There was a really horrid fog back in 1952 that killed lots of people and let to the introduction of the Clean Air Act. You can read more about it here.
Showing posts with label Westminster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westminster. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Fog in London Town
The past few days have seen London covered in a blanket of fog. It's been really quite magical, ethereal, spooky and well, bloody cold! On a typical cycle in to work, I head along the embankment and usually check the time on Ol' Big Ben when I come out from the Blackfriars underpass but I couldn't see it for the fog. Still couldn't see it at Waterloo bridge. The sun was trying to peek through in places and it just adds to the atmosphere that is nigh on Dickensian I tells ya.
There was a really horrid fog back in 1952 that killed lots of people and let to the introduction of the Clean Air Act. You can read more about it here.
There was a really horrid fog back in 1952 that killed lots of people and let to the introduction of the Clean Air Act. You can read more about it here.
Friday, 28 October 2011
More on Westminster
On my way from the office to the tube (if I'm not cycling) I often walk past this beautiful street, known as Lord North Street, that seems to really embody the traditional image of London. I've been walking past, often hopeful that I will be able to capture the street car free, but in all reality that's never going to happen, especially as I'm only there between the hours of 9 and 5, the daily grind.
Most recently on walking past, it was one of those early evening, autumnal moments that was so calm and so beautiful. The light was lovely and it had rained earlier in the afternoon so the ground was damp and the air was crisp with autumn so I took my chances and snapped a pic or two with my phone.
At the end of this lovely street is Smith Square that houses a stunning church and one where I spend the odd sunny afternoon on the steps, eating lunch and reading a book and although it sounds idyllic, this is never a solitary affair as when the sun shines in London, office workers burst forth and colonise every inch of green/step/pavement in an effort to bask in the rays and up their vitamin D.
I confess I've never yet been inside this church but I am always so in awe of it. It's somehow imposing and yet inviting and I always find something reassuring about the architecture of churches, home and abroad. There's also a restaurant in the basement which I also haven't to been but I'll update you once this has been rectified. It certainly promises to be something of a hidden gem of a place.
Anyway, to the detail - while ambling along this street recently I saw on the brickwork of the beautiful houses faded paint signs pointing to 'shelters in this street'. They are, of course, a relic of wartime Britain and how wonderful to see the paint still there even if the shelters to which they point have long since been either blocked off or converted into plush basement offices or apartments I couldn't see for sure without un petit tresspass.
A little research didn't reveal a great deal more info about these old signposts to safety but the font of knowledge that is wikipedia tells me that previous residents of the street have included Harold Wilson and that the street is named after the 2nd Earl of Guilford, Frederick North, who was known for most of his life under his courtesy title Lord North, and was Prime Minister from 1770-1782. Smith Square is also a conservation area, with good reason.
View Larger Map
Most recently on walking past, it was one of those early evening, autumnal moments that was so calm and so beautiful. The light was lovely and it had rained earlier in the afternoon so the ground was damp and the air was crisp with autumn so I took my chances and snapped a pic or two with my phone.
At the end of this lovely street is Smith Square that houses a stunning church and one where I spend the odd sunny afternoon on the steps, eating lunch and reading a book and although it sounds idyllic, this is never a solitary affair as when the sun shines in London, office workers burst forth and colonise every inch of green/step/pavement in an effort to bask in the rays and up their vitamin D.
I confess I've never yet been inside this church but I am always so in awe of it. It's somehow imposing and yet inviting and I always find something reassuring about the architecture of churches, home and abroad. There's also a restaurant in the basement which I also haven't to been but I'll update you once this has been rectified. It certainly promises to be something of a hidden gem of a place.
Anyway, to the detail - while ambling along this street recently I saw on the brickwork of the beautiful houses faded paint signs pointing to 'shelters in this street'. They are, of course, a relic of wartime Britain and how wonderful to see the paint still there even if the shelters to which they point have long since been either blocked off or converted into plush basement offices or apartments I couldn't see for sure without un petit tresspass.
A little research didn't reveal a great deal more info about these old signposts to safety but the font of knowledge that is wikipedia tells me that previous residents of the street have included Harold Wilson and that the street is named after the 2nd Earl of Guilford, Frederick North, who was known for most of his life under his courtesy title Lord North, and was Prime Minister from 1770-1782. Smith Square is also a conservation area, with good reason.
View Larger Map
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Discovering Westminster
About six months ago I took a job in Westminster, just around the corner from the Abbey where Kate and Wills got hitched. Since then it's become more of a stomping ground for me and I've enjoyed exploring the area and discovering new places and details. Westminster has to be one of London's busiest tube stops and it's always a bit of a hassle negotiating through the hordes of tourists and commuters in an effort to be on time, I am always late for work.
I've noticed the Taxi lamp a couple of times but I never really considered the reason for it being there until, walking to the tube of an evening, I saw it flashing and then, the penny dropped. It's a way for the police that guard the Houses of Parliament to signal to passing black cabs that an MP or Lord needs a taxi. The taxi is then allowed through the barriers into the separate lane of traffic that goes straight up to the Houses of Parliament. It actually made me stop in my tracks. Amazing. That is all.
I've noticed the Taxi lamp a couple of times but I never really considered the reason for it being there until, walking to the tube of an evening, I saw it flashing and then, the penny dropped. It's a way for the police that guard the Houses of Parliament to signal to passing black cabs that an MP or Lord needs a taxi. The taxi is then allowed through the barriers into the separate lane of traffic that goes straight up to the Houses of Parliament. It actually made me stop in my tracks. Amazing. That is all.
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