The London Garden Museum in Lambeth
The London Garden Museum is situated in and around the old church of St Mary adjacent to Lambeth Palace. The church has origins dating back almost a thousand years. It was deconsecrated in 1972 and saved from demolition by Rosemary Nicholson. By 1977, Rosemary and her husband John had converted the old church into the world’s first Museum of Garden History. Rosemary and John were admirers of John Tradescent ⇒ who is buried at St Mary and is credited as being the first great British gardener and plant hunter. In more recent times the venue has become known as The Garden Museum.
In 2016 the museum was closed for remodeling, making use of a Heritage Lottery grant. It was re-opened in May 2017. Unfortunately the beautiful Knot Garden ⇒ has been lost during the remodeling and the external gardens still need some work. The external gardens and café are free to enter but there is an entrance fee for the museum. Website ⇒.
The seemingly humble lawnmower has been of considerable influence. Before its invention, by Edwin Budding in 1830, grass was cut by scythe. Only the rich could afford such a labour intensive luxury. Even so it was only rough cut compared with today’s standards. It was because of the lawnmower we have the English garden and advancements in lawn tennis, lawn bowls, cricket and golf.
The inside of the old church is in good condition and alongside of some gardening history are there is some quite stunning stained glass.
The potato, which has become an important food staple, was first brought to Europe from Peru by the Spanish in the latter part of the 16th century although Sir Walter Rayleigh is credited with bringing them to England a little later. In Britain we refer to the potato chip as a crisp and the British chip is a kind of thick french fry. Fish and chips being our main contribution to international cuisine. 😀
The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners began in Scotland in the 17th century. The ancient order’s fortunes have been somewhat variable, more ⇒ . Personally I think making people believe one’s services are for free is asking for trouble. 😀
A good view of this window is difficult because somebody put a garden shed in the way. Really. I think it’s an experiment in avant-garden 😀 . I wrote them a note on the subject. They haven’t written back.
In Memorium to Herbert Lyttelton 1884-1914
Although close to a busy thoroughfare and still a work in progress, the garden is free and a pleasant place to sit. 🙂
Ightham Mote Interiors
Well hello and welcome to Ightham Mote, a pleasant idyll in Kent. The interiors are presented as a walk through time including an extraordinary painting. Views of the exterior and beautiful gardens and more information about this medieval manor house can be found here ⇐. But first, a little walk through time (although not necessarily in the right order 🙂 ) ~
The above is a corner of the Billiard Room situated across the main courtyard. Back to the main building :-
A replica of Ellen Terry’s famous beetle-wing costume in which she played Lady Macbeth in 1888/89
Miss Elsie Palmer by John Singer Sargent 1890
Thank you for the visit and if you missed the exterior views then you can find them here ⇐ .
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote (pron; I tham) is a well preserved medieval manor house that was built in the 14th century and is near to Sevenoaks in Kent. The approach is down into a wooded dell that is not at all dingily.
Their website ⇒ and the wiki history ⇒.
The manor house contains an interesting museum of artifacts from various eras (here ⇐ ) and is surrounded by very pleasant gardens and an extensive array of footpaths throughout the surrounding area. Ightham mote has never been inhabited by very ambitious people or involved in dramatic events. Its gentle past is perhaps responsible for its very peaceful atmosphere and has made it a pleasure to visit. 🙂
Across the bridge and into the courtyard.
One enters the house under the rose covered arch. Note the large dog kennel. There is a picture of its inhabitant later.
Outside is just the beginning of the gardens and rural walks. Turn around and there are the stables.
Inside the stables there are a few pictures including one of the dog who inhabited the courtyard kennel.
There is an extraordinary painting inside the house ⇐ and I hope that you enjoyed your visit.
The Terrorist Attacks in UK 2017
By Stik on Princelet Street, London, E.1
More Here – The Potters Field Vigil ⇐
The recent terrorists attacks are not made by genuine Muslims. The Qu’ran (Koran) forbids such things. The attacks are made by disturbed vicious persons who have hi-jacked a prophet’s name, with the sole aim of feeding their abhorrent desires and starting a war between innocent persons.
