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The iconic Shard skyscraper in central London, shot from the opposite side of the river Thames next to the Tower of London.
Standing 309m (1016 feet) high, this 95 storey structure is the tallest building in the European Union.
It was designed by the Italian Architect Renzo Piano.
The image is a bit noisy due to me booting up the iso to 800 as I hand held the camera over the railings next to the Thames..
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/murals/market-lane-murals:
Completed in the fall of 2020, a series of murals in the downtown core are bringing blank canvases to life and giving inspiration at a much-needed time. Painted as a part of the theme ‘Forest City Playground’, Market Lane is now home to four stunning works of art by three talented artists.
Stephanie Boutari, Hawlii Pichette and Meaghan Claire Kehoe were brought on board to transform the exterior brick wall of the WIL Employment Connections building in Market Lane (the pedestrian walkway that connects Dundas Place to Covent Garden Market).
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ART
By designing something that didn’t previously exist, outdoor murals create vibrant neighbourhoods and a true sense of community that people want to visit, live in and take care of. They generate important conversations, challenge thoughts and encourage viewers to slow down and admire the surroundings.
FOREST CITY PLAYGROUND THEME
London is one of the largest urban areas within the distinctive Carolinian Forest region of southwestern Ontario. While London is regularly referred to as the ‘Forest City’, the connection between the urban core of the community and the surrounding natural environment does not always feel tangible. The potential is there to emphasize this connection if we blend traditional and contemporary media, events, arts, culture and recreation, and make the whole process a lot of fun! With this in mind, we have developed the theme of a Forest City Playground.
The murals in Market Lane emphasize the Carolinian Forest zone and invite viewers to consider the role of human beings in shaping the culture of our cities within the wider ecosystem.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Tower Bridge in London. A beautiful old Victorian bridge. As you can see there are very few people out and about in London due to Covid 19
TOWER BRIDGE LONDON. The most iconic of all London's bridges. I took this photo on a beautiful day with my Samsung phone camera. I am no longer able to walk very far but did love the walk from Westminster Bridge along the south side of the river to Tower Bridge as there is so many interesting sights to see. A walk over the bridge and you can visit The Tower of London a castle built by the Normans back in 1078.
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. It crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and is one of five London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Foundation, a charitable trust founded in 1282.
The bridge was constructed to connect the 39 per cent of London's population that lived east of London Bridge, equivalent to the populations of "Manchester on the one side, and Liverpool on the other", while allowing shipping to access the Pool of London between the Tower of London and London Bridge. The bridge was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, on 30 June 1894.
The bridge is 940 feet (290 m) in length including the abutments[4] and consists of two 213-foot (65 m) bridge towers connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, and a central pair of bascules that can open to allow shipping. Originally hydraulically powered, the operating mechanism was converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1972. The bridge is part of the London Inner Ring Road and thus the boundary of the London congestion charge zone, and remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, whereas the bridge's twin towers, high-level walkways, and Victorian engine rooms form part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Tower Bridge has become a recognisable London landmark. It is sometimes confused with London Bridge, about 0.5 miles (800 m) upstream, which has led to a persistent urban legend about an American purchasing the wrong bridge.
The beautiful Leadenhall Market building in London. It is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century, and is located in the historic centre of the City of London financial district
The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham) until 1952 (the Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site.
The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several nights at the Tower, and lead a procession from there to Westminster Abbey for their coronation. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower was in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.
The zenith of the castle's use as a prison was the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, popularised by 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Executions were more commonly held on the notorious Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period. In the latter half of the 19th century, institutions such as the Royal Mint moved out of the castle to other locations, leaving many buildings empty. Anthony Salvin and John Taylor took the opportunity to restore the Tower to what was felt to be its medieval appearance, clearing out many of the vacant post-medieval structures.
In the First and Second World Wars, the Tower was again used as a prison and witnessed the executions of 12 men for espionage. After the Second World War, damage caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, operated by the Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, and guarded by the Yeomen Warders, the property is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a World Heritage Site.
A hand held shot with a high ISO of 1600 so its a little noisy and soft. The lower section of the bridge was lit with blue light in an act of solidarity after the awful terrorist attacks in Paris the previous night.
Tower Bridge (built 1886–1894) crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London.
