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Thursday 17 November 2016

LONDON, OH LONDON ..........


I LOVE London ....... I've lived on the outskirts all of my life ... we now live in the Hertfordshire countryside, but we are still only twenty minutes from the City of London.



Apart from all of the iconic London landmarks, there is a multitude of wonderful spots to visit and, I have seen a lot of it in my 65 years but I have only touched the surface and will never see everything it has to offer. Here are a few places that you might like to visit if you find yourself in Londinium !!


Sir Christopher Wren's Temple Bar is the only surviving gateway to the City of London and stood at the junction where The Strand meets Fleet Street for 200 years. But, because the road needed widening, it had to be removed.
On January 2nd 1878 it was dismantled. 
Ten years later, it caught the eye of Lady Meux, a banjo playing barmaid who had married into a very wealthy family of London brewers. Forever trying to convince Victorian high society of her respectability, she decided to rebuild the impressive Temple Bar to grace her Hertfordshire Estate at Theobalds Park. My Dad remembered it well as it was only a cycle ride away and he remembered climbing up and looking inside the upper chamber and seeing a dining table, candlesticks and paintings. Lady Meux regularly entertained the likes of Edward v11, the Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill 
Temple Bar then started to fall into disrepair ..... I also remember it well as my husband and I used to park up there for a bit of ' how's your Father !! '  



Temple Bar has now been restored and rebuilt at Paternoster Square and is back in it's rightful place.


One of my favourite places to visit is Dennis Severs House ..... The house is both a breathtaking and an intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th century. We are going again in December when they dress the house for Christmas.



Wilton's Music Hall is one of very few surviving music halls and retains many original features. 


Sir John Soane's museum, housing his unusual collection, preserved exactly as it would have been at the time of his death in 1837



Neal's Yard in Covent Garden.



St Dunstan-in-the-East ... originally built in 1100, severely damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, damaged again in the Blitz in 1941 after which it was decided not to rebuild. In 1970 it was opened as a public garden ... a beautiful secluded gem.



Dinner at Les Trois Garcon's ..... an unusual dining experience !!


Strolling along the Thames at dusk, you might just catch the end of Sand Art on the Thames. 


You can even have a Cockney experience when taking money out of the hole in the wall !!




Just a few more experiences of London ... it is never-ending.


XXXX





images 1, 10 & 12: via me, image 2: via architecture, image 3: via open buildings, image 4: via wordpress, images 5 & 7: via buzzfeed, image 6: via hidden london, image 8: via album of random, image 9: via time out, image 11: via hand luggage 


Jackie
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73 comments:

  1. Oh Jackie, what amazing places London always offers.
    You have me giggling about the real Cockney "how's your Father" rendezvous - haven't heard that said in a long, long time.
    Where is Paternoster Square located - I would love to see it some day.
    My real wish for ages - it's at the top of my list if I ever have time when in London - has been to visit Sir John Soanes house/museum, I know it is stunning.
    St. Dunstan-in-the-East garden looks unbelievable - another one going on my list.

    Thanks for the lovely photos of these wonderful historic places - and the first one of you, beautiful from the back too - is great - was that at the Post Office Tower? You seem very high up.

    Happy weekend ahead - hope you get to visit more places to show us, can never get enough from you fabulous Londoners! Remember, my mum was a Cockney and then moved to Windsor as a child - my grandfather was a Coldstream Guard.

    Hugs and be happy - Mary

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    1. Hi Mary ..... London does have so much to see doesn't it ?
      Paternoster Square is next to St Paul's Cathedral .... if you ever go and see it you can think of my husband and me having a bit of ' how's your father !!!! '
      ..... and, these days, I look better from the back !!!
      Thanks for your lovely comment Mary .... lots of love. XXXX

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    2. Forgot to say that the photograph of me is at the top of The Shard !! XXXX

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  2. I love this post. There are places I have never seen on it too - must visit that church/garden, for instance. There are so many wonderful places tucked away in London. Have you been to Samuel Johnson's house off Fleet Street?

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    1. Ahwwwww ... thanks Tom !!
      London is awash with brilliant places isn't it ?
      ..... and, no, I haven't been to Dr. Johnson's house yet ..... it's on the list !! An awful lot went on, in and around Fleet Street ! XXXX

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  3. Awww Jackie. If I ever get back to London, I'm going to look you up to find these special places. Last time my daughter went, one of her favorite things was called 'mucking the Thames'. She found all kinds of little treasures.