We must show the terrorists that their efforts to divide us are futile and that we hold them in contempt. That we will not permit such a thing in our country. That such behaviour only binds us more strongly together in mutual understanding and sympathy.
This is the truth of London and the UK. This street art on Princelet St, has remained untouched for at least 4 years, whilst all the nearby pieces have been painted over with new renditions.
I’ve lived in the east-end of London for most of my adult life. The area has been multi-cultural for more than two hundred years, since the early days of the London Docks. There is mutual respect here because the sane amongst us know that it is morally right, that unity is our greatest strength and that it will prevail.
There is nothing so formidable as Brits who are roused in the defense of right.
Brighten the Day 11
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away ~
~ a new flower wonders what comes next.
Perhaps the new flower would be of the wind ~
~ or be ablaze in the sun ~
~ or perhaps hear the best guitar solo ever.
But, if not, why worry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fNfTC6Mzzg
Perhaps there is a beautiful song of the sea by an extraordinary person.
Perhaps, if we but seek, there is something to remind each of us that we live in a world of wonders.
A good day to you all.
Waddesdon Manor Interior
Thaïs, companion of Ptolemy, by Joshua Reynolds at Waddesdon Manor
20 pics. Waddesdon Manor is an extraordinary display of the Rothschilds wealth, the skill of the artisans who created it and the dedication of those who restored it.
The beautiful gardens and exterior are here ⇐ and for more information and visiting please see the website ⇒.
The manor is near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. It was completed in 1898 as a sumptuous weekend residence for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and has passed through four generations of Rothschilds until 1958 when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.
The elephant is more silvery than gold but difficult lighting had an effect.
The Bachelor Apartments are part of the second floor
I don’t think the implements were an encouragement to bachelor mayhem.
So it’s goodnight from him.
And, what-ho from him.
I hope you enjoyed your visit and the beautiful gardens and exterior ⇐.
Waddesdon Manor and Gardens
Waddesdon Manor North Fountain
17 pics. Waddesdon Manor is near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. The manor was completed in 1898 as a sumptuous weekend residence for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and has passed through four generations of Rothschilds until 1958 when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.
The extraordinary interiors are here ⇐ and for more information and visiting please see the website ⇒.
Above is the North Fountain where the estate shuttle stops. Turn around and there is the manor house.
Waddesdon Manor House
The sloping balustrades of the turret follow the line of the internal spiral staircase. For a closer look at an image; right-click on an image, choose “Open Link in New Tab” and then left-click on the opened image to magnify.
A view back along the drive from the south-west corner of the manor house. The grounds are a little short of flowers at this time of year (early May) but it is a quiet time to visit.
The house has an extensive wine cellar that is open to visitors. The two black towers on the right of the above picture are modern art made of wine bottles. I suppose the artist had to have something to drink whilst musing on the composition and then found inspiration in the empties 🙂 .
A view of the rear and the parterre garden.
A view of the parterre garden from a rear second story window.
From the south-west corner of the house there is path that leads to the aviary.
Rothschilds’ Mynah Bird – A critically endangered species from NW Bali.
I’m not always comfortable about caging animals but these are well kept and have an easy and extended life. Many of the birds are rare and colorful. Unfortunately most of the them were playing find the composer, otherwise known as Haydn Seek.
The grounds are extensive and a great place for a picnic.
The rose garden was not quite in bloom (early May).
So it’s goodbye from me.
And, it’s goodbye from ‘im. Biscuit, what biscuit ?. It twasn’t me guv.
I hope you enjoyed your visit and enjoy the remarkable interiors ⇐.
Canal Boat Cavalcade 2017 at Little Venice
There is a pool at the junction of the Regents Canal and Grand Union Canal that is now known as Little Venice. Every year there is a Festival and Cavalcade of canal boats. Some have traveled hundreds of miles using the vast network of canals that were once the lifeblood of Britain’s trade and industry.
There is a pleasant waterbus ⇐ between Camden Lock and Little Venice. At Little Venice there is a floating café and an enchanting puppet theatre ⇒ for all ages.
