Bench Presses
Books about Town
By popular demand.
The National Literary Trust together with Wild in Art, created the Books About Town project. As result 50 ornate benches were placed around London in early July 2014. Each bench is dedicated to a particular book. The benches will be removed from 15 September 2014 in preparation for auction in October. The auction will raise money for the trust. What a great idea. Just below are a few I managed to photograph in Greenwich and here are all the Books About Town ⇒ and here is More About Greenwich ⇐.
On the Origin of Species – Charles Darwin
The Railway Children – E. Nesbit
The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer
Frozen in Time – Captain Scott
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen
Flowers at Upper Greenwich Gardens
I’m always amazed at the extraordinary detail that can be seen in flora when using more than the human eye. Enjoy 🙂 More of Wonderful Greenwich.
Upper Greenwich Garden Views
11 pics ~ Upper Greenwich Park is a great place to spend a morning and have a picnic. Then wander on to the observatory and from there down the hill for a range of attractions, mostly free. For more information please click on Visiting Wonderful Greenwich.
Now you see me, now you don’t. (a little slideshow)
I’ll jump. Idiot
There is also a deer enclosure but, on the day, they were hiding. ❗
Squirrels in Greenwich Park
At the upper level park.
Your mission, should you wish to accept it, is nuts.
First we catch the nut.
Then we check to see if it’s suitable for burying or best eaten now.
Then we bury the ones that will keep.
Then we have some fun. Shhimple !
This is one’s just hanging.
But, in a different light. Them paparazzi will demonize anybody, disgraceful. 😛
Squirrels can usually be found at the south east corner of upper Greenwich Park.
Goose Feathers !
Egyptian Goose
3 pics. “Now push and glide, push and glide”.
“Alright, who threw the gravy”.
“Did he say the G word”. “Yep” . “Disgraceful, I’ll have his feathers off”. “Don’t mind him, that’s Arthur, he’s such a wag”. “Honk”
Not so much wildfowl as slightly miffed.
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
9 Pics. Admission to The National Maritime Museum at Greenwich is free and non-commercial photography does not require a license. There are many other attractions (mostly free) at Greenwich. Please click here for more and for travel information.
The Top Floor Gallery
Horatio Nelson. The painting was commissioned by a friend in Nelson’s younger days
The First Floor Mezzanine
The Ground Floor
I do like the little dog. He looks like a fiercely loyal friend, or a headbanger. 😛
The First Floor
There isn’t a lot on the first floor but it does provide an elevated view of ground floor exhibits.
It was him. No, it was him with the sword. How dare you sir. I will draw my sword and cut off your nose.
No, it was me with the smug expression, and I’ve got a scroll. 😛
The Chapel at the Naval College, Greenwich
The Chapel
7 Pics – Entrance is free and non-commercial photography is allowed without license. The Painted Hall Pictures. Visiting Wonderful Greenwich and it’s History and Travel to Greenwich and Visitors Map
The Painted Hall at the Naval College, Greenwich
The Painted Hall
9 Pics – Entrance is free and non-commercial photography is allowed without licence. The Chapel Pictures. Visiting Wonderful Greenwich and it’s History and Travel to Greenwich and Visitors Map
From May 2017 to early Sept 2017 there is an opportunity to climb trestles for a closer look. There is a charge during this time so please see the website ⇒.
A closer look reveals that shadows are painted on, to give a 3D effect.
Here again is a 3D effect.
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At the Greenwich Visitors Centre
A word from our sponsors.
He’s stone deaf you know.
It’s very peaceful here.
Hampton Court Palace
14 pics –Travel to Hampton Court by Train or River. — Admission/Information/Events. Admission can include Hampton Court Palace or just the gardens. The gardens usually close at 5 pm and the Palace at 6 pm. Pictures of Hampton Court Gardens. The Royal Chapel is the best feature and, although photography is not allowed, you can view here.
Somebody got caught in his pyjamas.
Many of the tapestries are very old and faded. The frescos likewise. I picked the best I could find.
