London Tourist

Monday, May 5

A Bank Holiday (apparently they have more than 1!). Caught the train into Victoria, one of the major stations in London, just down the road from Buckingham Palace. Walked up to the palace, and there was some sort of parade happening in the forecourt. Didn't get close enough to see, but could hear the band, and there were people all over the place. Walked up towards Admiralty Arch, along the Mall. While so doing, the band came marching out of the palace into their HQ, which is located part way up the Mall. Continued on to Trafalgar Square.

Then walked down White Hall towards Westminster. Passed some more military guards on display, then Downing Street. It was hard to see the residence, number 10, since the street is now closed off to all. And there were people standing at the railing trying to see the new Prime Minister, so I didn't see very much.

Continuing on I came to Westminster Abbey, and went through it. Quite fascinating, with the graves of some famous people, including Francis Drake, Captain Cook and Francis Chitchester. From there across the Thames to view Big Ben's tower, and the houses of parliament from across the river. Hard to believe that it is the location where parliamentary government began, back in 1215.

Caught a ferry down the river to the Tower of London. Went into the Tower, but did not see the Crown Jewels, as the line was very long, and the last ferry left pretty early. But the Tower was a fascinating place to visit, if only because of the history, being started around 1000 AD, and most of the original building still standing.

Finally a train ride back to Beckenham Junction, and home.

London Tour
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Updated at 17:19 EST on Mon Apr 24, 2006
Copyright (C) 2001 - 2006, Lindsay Harris