Canal boats became ornamental even as working boats.
A Small Sample of the Cavalcade
Some of the Characters
The ugly duckling.
“One likes to be a good sport, but if one more reveler refers to me as loofah neck I shall scream”.
Nunhead Cemetery
Nunhead is one of the “magnificent seven” privately owned cemeteries built during the 1800’s to accomodate the needs of a rapidly expanding London. The others are Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park ⇒, Kensal Green, West Norwood, Highgate, Abney Park and Brompton Cemetery.
Nunhead Cemetery is on quite a steep hill so there are bus route directions ⇒ to the top of the hill and include some other venues in the region.
To view the cemetery map, please click on and then again to magnify.
There are various routes with lots of ivy covered ancient gravestones but it was a sunny day so I kept to the cheerful.
Inside the old chapel there is some art work both modern and ancient. There are occasional exhibitions and tours. Please see the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery ⇒.
At the lower end exit/entrance of the cemetery turn left and then past the Waverly Arms are the bus stops. It is not far to One Tree Hill, the Oak of Honor and St Augustine’s ⇐, but it is up a steep hill so please see the directions ⇐ for a bus route. The same link shows a route to Peckham Rye Park.
Peckham Rye Park and Flowers
From stop V across the road from Peckham Rye rail station the numbers 63 and 363 buses travel south along the west side of Peckham Rye Park. About half way along the park’s length is the easiest way to it’s centre where all the trees are. The Café on The Rye is to the left by the car park, whilst straight on is :-
Peckham Rye Park Japanese Gardens
and :-
Sexby Gardens
If this is early April then summer must be amazing
and :-
Peckham Rye Park Lake
The lake is at the east side of the park and is a short distance to Nunhead Cemetery ⇒, but it is uphill so please see the directions ⇐ for a bus route.
St Augustine’s, One Tree Hill and the Oak of Honor
One Tree Hill is named after the Oak of Honor ⇒ and is a small nature reserve with St Augustine’s Church, the oak and a fine view across London.
The easiest way to get to One Tree hill and St Augustine’s is by the P12 bus from Honor Oak Park rail station to the top of the hill by road. There is a path on the opposite side of the road which passes the Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan.
There is an alternative route via Peckham Rye Park and Nunhead Cemtery here ⇐.
The path leads first to :-
St Augustine’s Church
The church was built between 1870 and 1900 and has some fine architecture and stained glass. It is open in the afternoon during the summer months and is always open on a Saturday morning. More ⇒. Please check the website for services and events before you visit.
St Augustine ⇒ (354 AD to 430 AD) was an early Christian theologian and philosopher.
These walls aren’t really speckled. The effect is the consequence of an unusual mix of ambient light and a high ISO camera setting necessary for the dark alcove without flash. I thought it was a pleasing effect so I left it in.
One Tree Hill
On retracing one’s footsteps there is a set of steps leading to the top of the hill and the Oak of Honor.
If you think I’m climbing up there just to get a few photographs, then you must be ~
what ! no, stop that, get off.
Pesky elves. I wish they wouldn’t do that.
Oh well, since I’m here.
The Oak of Honor
This Oak of Honor ⇒ was planted in 1905 and is the third on that site. The original oak marked the southern boundary of a region known as the Norman Honor of Gloucester ⇒ which began its existence in 1166.
Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I took rest under an oak on the hill when she went a-maying in 1602. Alternatively she had a picnic with Sir Richard Bulkeley on 1st of May. A-maying could have a variety of meanings including being quite frolicsome. 🙂
As an aside: The spelling of Honor, rather than the usual English spelling of Honour, derives from the antiquity of the place. Early English favored “or” rather than “our” for many words. These earlier spelling were transported to the Americas and remain in use. England seems to have developed and favoured the alternatives due to a continued influx of languages.
Near to the oak is a fine view across London from One Tree Hill’s southern position.
The oak and view are at position 1 on the map. To enlarge the map please click on and then gain to magnify.