The bridge consists of two bridge towers tied together at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the horizontal tension forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers.
(Wikipedia)
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship. Built on the River Leven, Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest, coming at the end of a long period of design development, which halted as sailing ships gave way to steam propulsion.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
TOWER BRIDGE The most iconic of all London's bridges. I took this photo on a beautiful day with my Samsung phone camera. I am no longer able to walk very far but did love the walk from Westminster Bridge along the south side of the river to Tower Bridge as there is so many interesting sights to see. A walk over the bridge and you can visit The Tower of London a castle built by the Normans back in 1078.
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. It crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and is one of five London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Foundation, a charitable trust founded in 1282.
The bridge was constructed to connect the 39 per cent of London's population that lived east of London Bridge, equivalent to the populations of "Manchester on the one side, and Liverpool on the other", while allowing shipping to access the Pool of London between the Tower of London and London Bridge. The bridge was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, on 30 June 1894.
The bridge is 940 feet (290 m) in length including the abutments[4] and consists of two 213-foot (65 m) bridge towers connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, and a central pair of bascules that can open to allow shipping. Originally hydraulically powered, the operating mechanism was converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1972. The bridge is part of the London Inner Ring Road and thus the boundary of the London congestion charge zone, and remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, whereas the bridge's twin towers, high-level walkways, and Victorian engine rooms form part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Tower Bridge has become a recognisable London landmark. It is sometimes confused with London Bridge, about 0.5 miles (800 m) upstream, which has led to a persistent urban legend about an American purchasing the wrong bridge.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/murals/market-lane-murals:
Completed in the fall of 2020, a series of murals in the downtown core are bringing blank canvases to life and giving inspiration at a much-needed time. Painted as a part of the theme ‘Forest City Playground’, Market Lane is now home to four stunning works of art by three talented artists.
Stephanie Boutari, Hawlii Pichette and Meaghan Claire Kehoe were brought on board to transform the exterior brick wall of the WIL Employment Connections building in Market Lane (the pedestrian walkway that connects Dundas Place to Covent Garden Market).
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ART
By designing something that didn’t previously exist, outdoor murals create vibrant neighbourhoods and a true sense of community that people want to visit, live in and take care of. They generate important conversations, challenge thoughts and encourage viewers to slow down and admire the surroundings.
FOREST CITY PLAYGROUND THEME
London is one of the largest urban areas within the distinctive Carolinian Forest region of southwestern Ontario. While London is regularly referred to as the ‘Forest City’, the connection between the urban core of the community and the surrounding natural environment does not always feel tangible. The potential is there to emphasize this connection if we blend traditional and contemporary media, events, arts, culture and recreation, and make the whole process a lot of fun! With this in mind, we have developed the theme of a Forest City Playground.
The murals in Market Lane emphasize the Carolinian Forest zone and invite viewers to consider the role of human beings in shaping the culture of our cities within the wider ecosystem.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Tower Bridge in London on a beautiful July day. Photos taken with my Samsung phone camera from Butlers Wharf looking back into central London. London remains heavily effected by lack of tourists due to Covid-19
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Southwark Cathedral in south London dates back to 1106AD but has been a holy site for many years longer. I took these photos with my Samsung phone camera. The cathedral is surrounded by other buildings and is difficult to get any long shots
The Millennium Bridge is a footbridge over the river Thames from Bankside to St Paul's Cathedral. The bridge sits in front of the Tate Modern Gallery on the southside of the river. I took these photos with my Samsung phone camera on a beautiful day in London
TOWER BRIDGE The most iconic of all London's bridges. I took this photo on a beautiful day with my Samsung phone camera. I am no longer able to walk very far but did love the walk from Westminster Bridge along the south side of the river to Tower Bridge as there is so many interesting sights to see. A walk over the bridge and you can visit The Tower of London a castle built by the Normans back in 1078.
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension, and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. It crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and is one of five London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Foundation, a charitable trust founded in 1282.
The bridge was constructed to connect the 39 per cent of London's population that lived east of London Bridge, equivalent to the populations of "Manchester on the one side, and Liverpool on the other", while allowing shipping to access the Pool of London between the Tower of London and London Bridge. The bridge was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, on 30 June 1894.
