Getting to know: Greenwich
4:47 PM
We took the Jubliee Line to Canary Wharf to switch to the DLR toward Lewisham to the Cutty Sark stop.
There is sooo much to do in London.
Cutty Sark
A British clipper ship, one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest. She made the tea runs from Britain to China until improvements to the steam engine ships outran her. One of only three remaining original composite construction (wooden hull on an iron frame) from the nineteenth century.
A British clipper ship, one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest. She made the tea runs from Britain to China until improvements to the steam engine ships outran her. One of only three remaining original composite construction (wooden hull on an iron frame) from the nineteenth century.
Just a few hundred yards away from the Cutty Sark, you walk into the architectural gem of Greenwich. Formerly Palace of Placentia, beloved by the Tudors Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I
Formerly the site of a palace, it was mostly demolished after it had fallen into disrepair during the English Civil War. When it was rebuilt as the Royal Hospital for Seamen (on instructions from Mary II who was inspired by wounded soldiers coming home) the design came from Sir Christopher Wren (Taylor's and my personal favourite) and a few other distinguished architects. It became the Royal Naval College and training establishment for the Royal Navy in 1873 after the hospital closed in 1869. The Royal Navy left the college in 1998 when the site passed into the hands of the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College.
The majority of the site has been leased for 150 years to the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. We could hear musicians rehearsing as we wandered the grounds.
Some of the gems in these buildings that are open to visitors include The Painted Hall where pensioners once took their meals. Distracting, I would say.
It took James Thornhill 19 years to decorate the ceilings and walls. I can see why. He painted himself into the picture with his hand outstretched because he had not been paid fairly.
It was a Saturday so you know what that means! We ran into a wedding!
This woman let me snap a quick shot of her fascinator. There was another woman with a large gold number that I hoped to capture. I practically chased her down but I lost her around a corner! I need to find myself a good British friend who will invite me to their wedding so I can wear one of these.
The chapel (another MUST SEE at the ORNC). A neo-classical gem and best preserved 18th century interiors. Every window has a biblical story fresco at the top. And all the New Testament apostles names are written around the room. I always forget about Phillip....
The majestic gates between the Old Royal Naval College and the museums at the foot of a perfect hill in Greenwich Park.
We went in for a bit but I would say it's mostly for kids and intense ocean voyage lovers :)
Mastheads that were in considerably good shape.
The Queen's House.
It is closed to visitors until next year as they refurbish for a grand celebration of its 400th year in July 2016
It is closed to visitors until next year as they refurbish for a grand celebration of its 400th year in July 2016
Greenwich Park
I'm really not the best at 'eyeballing' measurements or distances but I have an inkling that the British yard is different than in the US. This was placed here at the Royal Observatory some time before 1866 for the public to be aware of the Imperial Standards of Length.
The plate in the centre is the bench mark for this point above sea level...70 feet.
The plate in the centre is the bench mark for this point above sea level...70 feet.
Astronomy Building, connected to London's only Planetarium.
Newton's Wall (see his name?)
Pretty spectacular view from the Royal Observatory. The Queen's House, the Old Royal Naval Academy, Canary Wharf, the O2 Center is just barely in this shot, and then the familiar London skyline is waaay out there on the left, most notably the Cheesegrater (The Leadenhall Building), and The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)
I love London's houses. One of my favourite Instagram accounts is called HousesofLondon!
Charming, charming London.
Greenwich Market! Full of amazing things. It's similar to Spitalfields Market with a proper roofed market. Clothes, art, photography, jewelry, furniture, antiques and best of all, FOOD.
I had to document this for a future visit. A burger/sandwich with RAMEN for buns?? Ok!
I'll let you all know how it goes.
I'll let you all know how it goes.
Our one calorie splurge was very well used. This freshly-made, cinnamon sugar-covered, half-chocolate, half-dulce-de-leche filled churro was easily the churro of my life. It went on our Exceptional Food list. And it's a hard list to be get on. Thank you, friendly ladies at the Brazilian stand. Thank you.
We'll be back, Greenwich.
We'll be back, Greenwich.
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