The park proceeds down the far side of the hill to Brenchley Gardens where one can board the P12 bus again. The bus can be used to go back to Honor Oak Park rail station (traveling West and then back up the hill) or the other way to Nunhead Cemetery or Peckham Rye Park (later posts).
Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed the tour.
Mudchute London City Farm
Mudchute London City Farm ⇒. “Set in 32 acres of countryside in the heart of East London, the Mudchute is a community charity, with a working farm, stables, a children’s nursery and a wide range of education activities. We are open every day, free of charge”. There are also miniature ponies, goats, lamas, alpacas, donkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, a pets corner, a small aviary, a nature trail, a shop/café and a restored WWII ack-ack gun.
The area originally acquired its name from being a dumping ground for the mud/silt being dredged from the Millwall Docks during the 1800’s. History ⇒.
I started from the Pier Street entrance/exit and only had enough time to photograph some of it.
The farm is very child friendly. Whilst there I saw some little ones, with spades taller than themselves, cheerfully moving earth from one place to another.
The top of the fence is open but it keeps out the foxes and the farm’s cat who, of course, thinks he owns the place.
The farm is just a little south of the greatly regenerated London Docklands.
“Well hello, good evening and welcome”
Some breeds of ewes have horns. I think that these are a mix of Jacob sheep and White Face Woodland sheep.
At first they were very interested in visitors, but it didn’t last long. Loss of interest was quickly followed by a lot of very loud baaing. I finally realised that nibbles, bought from the shop, were expected .
“Nibbles ?”
“Baaaa. This one ain’t got no nibbles, Baaa”. “Baaa, you tell ‘im Agnes”. “Yeaaah baaa, can’t come around ‘ere with no nibbles, the cheek of it, baaa”.
“I’ve had my nibbles and I’ve got a rhythm stick”
Fearing the firing squad, I departed.
These are either llamas or alpacas. I’ll avoid the obvious joke of not wanting to stick my neck out on that.
“Just having lunch at the moment”.
“Oh yummy the gourmet table”.
“Carrot, what carrot !”.
From the other side of the farm looking south. There is an exit/entrance near here to Mudchute Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station.
I hope enjoyed your visit.
In East London there is also Hackney City Farm ⇒ and Spitalfields City Farm ⇒.
Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral (Wiki) ⇒ was built in the Byzantine style and completed in 1903. It is free to enter and photography is allowed, although perhaps best to avoid when used for Mass ⇒. The Cathedral is on Victoria Street, very near to London’s Victoria Station.
Westminster Cathedral should not be confused with Westminster Abbey ⇒ which is much older (1089 AD). The Abbey is worth seeing but does charge for entry and does not allow photography.
The lower part of the Cathedral is very ornate but the upper ceiling and walls are bare dark brick. I found it best not to look.
There is a small museum of religious regalia and a lift up the tower to a viewing platform. There is a small charge for each of these extras, paid for at the Cathedral shop.
Inside Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral Museum
Westminster Cathedral View from the Tower
There are views in every direction from the tower. I thought this one, to the East, was the best. One can see the Palace of Westminster ⇐ in the centre and just beyond is the Shard of Glass. There is a tremendous view from the top of The Shard ⇒ but they do charge (it is worth looking for the online and half-day saver tickets).
Westminster Abbey (the white building with two towers) is just to the left of the tallest crane. The tall brown building is Transport for London which is not presently open to the public (information thanks to comments by Simon J Kyte).
Classic Editor’s Loss of Justify and Underline – A Fix
If it is of any help:-
The shortcut keys are still available (listed by the ? icon).
Justify = Shift + Alt + j
Underline = Ctrl + u
The somewhat ridiculous explanation for loss of the tools is at:-
https://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/classic-editor-underline-tool?replies=2#post-2892138
I am quite sure they are trying to herd us into the new Editor as part of their move to all Application Programming Interface (API).
A forum topic about the New Editor (do pitch in) is at:-
https://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/new-editor-design-feedback-thread/page/2?replies=42#post-2895170
If they would only replicate the original facilities then there wouldn’t be a problem. They don’t seem capable.