Hampton Court Gardens
7 Pics – . I didn’t have time to view all the gardens, but here are extracts from three of the six. Visitors are welcome to use the park benches to picnic. The Wilderness Garden (not shown) contains the famous maze, which is very difficult ~ Shhhhh. — Travel to Hampton Court by Train or River. — Admission prices can include Hampton Court Palace or just the gardens. The gardens usually close at 5 pm and the Palace at 6 pm. More garden pictures.
Thames River – Westminster to Hampton Court
22 Pics. With hindsight I would have traveled to Richmond (underground railway – District Line) and tried the alternative river service provided by Turks to Hampton Court. The journey would have been shorter (1 and 3/4 hours) and travels the more picturesque part of the river (including the above bridge).
There is only one company that provides Thames River travel all the way from Westminster Bridge to Hampton Court, that is WPSA. However I was not all that impressed. It is 3 and 1/2 hour journey, the upper deck seating uncomfortable, the engine noisy and the commentary full of irritating chatter. Added to which, the first part of the journey was not greatly picturesque apart from the immediate view of Westminster Palace (Pictures) which could have been seen/photographed from the south bank of the river.
Here are the pictures of the two legs:-
Westminster to Richmond
Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-
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Richmond to Hampton Court
Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-
Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
6 Pics: The Palace of Westminster hosts the UK Parliament’s House of Commons and House of Lords. Visitor Tours and Photography Restrictions inside, outside is not a problem.
Alongside is Westminster Abbey. Visiting Westminster Abbey, where photography is not allowed inside. Both are right outside Westminster Underground railway station. Nearby, one can take a variety of river tours.
The fine detail of the palace exterior is not often seen, so here are some pictures. 🙂
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle From The West
19 Pictures
Please Click here for Travel to Windsor Castle Please Click here to view The River Thames at Windsor
Key Features
The Changing of the Guard, access to St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls House and The State Rooms and Semi-State Rooms ,the walkways and courtyards. The key feature being the sumptuous State Rooms which includes a collection of fine porcelain, suits of armour, ancient armaments, works of art, a banqueting suite, chandeliers and so forth. Photography is not allowed inside the buildings, but the Links give a good indication of what to expect.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard proceeds from the barracks on the right of the aerial view (below) at 10:45 am. It passes through the main gates and arrives in the lower castle courtyard at 11:00 am where the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard begins. At 11:15 the old guard leaves and proceeds back to the barracks. They do this every day. Times may vary and there may be some dates missed at Windsor. Check The procession can be viewed from the street or following admission to the Castle.
Admission to the Castle
The entrance is past the castle gate at the top of Castle Street, just at the end of the row of trees. If arriving at Windsor and Eton Central rail station, proceed up the shopping mall, turn right at the top and left at the statue of Queen Victoria. Opening times and Prices. Prices vary and can be cheaper earlier in the week so please check.
There is an airport style security station. After this a walkway leads to the central access point and then a U bend that brings one beside the large central turret, which has a garden where the moat used to be. There is then a choice of continuing around the turret, through the Norman Arch and on to Queen Mary’s Dolls House and the State Rooms. Alternatively one can turn left and proceed towards St George’s Chapel and the parade ground where the guard change. Exit is through the keep, back onto the road.
I was there on a Friday, just after the guard changed as where many others. Consequently there where long queues for the Dolls House and State Rooms. There are two queues, one for both attractions and one for the State Rooms only. They queues were very much reduced by 1:30. Taking lunch whilst waiting seemed like a good idea. Be aware, open containers are not allowed inside any of the castle rooms. 
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This is the band leading the old guard back to barracks, followed by the old guard themselves.
Here is the exit and a statue of Queen Victoria at the bottom of Castle Hill, just where the guard turn. I tried to get her best side. Honestly from the front she could sink ships.
The Tour
This is one of the first sights and leads to the Moat garden. 
Further around the old moat is a the Norman Gate. These light fixtures can be seen in many places. 
This is just outside the entrance to the Dolls House and State Rooms. There are a row of benches and one can take a pew with a view. This is a view of Eton College. It was definitely worth waiting to see the State Rooms. Photographs are not allowed but you can get an idea by returning to the Links further up the page. 
Back to the parade ground and the lonely sentry at the end. 
On the left there are some of the apartments.