The bridge is 940 feet (290 m) in length including the abutments[4] and consists of two 213-foot (65 m) bridge towers connected at the upper level by two horizontal walkways, and a central pair of bascules that can open to allow shipping. Originally hydraulically powered, the operating mechanism was converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1972. The bridge is part of the London Inner Ring Road and thus the boundary of the London congestion charge zone, and remains an important traffic route with 40,000 crossings every day. The bridge deck is freely accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, whereas the bridge's twin towers, high-level walkways, and Victorian engine rooms form part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Tower Bridge has become a recognisable London landmark. It is sometimes confused with London Bridge, about 0.5 miles (800 m) upstream, which has led to a persistent urban legend about an American purchasing the wrong bridge.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Oh, look at this gem I snapped in the heart of London—where Bart Simpson and a classic red double-decker bus decided to photobomb each other! In the background, there’s Bart, up to his usual mischief, scribbling “I WILL NOT MISS SEASON 36!” over and over on a giant blackboard, advertising The Simpsons’ latest season on Disney+. I mean, if Bart’s that desperate not to miss it, maybe I should set a reminder too—Season 36 sounds like a big deal! But honestly, I’m just picturing Bart sneaking into London, spray-painting blackboards, and then running off to grab a fish and chips while Marge yells at him from Springfield.
Meanwhile, the iconic red heritage bus in the foreground is just minding its own business, proudly rolling through the streets like it owns the place. I bet the driver saw Bart’s billboard and thought, “Blimey, even cartoon kids are obsessed with streaming these days!” Maybe the bus is on its way to pick up some Simpsons fans for a proper London tour—imagine Homer trying to squeeze into the top deck, shouting “D’oh!” every time they hit a speed bump. Anyway, this clash of Springfield chaos and London charm made my day—hope it tickles your funny bone too!
An old fashioned look to this B&W photo of Leadenhall Market London. The first market here was opened in 1446
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
This is one of my favourite buildings in the world. I took this photo with my Canon camera
Horse Guards Parade is a large parade ground off Whitehall in central London. It is the site of the annual ceremonies of Trooping the Colour, which commemorates the monarch's official birthday, and the Beating Retreat.
Horse Guards Parade was formerly the site of the Palace of Whitehall's tiltyard, where tournaments (including jousting) were held in the time of Henry VIII. It was also the scene of annual celebrations of the birthday of Queen Elizabeth I. The area has been used for a variety of reviews, parades and other ceremonies since the 17th century.
The adjacent Horse Guards building was once the Headquarters of the British Army. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington was based in Horse Guards when he was Commander-in-Chief of the Forces. The current General officer commanding London District still occupies the same office and uses the same desk. Wellington also had living quarters within the building, which today are used as offices.
Another of my near one hundred photos of the Millennium Footbridge over the river Thames in London.
The bridge links Bankside to the area know as The City of London and has a beautiful view of St Paul's Cathedral as you cross northward. This photo was taken with my Samsung phone camera. If you have seen the Harry Potter Films you would have seen the bridge with wizards flying under and over it. I have included a link below to St Paul's wiki page for those interested in history.
The London Eye. Trip to London on the 2nd of July 2021. London of course is very quiet as no overseas visitors at the moment due to Covid-19. The Eye is open and there was a good crowd of people waiting to go on it. The Pod capacity has been reduced to assist social distancing
Views of London from top of St Paul's Cathedral. Looking down on the Monument to the Great Fire of London. A long climb up into the dome and then all the way up to the very top. I knew that you could go up to the "Whispering Gallery" in the dome but had no idea you could continue up through an internal tight fitting stairway to above the dome. Amazing architecture. The original church on this site was built by the Anglo Saxons AD 604. Old St Paul's Cathedral was built between 1087 & 1314 the Normans and was mostly destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 (Hmm 666 I wonder if it was the work of the Devil!?) I don't believe that for a second. Anyway latest St Paul's is a young compared to others due to being destroyed by fire. This new St Paul's Cathedral was completed in 1710 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
Excerpt from www.londontourism.ca/covent-garden-market:
Formally established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks. In years past, farmers and shoppers mingled on sawdust covered floors where everything and anything was sold: meat, wild raspberries.