Meanwhile more and more blogs are being abandoned.
Update: Having examined 298 blogs of those following me or being followed by me since May 2014, 36% have ceased to function:-
2 % stopped functioning in 2014.
8 % stopped functioning in 2015.
16 % stopped functioning in 2016 (last post being before November) .
6 % have been deleted by authors or have no server.
2 % have no content.
2 % ceased to exist.
More About WP Changes ⇐.
Spring 2017 with Squirrels and Flowers and Song
And here at the Squirrel Olympics in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Bobtail makes his final slalom run of the day. He’s going well and it looks like it’s going to be a record.
And the crowd are going wild. They’ve never seen anything like this and it’s absolute bedlam here.
The Crocuses are cussing
They’ve lost control and applauding like crazy.
And the stamens are out of their seats.
The Windflowers are all of a flutter.
The Poppy Anemones are popping
All the other Anemones are all anemoning
Will this madness never end.
And the umpire has had enough and run up a tree. 😀
The band is restoring some calm with some cool music and encouragement to go for a walk with a little swing in your step.
.. or spring.
More Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park ⇐ (with a fox).
More Brighten the Day Gallery⇐.
Museum of the Order of St John
The Order of St John (St John’s Ambulance Brigade) was founded in 1099 and is an international organisation. The museum is on St John’s Lane which is off Clerkenwell Road. That part which is frequently open, is not very big but packed with educational placards and video.
On a tour day there is additional access to upstairs rooms and artifacts, see the website ⇒. Further down this page there is a virtual tour of the upstairs rooms and a video about the Order of St Johns and St John’s Ambulance Brigade .
The short history is concise and well presented.
Please see the website ⇒ for tour days and use the contact details to determine if photography is allowed on tours.
There is no sound with the virtual tour.
Brighten the Day 10
Brighten your day. Confuse a Happiness Engineer. Ask for a Happy Meal with extra fries and the solution to Fermet’s Last Theorem.
“He thinks he’s the Lock Ness Monster. What can you do”.
Amaze squirrels with your impressions of a nut.
Sing along with Sachmo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5TwT69i1lU
. . . and the squirrels. And, enjoy your day.
Postman’s Park
Postman’s Park contains a wonder. “The Material Prosperity Of A Nation Is Not An Abiding Possession: The Deeds of Its People Are”. There are many plaques, each tell a story.
The park is opposite the entrance to London’s St Bartholomew’s Hospital on King Edward Street. It is small but has many benches and is very pretty in summer (this is a dank day in February). About Postman’s Park ⇒.
For a closer view please right-click on an image, choose “Open Link in New Tab” then left click on the image to magnify. Close the new tab to return here..
They weren’t famous people and could easily have been forgotten. George Watts made sure that they were not.
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Museum of London Docklands
14 pics. The Museum of London Docklands ⇒ is in the Docklands region (nearest rail being West India Quay on the Docklands Light Railway) and is all about the history of the Docklands as distinct from the more extensive history of London at the Museum of London ⇐ at 150 London Wall.
The Museum of London Docklands is full of historical information, is free to enter and non-commercial photography is allowed.
There is a lift that goes to the top floor, which is a good place to start. I do prefer stairs that go down.
The Sailors Walk
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More Exhibits
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In Commemoration of the Great Strike Sept 1889 ⇒.
Tobacco Weighing Station
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The First Bantamweight Lonsdale Belt
For a closer look of the history please click on the image and then again to enlarge.
Steel Consul Shelter
There is an extensive area covering the war years during which the docks were a prime target..
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Incendiary Attack by William Ware 1940
London Docklands Now
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For more of the Past That Made the Present there is Wheels on Fire ⇐, a timeline at the Science Museum ⇐ and the History of Navigation ⇐.
Museum of London
An Extinct form of Wild Ox – The Aurochs 245,000 to 186,000 BC The 2012 London Olympics
34 pics. The Museum of London ⇒ is at 150 London Wall (as distinct from the Museum of: London Docklands ⇐). Inside is a quite extensive and interesting museum with a timeline that begins on the top floor, from prehistoric times to present day. The museum is free to enter and non-commercial photography is allowed.