If you are lucky you will see a small group of guard about their business. In fact you will hear them first. British sergeant majors do very good impression of screaming eagles and have been known to cut hair with their voices. The poor fellow on his own is not allowed to move even his eyes and not allowed to speak to anyone. They draw tourists who photograph them constantly and have photographs taken beside them. I think the sentries must have an off switch.
Turning to look back up the slope there is the entrance to St George’s Chapel. 
And, it’s always worth looking up. 
Then out through the gate, directly opposite is a flower seller. This street and the one to the right have several cafes and taverns. 
Including this one. 
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse and thank you for visiting. 🙂
The Thames at Windsor
17 Pictures
The River Thames at Windsor offers a pleasant afternoon and a good follow-on from a visit to Windsor Castle. There are both Tour Boats and Hire Boats available. The tour boats provide a frequent 40 minute service and an occasional two-hour trip. I took the two-hour tour and thought it quite good value for money. Unfortunately there are no river trips from the City due to the many intervening locks. French Bros public boat trips. You can book online but you don’t have to. There are other hire companies included in Travel by Train, Map/Tour and Hire Boats. But first a word from our sponsor.
Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum.
Wild Foul
Where’s Fred. It’s mine I tell you.
I say, they’re not so much wild fowl as slighty miffed. Mwa Ha.
First we go under the bridge and then we come back under the bridge. Good game.
Call that a duck.
River Views
Personally I prefer one of these. The upper deck is a simple array of chairs and they were quite happy for me to bring my own tea and sandwiches, bought from an outlet near to the ticket office. The lower deck is more plush with a bar and snacks.
The first part of the tour is quite pretty. It then gets a little dull for a while until after the lock. There is a commentary indicating places of interest and the homes of the famous.
I hope you enjoyed the tour and thank you for visiting.
Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens
23 Pics – Holland park is considered one of the most interesting parks and places to photograph in London with many features and a range of flora and fauna. The north of the park is mostly woodland whilst the south has more formal gardens, an ecology centre, large play area and cafe. There are lawn areas throughout the park to relax on.
Please click on any picture to enlarge. Getting There⇒ History⇒
Holland Park
Peacocks can just about fly but usually have their wings clipped. There is another one later
Some of the flora near the southern end,
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This is just south of the Belvedere restaurant, which can be seen in the background.
Just north of the Belvedere is this water feature within a courtyard.
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.. and in the same courtyard.
Continuing along the path.
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Whereas, taking the first right after the building there is an arts and craft shop and a little further on the Holland Park Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
A few steps further north are the formal gardens, featuring the Dutch Garden.
The Dutch Gardens
These fellows look like hungry chicks.
Here’s the rest of the family.
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A few steps further north, on the east to west path.
There is some controversy as to why peacocks have such extravagant plumage. I discovered what must be the real reason by accident. Some years ago a few friends and I where enjoying a picnic in one of the royal parks. Opposite under a tree was a mature peacock quietly enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the shade. Between us a group ducks and geese began to gather. About thirty of them.
The peacock was not perturbed until the group of wildfowl grew closer to his quiet domain and began to squabble. Up came the peacock’s plume and he began to shake the quills creating a deafening racket. With the spread of eyes and a sound like many snakes rattling and hissing it was a stunning apparition. The ducks and geese thought so too. They all began running towards us trying to get aloft. We had to duck down (no pun intended) to avoid getting struck. It seems they were so scared of the apparition that they were quite oblivious to our presence.
I’m sure that the plumage does have a mating advantage. Not because it’s pretty but because scares off predators.
A little further on .. 
A little further still.
Kyoto Gardens
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“Upon reflection, I’m twice the bird I used to be”.
Kyoto gardens is not quite as big as it may appear but is nevertheless a very pleasant garden of contemplation with some seating at the edges.
A couple more flowers to end.
.. and Thank You for visiting Freed from Time.
Wonderful Greenwich and its History
A Great Day Out 
Visiting Maritime Greenwich makes a whole day out and can be for little or no cost (take a picnic) and is one of the best places to photograph in London. It includes the Upper Park Gardens, Deer Enclosure, Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum, the Queens House, Royal Observatory, Exhibitions, Planetarium, Arts and Crafts Market, Cinema, Comedy Club and a broad range of Restaurants, Cafes and Taverns. The best place to start is at the Upper Gardens and then down the hill.
