Tours times are at 11, 1pm, 3pm on Tues-Fri, and 10:30, 12, 1:30 an 3 on Sat, and at 12 & 2 on Sundays, and they start at the Rugby shop. The museum’s last entry is at 4:30pm.

England jerseys in the dressing room

Located at: Twickenham Stadium, Hamilton Rd, Twickenham, TW2 6SN

Closest transit: RAIL: Twickenham (from London Waterloo). TUBE: (1) Richmond (District Line), then R68 or 33 bus to Twickenham, or (2) Hounslow East (Piccadilly Line), then 281 bus to Twickenham.

Photo Credits: The RFU Collection.

Rivington Place : “Art, Debate, Diversity” ~ London’s newest public art gallery.

19 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Artistic Venues, Free Activities, Tower Hamlets

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Arts & Crafts, drink, East London, eat

As a relatively new entrant to the art scene, Rivington Place in Shoreditch, just off Brick Lane, is well worth a visit. It is a purpose built international visual arts centre. Now 6 years old (opened in October 2007) this art venue is the UK’s first permanent public art space dedicated to diversity in the visual arts. This allows the venue to exhibit artists that may otherwise not receive exposure in London’s other public galleries. Their motto is “Art, Debate, Diversity”. Consequently it is well worth a visit as the art on display is often innovative and insightful. The curators are not bound by showing what is known but by a commitment to show what is current and relevant today. Artists from all around the world can be found here and exhibitions change on a regular basis. In addition the gallery provides a schedule of free talks and events that are open to the public (see: http://www.rivingtonplace.org/Next-Events ) that give insight and perspective on the exhibitions.

Rivington Place ground floor gallery

Rivington Place - ground floor exhibition space

Rivington Place was the first new public gallery built in London in 40 years. The last one being the Hayward Gallery. As home to the Institute of International Visual Arts (Iniva) and Autograph APB the gallery’s purpose is to advance and promote cultural diversity in the arts. The five-storey building that houses the gallery cost £8 million to complete and was the first publicly funded new-build international art gallery. Designed by David Adjaye OBE the building is influenced by African and contemporary art as well as the history of the local area. In addition to housing several gallery exhibition spaces over several floors, there are education spaces, a Library and a café.

Rivington Place - First Floor Exhibition space

With some many people visiting the Shoreditch area now to see the vibrancy of Brick Lane, the Truman Brewery and Sunday market, Rivington Place should not be missed.

Stuart Hall Library

Library: The Stuart Hall Library is open Tues-Fri 10-1, and 2-5. Memberships are available and access is open to anyone.

Rivington Place’s Shutterbug Cafe

Cafe: The cafe, Shutterbug, serves freshly made crepes, Climpson’s coffee, snacks, beer and wine. It is open Mon-Wed 8am-6pm, Thurs-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10pm-6pm.

Rivington Place gallery

Visiting: Rivington Place art space is open Tues/Wed/Fri 11am – 6pm, Thurs 11am – 9pm, Sat 12 – 6pm. Closed Sun-Mon. Admission is free for regular exhibitions.

Located at: 1 Rivington Place, London EC2A 3BA

Closest Tube: Old Street or Shoreditch High St (Overground)

Sotheran’s, London ~ the oldest antiquarian bookstore in the world

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Famous People, Shopping, Westminster

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Tags

American London, Central London, landmark, literary, William Shakespeare

Located just steps from Piccadilly Circus is a bookstore with such a rich history that it has become a London literary landmark. For one store to have sold a Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare’s Folios and Lord Byron’s manuscripts would be surprising. But not only has Sotheran’s done all this it has done much more in addition to being the oldest antiquarian bookstore in the world. It bound the infamous Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam - the most expensively bound book in the 20th Century - that then went down with the Titanic. It was the primary source for the American collector H. C. Folger’s Shakespearean library. Sotheran’s also purchased Audubon’s Birds of America at auction in 1959 for a record price - and today it is still the most expensive printed book in the world at auction. For an expanded list of some of the more significant events in Sotheran’s history please see the timeline below.

Sotheran’s main floor

Given this unique history and its place in the literary world, a visit to Sotheran’s is like spending time in a great library - but with the knowledge that everything is for sale. Whether you want a classic from the 19th Century or a first printing of a Tintin comic book, there is something here for everyone. In addition, a wonderful collection of prints and posters is in the downstairs room which is well worth a visit.