The museum is a short walk along St Martin’s Le Grand from St Paul’s underground rail station (central Line) .
Educational sessions, including those for young students, are available.
Back Foot of the Straight Tusked Elephant 781,000 to 50,00 years before present.
There are a large number of prehistoric, bronze age, pre-Roman, Roman, post-Roman (Saxon) and Norman exhibits. Alongside are a number of educational placards and films. Too many items to show here and get to the exhibitions of later London. So, here is just a taste of early times.
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When the Romans finally left, about 400 AD, England was mostly populated by Saxon settlers and invading Norseman/Danes (Vikings) in the north. The Saxons were weren’t necessarily all that war-like but spent most of their time farming. The Norseman were commonly seafaring traders, it is just that some of them were a bit cantankerous.
On the other hand (imported from Waltham Abbey and King Harold’s Day ⇐ ) :-
In 954 Alfred (the Great) became the first King of All England. By 6th January 1066 the position was taken up by Harold Goodwinson (Harold II). On 25th September 1066 Harold Goodwinson defeated the viking forces of Harald Hadrada and Tostig at Stamford Bridge in the north. Harold was then faced with a forced march of 241 miles to fend of the Norman invader, William (the Conqueror), in the south. By October 14th the Saxon forces were defeated and Harold killed. Thus began the Norman era and thence the reign of the Plantagenets and then the Tudors.
The London City Wall
Within the old city walls, William the Conqueror should only be referred to as William. This is because he did not conquer London but instead gave it a charter.
To see the timeline click-on and then again to magnify. It surprised me to note that our Magna Carta (in 1215 a limited Bill of Rights) was signed at roughly the same time as Genghis Khan conquered Persia.
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Between 1558 and 1603 was the great boom of wealth, culture and global influence of the Elizabethan era. The effect continued for some time after.
A silk dress for Anne Fanshawe (1625-1680) the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London
Sorry about the glare, I couldn’t find a way around it.
An Eighteenth Century Pleasure Garden
Britain and particularly London continued to advance in wealth and prestige :-
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– although not for all:-
– for some there was debtor’s prison. For others there was stark poverty, starvation, disease with the work house as the only relief in later times. There is the Industrial Revolution and it’s long term impact at the London Science Museum⇐ and Wheels on Fire ⇐ (the struggle for fair play).
The Victorian Walk
This is a fascinating walk into the past, complete with atmospheric background sounds.
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The 1920’s boom
A lift at the Savoy Grill
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At the mini cinema you can take a seat and watch an old newsreel.
But then there was the 1930’s depression, and then :-.
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London and Britain itself were almost destroyed. It needed the backing (and loss) of Britain’s entire empire, with considerable determination and sacrifice to hold on. That effort stopped Hitler’s progress and provided a foot-hold for the USA to join us in the liberation of Europe. If Britain had not been able to provide that foot-hold, the consequences could have been very different
At the end of WWII, Britain was in dire straits. Rationing continued until 1953, eight years after the wars end. Austerity continued until the early 1960’s
Then things began to pick up. 6D is six old pence (when they were 240 to a UK pound).
Then London began to swing again with a great burst of original art, music and cultural evolution. Not just in London but all over Britain. We may not be so bright at the present but:-.
For more of the Past That Made the Present there is Wheels on Fire ⇐, a timeline at the Science Museum ⇐ and the History of Navigation ⇐.
Guildhall Art gallery and Roman Amphitheater in London
The Guildhall Art Gallery ⇒ is free to enter and is right beside Guildhall ⇐ . Beneath are the remains of a Roman Amphitheater (AD 70) made more atmospheric by illuminated competitors. The gallery houses a moderate size collection of quite impressive art including some pre-Raphaelite works.
Lord Mayor Sir Francis Wyatt Truscot by Charles Bell Birch
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The Wounded Cavalier by William Shakespeare Burton
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La Ghirlandata by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
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Fair St George by John Gilbert
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The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar (painted) by John Singleton Copley
The painting is so large that it occupies two floors. I’m sure that’s Stephen Fry on the horse.