Greenwich is also a World Heritage site with a wealth of architecture and art of historical interest. At the end of this post is more entertainment information.
Many of the attractions are free and can be photographed and one can stand upon the worlds Prime Meridian at 0 degrees Longitude (see the Tourist Information Map ⇓).
Travel to Greenwich includes maps, best parking, public transport and ways to avoid climbing the hill and you can save the Tourist Information Map as a PDF. The History of Navigation and Greenwich is a more extensive exploration of navigation through the ages,
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The Upper Gardens
Click on Views Flowers Squirrels
and. although you cannot photograph in there:-
The Rangers House
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In the Town – Maritime Greenwich
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The First Shop in the World
Nauticalia is full of seafaring items. It’s at 25 Nelson Rd, that is South past the market and turn left.
It might sound like an excessive boast. Then again it does stand at Longitude 00′ 00′ .4′ West.
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The Cutty Sark
Turn left out of the DLR station, along the short mall and then turn left again.
This great Tea Clipper has been recently restored after a fire during a previous attempt at restoration.
The interior is open to view although it is expensive with many other venues free. Admission.
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The Royal Naval College
Painted Hall
Designed by Christopher Wren, (currently closed until 2019) admission was free, you could take non-commercial photographs and was definitely worth a visit. More Information and Photographs of the Painted Hall.
It is accessible via the Cutty Sark gate or the West Gate. The visitor center is the best option as a first port of call. Please see the Sitemap.
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Chapel
Chapel Photographs Admission is free, you can take non-commercial photographs and is worth visiting.
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The National Maritime Museum
Admission is also free here, you can take non-commercial photographs and is worth visiting. The Museum.
More Photographs from inside the Museum. However, please bear in mind that the exhibits do change over time.
Behind these buildings, there is the hill which leads to the Royal Observatory and the Planetarium.
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The Queens House
Formally known as Queen Annes House, it is in fact associated with two Queens. Admission is free. The interior architecture and art works mean that it is certainly worth a visit. Non-commercial photography has been allowed since the refurbishment in early 2016.
The Queens House ⇐ History of the Queens House ⇒
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The Fan Museum
There is a small charge but you can take non-commercial photographs.
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Greenwich Market
The market offers numerous arts and crafts at reasonable prices. Images from inside the market.
How to find it.
This view is from the South with the park at my back. Using the sitemap, exits from the Naval College, are from the Romney Gate which faces the park or the the West Gate (turn right towards the park).
When facing the other way there is Greenwich Park, with the Queens House, the National Maritime Museum,the Royal Observatory and Planetarium up the hill.
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Greenwich Park
The Royal Observatory and Planetarium
The Royal Observatory (see charges) houses the Astronomy Center Gallery (free), the Harrison Timekeepers, the UK’s Largest Refracting Telescope, Flamsteed House and the Meridian Courtyard. The Planetarium, is nearby.
Flamsteed House, Meridian Courtyard, the Harrison Timekeepers and navigation is here ⇐.
View the Tourist Information Map (updated and you can save as a PDF) and discover that there a number of places where one can stand on the Prime Meridian for free and without queuing.
The red ball at the top is used to mark time (either noon or 1 pm) when it dropped so that ships could set their chronometers. It was used instead of a noon day gun because sound takes time to travel. The Time Ball.
The climb is about 140 feet. That’s about the height of a 15 story building. The easiest gradient is by the road to the right. The diagonal route, under the trees has a place to sit about half way up.
The climb can be avoided by traveling around to the plateau beyond, and do the tour in reverse. Please see Travel to Greenwich.
And, you must think I’m daft, if you think I’m going to walk up there.
Turns out you’re right.
Straight on past the observatory is a more landscaped park (see the row of three pics at start) that leads to diagonal roadside parking and the number 53 bus stop.
The West Park
Turning right after the observatory and crossing the road (The Ave ~ Avenue) leads to an untended part of the park.
