A few weeks ago London was hosting an Open House weekend, whereby many famous and otherwise closed buildings were opened up to the public for viewing free of charge. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, we hot footed it into the City early Sunday morning.
Our first port of call was the church of St Botolph without Aldgate, a prominent and significant church in the City and although a church has been on this site for over 1000 years, this was built around 1744 outside the 'ald' gate on the eastern edge of the City. Churches at city gates were often dedicated to Botolph, so travellers could pray on arrival and departure from London's busy port area. London had four such churches - Aldersgate, Bishopsgate and Billingsgate and thus the church is regarded as a sort of English St Christopher.
We had a fascinating talk and wonderful (but very loud) demonstration in the Bell Tower. The church is in possession of a fine peal of eight bells, cast during the eighteenth century at the nearby Whitechapel Bell Foundry (a trip to be made there soon methinks). The tenor bell weighing in at 45 cwt actually caused the tower to sway and rock with the momentum of the peal. Very scary.
A few famous residents in the Parish include Chaucer who lived above the Aldgate gatehouse, Daniel Defoe was married there in 1684. St Isaac Newton lived opposite the church when he was master of the Royal Mint as well as Edmund Spenser the poet who was born there in 1552.
We then attempted to visit the famous Gherkin almost next door but were disappointed to find the queue went around the whole block and would have taken at least an hour to get in so moved on towards the Lloyds Building.
walking past this Old Tea Warehouse -
there's always something to find in these lovely old allies and back streets.
Our son J works in the Lloyds Building and we've been inside a few times, so we were not too disappointed to find it closed. We then walked along towards Billingsgate and the Old Custom House.
In feudal times in order to fight wars, dispense justice and run the country, the King needed money, so tradesmen were charged a fee for importing and exporting goods.
The Thames provided London's access to trade during the middle ages. It is a tidal and navigable river and the city of London developed around the only crossing over it - London Bridge. This was where the ships converged for trading and the reason Custom House was built here - east of the bridge yet within the protection of the city walls.
There has been a Custom House on this site for over 2000 years from when the Romans were here.
It was then back to the car via Pepys Street and the end of a most enjoyable day out
I hope you enjoyed this trip too and I'll be back again in a few days.
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see you back again. Summer has been very busy around here too.
London- a most interesting fascinating City. I was there last february. I was amazed to see how many new buildings are going up.
You visited some super places.
looking forward to seeing more photos. I love the old bell tower.
wishing you a good week.
val xxx
The City is a fascinating place isn't it? I spent many happy hours one weeknd wandering round its ancient streets and discovering its history. My husband's ancestors lived in the City of London - some are buried in the churchyard of St Botolph in Bishopsgate. I don't think I've visited the church of St Botolph Aldgate though. I'd like to spend another weekend exploring - maybe next summer:)
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the trip around London, Patricia, and you give us a wealth of interesting information. I never realised the meaning behind the 'gate' names, which makes perfect sense now. The poppies are a wonderful installation and your first picture is an angle I had not seen in other photos - the poppies appear to be flying through the air and into the moat. So beautiful and poignant. Glad to see you blogging again :))
ReplyDeleteA lovely and fascinating visit! I had no idea about the "gate" churches, but it was really interesting to find out about it! xx
ReplyDeleteReading your post makes me want to visit London again. I love being there. I am sorry I won't be back while the poppies are at the Tower of London. A friend has just returned and said it was incredible. Fascinating to think there has been a custom house at that spot for over 2000 years.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see you, Patricia. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comments. I have never been to London but it's a lifelong dream and I really hope to get there someday. I really enjoyed these photos of your visit, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed your London trip - I haven't been for years so I found it all fascinating.
ReplyDeleteYou always take us to some unknown parts of London , interesting to see the old and the new! Those poppies must be quite a sight. Sarah x
ReplyDelete