Yesterday, I headed over to London again. This week I was around the St Paul's area. I've been to the cathedral itself before, but I've never explored the vicinity. It's a beautiful part of London. There are so many stunning little streets and truly love architecture.
I have a thing about historic architecture. For some inexplicable reason, I have a pretty good knowledge of it and find dating buildings really easy. Obviously I'm no expert but, as somebody who has no history of architectural training, it's quite a strange talent. Having said that, my history A-level (that I ultimately passed with an E, after achieving U on my final exam!) did have a Tudor architecture module, which I inevitably sailed through with a B.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC3Nh1xXNLMtFTIJGo8m3yuRgh0Is8P2MPBqdgJ_EUQFvA6DgM-vFLYNVJX-JE4_3twD8yL87FXFX2kgLGt27fA6hgQ9hn-3G0GjTpwTvJVIysjLTjtpmUqzJXBLAP08INX2inWOtt10/s1600/DSC_4312.jpg)
This is part of Christ Church Greyfriars, a church that was partially destroyed in a 1940 air raid. It's so beautiful to see this serene memorial in the middle of such a bustling part of the city.
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There is a memorial garden in the grounds of the church. The stone entrance marks the original entrance to the church, with a window above. You can see an illustration of how it used to look right here.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5PRomSMqoWHR_inOb6Y9Gv5fsaKcWDG0pYvPoWdXF5YMKTofUepeHSXoLnPWKsS3wbVUUnm6fW1tJZN8ruRGEEWz1lDDZEviMo2iUl62ayiNpfaCBOc18yp_yMz0Zkc6WVqx7_iakm4/s1600/DSC_4309.jpg)
This is the tower of the church, the only part that remains intact.
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An example of the stunning Palladian architecture that surrounds these streets.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8doxnCD-X9mT-avrS2eu-tbJm1yWQbIrpRZO65I9Ne2c49uMktwnnXyy_rwG8WOn20uJStZLv3gPneDknzDWllrbc6TcUqzh9lhSfuciyIdgPxvveSdGHYUQdjODhRGAXsAG1EBFgUc/s1600/DSC_4322.jpg)
The buildings around St Bartholomew's hospital are peppered with these glistening blue signs, indicating what was on the site in centuries past and what their ultimate fate was. I love finding out about the history of locations so these fascinated me.
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I reckon all hospital signs should look like this. Much prettier than the standard blue and white plastic NHS signs!
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Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit this church but it was accessible to the public. From what I could see through the doors, it had an absolutely beautiful church yard, almost like a courtyard.
After my discoveries yesterday, I'm vowing to experience the hidden gems of London more often. I plan to wander around the streets of the city, with no aim and no idea where I am (besides somewhere in London, of course!), just to see what I discover.
I love these photo's! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Hanna!
Deletehaha that's a brilliant talent, so interested in these things but wouldn't know where to start! X
ReplyDeletehttp://fashionscholar.com
I don't even know where it started haha!
DeleteThese photos are beautiful. I absolutely love wandering around London. If you want historic buildings have you visited Oxford? It's the most beautiful old city, and I am so lucky to live there! I would definitely visit
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Oxford. Definitely adding it to my list of cities to visit though!
DeleteGreat pics. Love them
ReplyDeleteThank you Patrick!
DeleteBeautiful photos!!!! I love wandering around historic buildings
ReplyDeleteElena
http://dcinstyle.com/
Me too!
DeleteThe entrance to the memorial garden is beautiful! Great pictures :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful, isn't it!
DeleteI kind of miss the rain. It has just been cold here.
ReplyDeletezuleyb.blogspot.com