Having an amble on ones Brompton is London is one of those simple pleasures that rarely disappoints. I could have headed off to a group ride where country lanes would have been a feature. I decide that I could not cope with that, preferring the urban.
Yesterday I headed down from N6 and thankfully did not encounter any strange goings on while freewheeling down Swain'e Lane! The closer I got to Regent's Park, Marylebone Road and beyond I could see a growing and sizable police presence. I later discovered from various chanting of fans that it was a football match later on between Chelsea and Liverpool.
Finding myself at the other side of Westminster Bridge, as I headed west (at least I think it was west) I encountered that view that it seems every tourist in London tries to capture. Oh well I thought, I may as well too. Despite being early there was already an influencer type with a nifty floor tripod holding two - yes two - iPhones. There was also some sort of run going on as several jogger ran past. As the influencer went to right to put on more makeup, I took my opportunity for the photo below. Sadly, a jogger was to knock over said tripod and I could heard the argument from quite a distance away.
The Palace of Westminster in the photo below is the meeting location of the Parliament of the UK. Its more common name is the Houses of Parliament. Rebuilt between 1840 - 1876 it is a rather pretty building which is possibly the only kind description most can muster.
Further down the river stands Battersea Power Station. This is now a shopping centre and luxury flats. It is wonderful that this iconic building was saved and the entire area has been transformed. Not that long ago it was a derelict site with the prospect of it falling into decay.
Battersea Park is always rather lovely and the Peace Pagoda build in 1984 is always something that can brighten up a grey morning in London. Opened in 1858 it was previously called Battersea Field and popular for those wishing to settle a score. Coming up to the anniversary of 21st March 1829, the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea met there to settle a matter of honour. When the moment came, Wellington aimed his shot wide and Winchilsea shot into the air. On this day in the past, some reenact the scene.
Albert Bridge, jointly designed by no less than Joseph Bazalgette and opened in 1872, it is more many their favourite London bridge.
Oakley Street which lead onto Albert Bridge is quite an interesting one for several reasons.
The first is that Antarctic Explorer Robert Flacon Scott used to live there.
A few houses up at 42 is the former home of Bob Marley. Across the road at 87 is a plaque for Jane Wilde, Oscar Wilde's mum!
Heading back north, I could not help but stop at the Royal Geographical Society and get a photo of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The old man is still looking rather good and staring up at him I could not help but think about the many times I have done just that.
Wherever you live, I am sure that you have the equivalent of a Brompton amble. Let know if you do.
Until next time, stay safe out there people!
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