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Demolition of London Bridge by J.W.S
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Music Lesson by Frederic Leighton
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Ninth of November by William Logsdail
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The Woodmans Daughter by John Everett Millais
Inspired by a tragic poem with the same title by Coventry Patmore.
Dear Mr Trump
By the Avaaz team: “With the Muslim ban, Trump has shown that the worst fears about his Presidency are true. Add your voice to the open letter below to join the resistance — then spread it far and wide:”
——–
Dear Mr. Trump,
This is not what greatness looks like.
The world rejects your fear, hate-mongering, and bigotry. We reject your support for torture, your calls for murdering civilians, and your general encouragement of violence. We reject your denigration of women, Muslims, Mexicans, and millions of others who don’t look like you, talk like you, or pray to the same god as you.
Facing your fear we choose compassion. Hearing your despair we choose hope. Seeing your ignorance we choose understanding.
As citizens of the world, we stand united against your brand of division.
Sincerely,
[Add your name!]
——–
or use the internet link to SIGN HERE ⇒, along with millions of others, and please spread the news.
! Never Again !
Guildhall in London
The Great Hall
12 pics. London’s Guildhall was built between 1411 and 1440. It can be found near Bank Underground Rail station, just off Gresham Street. History ⇒. Right beside Guildhall is the Guildhall Art Gallery ⇐ which includes the remains of a Roman amphitheater.
The entrance is just to the left of this picture and the art gallery to the right (another post). The building is mainly used for social functions but members of the public can view the Great Hall, when not in use. Please see the website ⇒.
In the Great Hall their are a number of statues and stone tableaus. Here are just three.
Sir Winston Churchill
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Trafalgar and Nelson
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Lord Mayor William Beckton
And, at the far end.
Great Hall Stained Glass
I found a small unlocked side door ( I do love an unlocked side door) and some steps leading upwards. I found myself in the Old Library.
Old Library
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There were a number of old paintings and some tapestries.
Joust on London Bridge 1390
Another side door and some steps down ~
Charles I, Edward VI and Elizabeth I
Leading to a a small hall.
It was here I got nabbed by security, who were confused as to how I got into the members area. I agreed with them and was politely escorted out with my badly behaved camera (well, if they will leave old libraries just lying about).
Thank you for the visit and may all your side doors be rabbit holes.
Freed From Time 
UK Terrorist Attacks 2017
The terrorists have failed. Not fear but defiance. Not hate but unity. Here in London’s Potters Fields and in Manchester. In Manchester where a young American girl returned to play a concert and stood up for us all.
In London where, at short notice, there were thousands at the Potters Fields vigil.
Muslims came with sympathy and with courage and with confidence in the sanity of Londoners that we would not be perverted by the actions of a few. They held banners and they laid flowers and they were applauded.
Such were the tokens of our defiance and unity.
And the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:-
“London stands in defiance against this cowardly attack and our city and our people and our values and our way of live.
As the mayor of London I want to send a clear message to the sick and evil extremists who commit these hideous crimes; we will defeat you. You will not win.
And as a proud and patriotic British Muslim I say this: you do not commit these disgusting acts in my name. Your perverse ideology has nothing to do with the true values of Islam and you will never succeed in dividing our city.
We send our love to the victims’ families and all those injured and we thank our courageous emergency services and the brave Londoners who risked their lives. You are the best of us.
Our city is filled with great sorrow and anger tonight but also great resolve and determination. Because our unity and love will always be stronger than the hate of the extremists.
London will never be broken by terrorism. We will defeat the terrorists.”
And he was applauded.
And I say; London and the UK stand as a beacon of defiance and fair justice and refusal to blame the many for the actions of a few. That is what we are and that is our strength and we shall not fall from that state of being.
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June 6, 2017 | Categories: Comment, london, uk | Tags: london bridge, london bridge attack, mayor of london speech, potters field, sadiq khan, uk terrorist attacks | 8 Comments