Collectible children’s books

History: Sotheran’s was founded in York in 1761 and established in London in 1815. In the early years they bought several important libraries, including that of Lawrence Sterne. They also had a print works that used copper engravings and they even sold wine. Having a basement as a wine shop and the ground floor as a bookshop might seem odd, but the store claims there has always been a connection between antiquarian booksellers and alcohol! Sadly the wine is long gone. In London the downstairs houses a wonderful print gallery.

The downstairs print gallery.

Chronology - a few of the more significant dates:

1761 Founded in York
1768      Purchased the Library of Lawrence Sterne
1815      Established in Little Tower Street in the City of London by Thomas Sotheran
1862      Published a catalogue which included a copy of the first folio of Shakespeare for £53
1867      Charles Edmonds of Sotheran’s discovered Shakespeare’s 1599 Venus and Adonis in an attic.
1878      Purchased the library of Charles Dickens (two catalogues were devoted to its description)
1892     Purchased the famous Althrop Library for £250,000
1898      Purchased part of the library of WE Gladstone
1901      Appointed booksellers to King Edward VII
1907      Purchased Bishop Gott’s Library, Bibliotheca Pretiosa (No 671), which included a set of the first four folio editions of Shakespeare
1910      Commissioned ‘The Great Omar’, a binding which took Sangorski nearly two years to complete and was set with 1,050 jewels; it went down on Titanic
1936      Moved to Sackville Street
1943      Agents for the sale of the ‘Sir Isaac Newton Library’, purchased through Sotheran’s by the Pilgrim’s Trust.
1959      Purchased Audubon’s Birds of America

Today: Their General Antiquarian and Literature department covers a wide range of subjects from early Bibles to 20th Century Private Presses. They specialise in first and important editions of English literature from the 17th to 20th century, library sets, fine bindings, Churchill and private press books. They have sections on sports, economics, children’s and illustrated books. In the children’s section there are generally collectible books by Roald Dahl and Maurice Sendak, as well as those by famous illustrators such as Arthur Rackham. There are also a lot of books on travel and exploration.

Other Services: In addition to selling items in stock, Sotheran’s will help you build a library, repair or restore old books, choose that perfect gift and mount or frame prints or pictures. Downstairs is a well-stocked gallery with a wide selection of original antique engravings, lithographs and etchings. Periodic exhibits focus or highlight particular genres or works. For example, a current new catalogue and exhibition of vintage travel posters has been recently put together.

Visiting: Open Mon-Fri 9:30-6pm. Sat: 10-4pm. Open to browsers not just buyers!

Location: 2-5 Sackville Street (just off Piccadilly across from St. James’s), W1S 3DP

Closest Tube: Piccadilly

Brown Hart Gardens ~ an oasis of calm off Oxford Street

07 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Free Activities, Gardens, Historic Buildings, Westminster

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

breakfast spot, Central London, drink, eat, landmark

Brown Hart Gardens

While thousands of shoppers and tourists troll the shops of Oxford Street, just a few steps to the south is an oasis of calm where those in the know can escape the noise, enjoy a coffee or bite to eat, or just relax. You will wonder where everyone went. With its recent redevelopment, the newly reopened roof-top Brown Hart Gardens is well worth a visit when you are in this area. In addition as a Grade II listed site, it is a unique building with an interesting past.

Don’t Walk Past It! Walk Up It. The Grade II Listed Structure

History: In the late 19th Century the area south of Oxford Street and east of Marble Arch was redeveloped to improve the available housing in the area. As part of this redevelopment the small houses from the 18th Century along Brown and Hart Streets were demolished and new larger building were erected, along with a communal garden in the middle. This garden was originally designed with a drinking fountain, a urinal, shelter, trees and a coffee house (though this never materialized in its day the vision has finally been realized). In 1902 this community garden was leased by the 2nd Duke of Westminster to the Westminster Electrical Supply Co. Between 1903 and 1905 the gardens were removed and an electrical substation was built here within a baroque Portland stone building. The Duke insisted that gardens be restored to the community despite the development and they were placed atop the 10,000 square foot roof of the building. In 1906 they reopened as the ‘Italianate Gardens’.

During WWII the gardens avoided damage but in the years following slowing fell into a state of disrepair. By 1977 the gardens had become a place to be avoided and were closed. However, in 1987 the architectural significance of this disguised sunken electric power substation was recognized through a Grade II listing.

In the early years of the 21st Century, the Grosvenor Estate commissioned a study of the estate and its open spaces. As a result of this study actions were taken to rehabilitate the open space on the roof and it was reopened to the public in 2007. The use of the space continues to be revisited and improved upon.

