London, Dickens style, for Christmas

Lin and I went up to London today for another of the Charles Dickens guided walks  that we enjoyed so much before. this one was based on his Christmas books, and took us round the City alleys and hidden churchyards that feature - or are supposed to feature, in Dickens' Christmas stories. Supposed to, because as the guide said, Dickens kept the exact locations vague.  It was another fascinating tour.

We met however, at Kings Cross, and walked down to Tottenham Court Road (where we "happened" to pop into the flagship Paperchase store.... oops) sorry, where was I?  - past the St Pancras Hotel

 which is a truly gorgeous looking building

 we met the tour group at Bank tube station - by the Royal Exchange which has a fabulous Christmas tree outside

 and a very beautifully decorated entrance

 not to mention one of the Paddington's that are all over London to mark the release of the Paddington movie.

 and some Bus Art - which isn't something I'd heard of but will be looking out for more of these

first stop on the tour (and I can't remember all the stories; which isn't much help..)

 but this one I do remember - the George and Vulture - the pub where the Pickwick Club was founded and where the Dickens family even now meets on the Friday before Christmas for their family Christmas meal.

 Leadenhall Market - don't think I've ever been here before, but it's beautiful

 the tour guide Richard, in full Victorian costume (and megaphone today, as he'd lost his voice, but with a big group of 40, I think that would have been sensible anyway)

 the back of the George and Vulture
The tour finished about 4, so it was dark but Richard pointed us in the direction of One Exhange - for a glass lift ride up to the skyline to see some views over London... I persuaded Lin that as she's been brave on the tube today, we should check it out...

 Fab decorations on the way up (they were redder in real life)

 and boy, was the view worth it...

 and the sun was setting

 and London was looking fabulous!

 love the reflection of the sunset in the glass restaurant windows, and the fabulous cranes all around the skyline.

coming back down in the lift.

 and at ground level,

 beautifully lit trees

 and another Paddington!

 selfie time in a metal sculpture

it really was a lovely day, thanks for the company Lin, can't wait to to it again.

a Charles Dickens guided walk and inside the Tower of London

Hi, welcome back!  Just got home a while ago from a fabulous day in "that there London town" with my mate Lin - first we did a Charles Dickens guided walk round Borough/London Bridge and then we went to the Tower - sit back, take a seat, you may need a cup of tea (or something stronger) there are lots of photos...

 The tour met at Borough tube station (deep underground, needs a lift to get out of, so that's 2 well dones to Lin who hates both the tube and lifts!)
First stop is St George's, Borough - or Little Dorrit's church as it's know. The window on the left, is Little Dorrit's window, as she is depicted in the extreme bottom right of that window.

 the ceiling was fabulous!

 the tour guide was very good. Apparently 4 neighbouring boroughs all paid towards the cost of the church, except Bermondsey, so they have a black, unlit clock face in retribution!

 This wall is the only remaining wall of the Marshalsea prison where Dickens' father was imprisoned for debt, and where Charles also lived.

 these wall plaques feature art work from local schoolchildren in 2004 starring themselves as characters from Little Dorrit

 next stop was a pretty garden called the Red Cross garden, formed by Olivia Hill who was a contemporary philanthropist friend of Dickens, it's tucked away and a big secret!

She founded some early 'social housing' projects (and was a founder of the National Trust) some of which are still here in the garden

then we walked round the corner to The George - the final remaining galleried former coaching inn, left in London.

 quite a raucous audience on the balcony listening to the talk!

 a quick walk past Southwark Cathedral before the final stop at the river, where we saw

a couple more of the Book Benches - this depicts Great Expectations, quite appropriately

 and this Paddington Bear one!

on route to the only remaining arch of the original London Bridge (the rest of which was shipped to America - legend has it they thought they were buying Tower Bridge) These steps feature in Oliver Twist, and are known as Nancy's Steps as it was here she was betrayed to Bill Sykes.

This is where the tour finished, it was a fun couple of hours, despite the initial drizzle, which didn't last long luckily.  From here, Lin and I crossed the river and headed for the Tower...

past this blue glassed office block - wish there had been more sun for some better reflections..

 once we got inside the Tower entrance, you are much closer to the Poppy display - this is what, my 4th? visit, but Lin's first...

 so wonderful to be much closer

 we waited for our Yeoman Warder guide just by the poppies.

 He was absolutely superb - very very funny. Neither Lin or I can remember his name, sadly.  There are 37 Yeoman Warders (and their families) living in the Tower and they spend a lot of their time escorting visitors round the Tower.
We both recommend it, if you visit the Tower - it doesn't cost any more, and is a fun hour!!

 the famous Traitors Gate

 and a "prettified" cannon!

the White Tower -  the original, oldest part of the Tower, built by William I (the Conqueror)

great views from inside.

 Stunning walls inside the White Tower

Lin and I both wanted this ledger for journalling!!

 some brilliant displays!

 Lin up on the Tower Wall

 These Tudor buildings were started by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn, sadly, she was beheaded before they were finished and only got to live in one small part of them.

 inside the medieval part of the Tower, from Edward I time, (late 1290's) love this wall and staircase!

 here we both are in the King's Bedchamber.....

 Don't you love the Tudor style wall decor?

 and Edward I private chapel - where he was murdered... bloodthirsty lot, these ancient Kings of England!!

 but just love all the stained glass!

 another view of Tower Bridge (mainly for Sam!)

 Lin again, with the White Tower behind

 along the Wall Walk, you keep meeting this fighting men!!

 spot the elephant...

 looking down to the Yeomen's homes, in the outer Tower wall.

 Trying on a fighting helmet for size!

better look at the Yeomen's homes

 on the way out now, chucking out time, lol at 5.30!!

 got back to the Moat to catch The Last Post being sounded.

 there's one of those fighting men up on the Tower Wall! Never spotted him before

 and a walk round the moat back towards Tower Hill, boy have those poppies spread, lol!

love this one with the Bridge behind.

Thanks for staying with me and I hope you've enjoyed your day in London as much as Lin and I did...