Today, the Market continues to be a centre of rural and urban exchange where wholesome, farm-fresh quality can be found each day of the week – from the city’s best selection of organic foods, award-winning meats, ethnic foods, and the largest assortment of cheese in Southwestern Ontario to tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants. Visit the twice-weekly seasonal outdoor farmers’ market and find the fresh produce, meats, baking, and other products produced right here in Southwestern Ontario. Meet real farmers.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026. MAY THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH
The Millennium Footbridge over the river Thames in London.
The bridge links Bankside to the area know as The City of London and has a beautiful view of St Paul's Cathedral as you cross northward. This photo was taken with my Canon camera. If you have seen the Harry Potter Films you would have seen the bridge with wizards flying under and over it. I have included a link below to St Paul's wiki page for those interested in history.
I wonder if the newer London buildings will last nearly 1000 years like the Tower of London has!? Wouldn't it be amazing to see in a 1000 years time?
The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham) until 1952 (the Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site.
The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several nights at the Tower, and lead a procession from there to Westminster Abbey for their coronation. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower was in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.
The zenith of the castle's use as a prison was the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, popularised by 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Executions were more commonly held on the notorious Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period. In the latter half of the 19th century, institutions such as the Royal Mint moved out of the castle to other locations, leaving many buildings empty. Anthony Salvin and John Taylor took the opportunity to restore the Tower to what was felt to be its medieval appearance, clearing out many of the vacant post-medieval structures.
In the First and Second World Wars, the Tower was again used as a prison and witnessed the executions of 12 men for espionage. After the Second World War, damage caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, operated by the Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, and guarded by the Yeomen Warders, the property is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a World Heritage Site.
Tower Bridge in London on a beautiful July day. Photos taken with my Samsung phone camera from Butlers Wharf looking back into central London. London remains heavily effected by lack of tourists due to Covid-19
Check out this wormeye snapshot of Route 38 in London! On the left, we have the sleek, modern Wightbus NBfL, strutting its stuff like a tech-savvy city dweller who just upgraded to the latest smartphone. Meanwhile, on the right, the classic Routemaster is striking a pose, proudly showing off its open rear platform—perfect for those daring hop-on, hop-off stunts that would make even a parkour pro jealous. It’s like a generational showdown: new kid vs. old-school legend!
Imagine the conversation between these two buses. The NBfL brags, "I’ve got Wi-Fi and air conditioning!" while the Routemaster chuckles, "Back in my day, we carried passengers and their entire families’ luggage—upstairs—without breaking a sweat!" The Routemaster’s probably thinking, "Hop on? More like hop into the 1950s!" as the NBfL rolls its eyes and mutters about needing a GPS to navigate this vintage vibe.
This photo is a perfect blend of London’s past and present, proving that while the buses have evolved, the spirit of Route 38 remains as quirky as ever. The Routemaster might be retired from daily duty, but it’s clearly here to remind the NBfL that style and a bit of chaos never go out of fashion. Hop on over to my Flickr for more laughs and London lore!
Redesigned by the Victorians in 1881.
Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century and is situated in what was the centre of Roman London. Originally a meat, poultry and game market, it is now home to a number of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub.
Starting as the site of a manor, Leadenhall has survived changes in use, rebuilding, and even the Great Fire to become a popular destination for city residents, visitors and workers.
We walked across London's Millennium Bridge as part of our Harry Potter's London tour conducted by Tours by Foot.
Tours by Foot is a great company that hosts pay-what-you-wish tours in cities all around the world. We've gone on many different tours with this company in our travels but, unfortunately, our experience with them in London was less than stellar.
Our tour guide kept up a very brisk pace and everyone was nearly running to keep up with her. Photography was nearly impossible at this breakneck speed but I did manage to grab this shot as we started walking across Millennium Bridge. I'm not sure why we were being hustled through everything so quickly, but most people didn't seem to be enjoying that fast pace very much.
This was our first less than positive experience with Tours by Foot so don't let this deter you from trying their fun and informative tours in other cities. If you book a tour with them in London, be sure to bring a good pair of running shoes!
EXPLORED on April 16, 2017 #353
Thanks for looking, everybody!
Trip to St Paul's Cathedral in April 2015. I climbed the stairs all the way to the very top which gives great views of London.