The Garden Cafe

Today: In 2012 the garden was closed again for further improvements. At a cost of £3.2m the latest renovations have been completed and in June 2013 the space was shortlisted for the award of best new public space in the London Planning Awards (to be granted in February 2014). When it reopened a new glass fronted cafe managed by Benugo’s now adds to the functionality and appeal of this space. In addition there are plenty of outdoor seating, potted trees and art installations.

Benugo’s Garden Cafe interior

Legal Oddities: While officially a Westminster Park, the space falls within The Grosvenor Estate and as such adheres to a unique set of byelaws specific to that estate. These include ‘no idle or disorderly person is allowed in the garden’, ‘No bath chair or perambulator or vehicle of any kind is admitted’ and ‘brawling, quarrelling, gambling, playing cards or dice, singing, and practicing gymnastics’ are all prohibited. So leave your cards at home!

Hours: The garden is open Mon-Sat 8-8, and Sun 10-8. Benugo’s Garden Cafe is open Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-5.

Located at: Brown Hart Gardens / Duke St (just north of Grosvenor Square and south of Oxford Street), London W1k 6TD

Closest Tube: Bond Street.

The Cartoon Museum - London

02 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Artistic Venues, Camden, Family Activities, Museums (Historical), Shopping

≈ 12 Comments

As someone who grew up reading the Dandy and Beano, along with a love for Tintin books and the Giles annuals I have always enjoyed the world of cartoons and comics. If you share the enjoyment of this art form then the Cartoon Museum is for you. With over 250 original cartoons on display covering the history of the art form from its inception until today, this gem of a museum is a delightful place to visit. While it is located very near to the British Museum it is worlds apart - in size, scope and material. Compactly presented over 2 floors it is likely that every visitor will find something to their taste while gaining an education on the history and development of the art form.

With informational panels discussing the various genres within the art form - including political opinion, satire, social commentary and entertainment, as well as a section specific to the evolution among British cartoonists - the museum does more than just entertain. But entertain it does in only the way that the best examples can do.

One exhibit I found particularly interesting discussed how pop artist Roy Lichenstein plagiarized cartoon artists without due credit. Examples of how cartoon artists have used the art form to make their feelings known are on display and worth looking for.

History: The museum opened in February 2006 as London’s first cartoon museum (and likely its only one!). Its stated mission includes goals to preserve the best of British cartoons and to make the art form available for enjoyment, research and education. Thus in addition to the museum there is a substantial library of books and comics available for review. The museum also hosts periodic events, special exhibitions and contests.

Highlights: Included in the collection are rare and original artwork on loan from The Beano, the Dandy, and Topper including The Bash Street Kids, Roger the Dodger, Billy the Whizz, Desperate Dan, Beryl the Peril and of course Dennis the Menace. Also on display are great example of work from Carl Giles including wonderful cartoons that include his grandma character.

Visiting: The museum is open from Mon-Sat 10:30 - 17:30, Sun 12 - 17:30. One hour is adequate for a thorough visit. Closed Christmas through New Years. Admission is free to children under 18, but £5.50 for Adults - concessions available. There is also a great shop here - available to enjoy even if not visiting the museum - that carries everything you can think of cartoon related including art quality original cartoons for sale.

Located at: 35 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HH

Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road

Answers to our 2nd London photo challenge

29 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Central London Boroughs, Churches, City of London, Historic Buildings

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

American London, Central London, landmark, Wren

Thank you to all who took the time to write comments and post guesses for our 2nd photo challenge. The post attracted significant traffic both direct through the website and as referrals from our twitter feed and retweets ( @LondonUnveiled ). With over 500 visitors to this post the response was excellent so there may be a few more in the months ahead.

If you enjoy these challenges take a look at our first challenge posted earlier this year: http://londonunveiled.com/2013/03/30/photo-challenge/

And then if you want to see the answers to that challenge go to: http://londonunveiled.com/2013/04/02/photo_answers/

As for this challenge, please see the answers below and congratulations to those who got some of them right.

A hidden oasis of calm

(1) Queen Mary University of London - Charterhouse Square Campus: This open space is located on the campus of QMUL at Charterhouse Square. You can access this open park area either from the north, off Old Street between St. John St. and Goswell Rd, or from the south off Carthusian St, heading north on Rutland Place (past the wonderful art deco building that act’s as Hercule Poirot’s home in the recent TV series) - but only on foot. Since no regular road passes this space it is generally only visited by the University students. The building you are viewing on the south side is Charterhouse Chapel. Over the years the Charterhouse complex has been a priory, a Tudor estate, an almshouse, a school, a University and still today as a home for about 40 pensioners, or Brothers. The Chapel is open to visitors for the London Open House. Nearest Tube Station: Barbican.