There one could see a statue by Henry More entitled Knife Edge. It was on loan to the park and may be gone by midsummer 2014. Here are two views of the same statue.
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Further on, can be seen a view of Our Lady and Star of the Sea.
There is also another view over London.
The Ave
The Ave ~ Avenue divides the main park and the West side and is closed to all traffic after dusk. With the trees acting as a buffer to sound and light, it is very much like being in the countryside.
It is used by cyclists and the occasional skate boarder, so it wise to stay on the pavement/sidewalk.
The Ave ~ Avenue continues as King William Walk and at the bottom the welcoming sight of a Tavern.
Greenwich Nightlife
Greenwich also has the Up the Creek Comedy Club on Creek St, a Theater and Picture House
There are numerous Taverns, Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants. Using Google Maps enter any one of those four descriptions.
You can also specify Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese,Thai, Italian, Spanish and French. And, there is a traditional Pie and Mash shop.
The nightlife is generally thriving but gentle. A good place to unwind.
Food and Drink
Like many tourist venues food and drink can be both pricey and pretentious, especially at the park owned venues. Best option is to picnic in the park. On rainy days there is plenty of shelter/benches on the walkway between the Museum and Queens House.
Alternatively, recommended are “The Yacht” and the “Plume of Feathers”. Both to the east of the Naval College.
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If you get a chance to visit, I hope you enjoy. 🙂
The Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark and the legacy of the great sailing ships
The Cutty Sark is now on show at Greenwich (London,UK). It is the last remaining example of the great Tea Clippers. For more information about the exhibit please click here.
The first of each tea harvest from China to Europe was of great commercial value. These ships were built for that purpose, using a narrow hull and powerful rig. Built for speed rather than large cargo. For more of that history please click here.
The Cutty Sark was recognised as the foremost in its class even though it never quite won the Great Tea Race.
This is another Clipper Ship, Lightning under full sail.
Provided under Creative Commons License by: Bruce Von Stetina
Ships like these and their crews advanced the knowledge of construction, navigation and seamanship. Altogether making travel by sea a lot safer than it used to be. It was once the most hazardous of all occupations. By contrast, going to sea has now become a pleasure to many.
An important principle still remains for all such potentially hazardous occupations. That is, the development of good habit. Often inconvenient in good weather but a vital life safer when wet, cold, tired, in the dark, confused and disoriented.
Such vessels do not remain in service and their builders and brave crews are no longer with us. But, the advances that they made remain. Those ships and their crews may not still roll, but because of their legacy, they still rock.
Thank you for visiting Freed From Time
Art in Victoria Park
Victoria Park, Bow, London, UK. – Click on an image to enlarge.
The progress of cheerful duck will always overide serious reflections.
I can do this all day.
Standing Guard on the Triffids (not in the same place)
At the Royal Inn on the Park That’s what I call a makeover
Straight Up With A Twist
The Cable Car over the Thames, London,UK.
Well, I suppose the builders were grinning when they said they’d give it whirl. I should have known better really.
The United Emirates cable car traverses the river Thames in East London between the Royal Victoria Dock, on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the North Greenwich Peninsula. It can be found on the Standard London Underground Map ⇒ at sector D8. From Greenwich Pensinsula there is a bus service to wonderful Maritime (Cutty Sark) Greenwich ⇐ which is on another branch of the Docklands Light Railway.
It makes sense to use an Oyster Card (touch in/touch out) as this will also save money on the London Underground/Overground and Docklands Light Railway.
BE AWARE: That if you forget to touch in with a card there is a heavy fine. If you forget to touch out when leaving a station, the maximum charge is deducted from your card.
A video of the view ⇒ shows that although it is partly obstructed by the tall buildings of Canary Wharf and lasts 5-10 minutes (according to time of day), it is nevertheless quite good value for money.
It is used for some commuting to and from work, so it is better to avoid peak times.
Thank you for visiting Freed From Time
Rainbows over Buildings
Even the tall buildings, like the Shard of Glass, are dwarfed by natures great rainbow.
I like the fact that, in all our cleverness, we will never be able to compete with this.
Perhaps such sights will keep things in perspective and help to stop the lunacy of destroying our own planet.
Freed From Time 