A most unique steeple

(2) St. George’s, Bloomsbury: Built by Wren’s former pupil and later assistant, Nicholas Hawksmoor, between 1716 and 1731. Considered one of the finest buildings in London by the Guardian, the church is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. The tower and steeple is one of Hawkmoor’s most inspired dramatic and theatrical designs as it is based on the Roman author Pliny the Elder’s description of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (Bodrum, in Turkey) which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This Grade I listed building is topped with a statue of George I in Roman dress. It is generally open most days from 1-4pm. Its restoration was aided by the World Monuments Fund, which adopted the church for funding in the 1990s. The Located on Bloomsbury Way. Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn.

A carriage house from the 1600s

(3) The Stafford Hotel and American Bar, 16-18 St. James’s Place, near Piccadilly. This picturesque spot on a hidden cobblestone courtyard was originally built in the 17th Century. Once a private home, then a club and hotel, the current hotel was founded here over 100 years ago. During WWII, the hotel served as a Club for American and Canadian Officers. Today this is remembered through the ‘American Bar’ that is located where the carriage house joins the main hotel with plenty of associated American memorabilia. Well worth a visit, only if to say ‘I found it’. Many people seeking this location never find the entrance to the courtyard as it is on a very secretive entryway off St. James’s Street, north of St. James’s Place, called ‘Blue Bell Yard’. As a side note, my favourite spot for a martini is in the nearby - Duke’s. Nearest Tube Station: Green Park

A London photo challenge ~ three London landmarks ‘off the beaten path’.

26 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by LondonUnveiled.com in Central London Boroughs, Churches, City of London, Historic Buildings

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

American London, Central London, landmark

Only once before have I posted a photo challenge, but while I never know if these will be easy or hard, here are a couple of interesting spots that live up to this website’s goal of showing you places in London ‘off the beaten path’ - and all three are central and easy to visit. Go ahead and post a comment with your best answers - I’ll add the my answers in a few days.

A hidden oasis of calm

(1) Located in the heart of central London is this peaceful open space with an historic building that enhances the scenic view. While centrally located it is not highly visited and you can often enjoy a picnic lunch here at one of the tables without any crowds. The building you see was funded by the estate of Thomas Sutton in 1611 who was from Newcastle and made his fortune in coal. At the time he was the wealthiest commoner in England. Originally this land was a 14th Century plague pit, but it was developed over the centuries serving many functions. Where are you?

A most unique steeple

(2) This church spire is arguably one of the most unique in all of London with its massive lions and unicorns. This central London church was built as a result of the 1711 Order of Parliament to build 50 new churches, but is one of only six built by an incredibly famous architect (in fact this was his last church built in London). Of particular note is that the artist William Hogarth illustrated the top of this spire in his famous engraving ‘Gin Lane’. What church is this and who was the architect?

A carriage house from the 1600s

(3) This picturesque spot on a hidden cobbled courtyard evokes images of old London - especially at night - but is only a short stroll from some of the busiest parts of London. With one of the few surviving central London carriage houses from the 1600s it is a real step back in time. The owners claim the carriage house ‘housed the thoroughbred horses of London’s nobility’ - which is possible as King Henry VIII’s stables were nearby - but now it houses people with 17 rooms as an adjoining wing to a hotel. This hotel, and especially its bar, were very popular with Americans in the early to mid-20th Century - and to a large degree still is today. The restoration and redevelopment of this carriage house was actually done by Cunard cruise lines and most of its historical features and architecture has been retained. Where am I?

London Unveiled

~ great places to visit off the beaten path.

Thames Clipper ~ the best “bus” & the best views in London!

The Grosvenor Hotel at Victoria Station ~ a magnificently restored Railway Hotel

The Royal Exchange, London ~ arguably the world’s first shopping mall!

World Rugby Museum, Twickenham, London ~ the largest rugby museum in the world.

Rivington Place : “Art, Debate, Diversity” ~ London’s newest public art gallery.

Sotheran’s, London ~ the oldest antiquarian bookstore in the world

Brown Hart Gardens ~ an oasis of calm off Oxford Street

The Cartoon Museum - London

Answers to our 2nd London photo challenge

A London photo challenge ~ three London landmarks ‘off the beaten path’.

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