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  4. Love your post......i never be in Londen ...so strange maybe once....hihihihihi...love from me Ria

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    1. Hi Ria .... there are many places that I haven't visited .... we can't visit the whole world but it's still nice to read about far away places.... love from me !!!! XXXX

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  5. The fifth picture is my favourite. I don't know which words go with it but it is nice and worn and I would have photographed it if I had seen it. I love London and when I stop work I will revive my days out therexxxx

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    1. Hi Rachel .... you mean Wilton's Music Hall .... I love it too ..... I love anything shabby and worn ( a bit like myself !!!! )
      Sorry that I haven't commented lately ..... I've been a bit of a bad blogger but will be back on track soon. XXXX

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    2. I always miss you when you don't comment. Recently so many people come and go for unknown reasons I think they have gone forever but they seem to come back.xxxx

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    3. Don't ever think that I'm not coming back Rachel ..... I'm just a rubbish blogger !!!! XXXX

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  6. Love your alternative views of London Jackie - some I have heard of, some not - if and when I go again I will be sure to add these to my list of things to see. I can understand your love affair with London - that church/garden sounds fascinating.

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    1. What I love about London Elaine, are all of those little, interesting places ..... turn a corner or look down an alleyway and you are transported back to a Dickensian world..... and, I love that London is so quirky too. XXXX

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  7. How interesting Jackie. You look fabulous too. All places featured are new to me and now I want to go to London. Well maybe next year. (that sounds a like Frank Sinatra song)

    Helen xx

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    1. I don't look very fabulous from the front Helen !!!!!! I think that there are thousands more interesting places to visit in London that I don't know about !! XXXX

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  8. I loved living in town. I lived (in order) in Bayswater, Marylebone. Islington (very briefly), Fulham, and Chelsea. If I had the money, I'd buy myself a little S Ken mews house; unfortunately I don't. London, to me, is still the most exciting city on earth.

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    1. I so agree with you Cro...... London is indeed the most exciting city on earth .... so much history, cosmopolitan, quirky, innovative, leaders in fashion and technology.... I could go on and on !!!! You lived in such fabulous places. I worked in Moubt Street in Nayfair and lived there for a while..... I think that was when I learnt so much about food !!!! XXXX

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    2. Oooops ..... that's Mount Street in Mayfair !!!!!

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  9. Such a lovely post with fabulous pictures too. I've never lived in London but have stayed there with family who do many times, and the older I get the more I appreciate what an amazing place it is. St Dunstans is going on my list! and your hair looks so pretty in that photo.

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    1. Thanks Libby ..... my hair has been like that pretty much all of my life .... it's dead straight so is the best style for me although I think that I might be a bit too old for it now !!!!! XXXX

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  10. I really enjoyed this post, I could live in Covent Gardens in a heartbeat.
    London is fascinating, if you have a good Guide. Thanks so much. Happy Holidays yvonne

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    1. Thanks Yvonne ..... happy Thanksgiving to you, Renee and the family. XXXX

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  11. How delightful! This post has convinced me to add London to the itinerary of my next trip. Must see St Dunstan's garden and the Daniel Severs house. Thank you for the guide!

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    1. Hi Shawn ..... those two are lovely ..... we are going to Dennis Severs house again in December ..... I'll do a post on it ( if I get myself into gear !! ) XXXX

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  12. THIS IS A KEEPER FOR ME!
    I HAVE BEEN TO HERDFORSHIRE!!!!!!!!!IN 1978........or there abouts!
    I LOVE EVERY BIT YOU HAVE SHARED HERE.........I will try and visit each and every one if I ever get BACK!Now how do I BOOKMARK THIS!I shall try.........so I can use for reference!
    BEAUTIFUL LONDON....................I was there TOO LONG AGO!
    XX

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    1. Please come and visit Elizabeth ..... you NEED to !!!! XXXX

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  13. Ahh you bring back so many lovely memories for me. We went to London every Autumn for years, my husband lived in London before returning to the USA and meeting me :)
    My friends still live in Kew Gardens and I need to visit them and say hello to London again.
    <3

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    1. Hi Candice ...... Kew is a lovely place to live .... we went last Christmas to Christmas at Kew Gardens.
      ..... and, I'm sure that meeting you made leaving London worthwhile !! XXXX

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  14. Tellement envie d'aller à Londres et toutes ces photos me confortent en me disant que j'adorerai cette ville ... J'espère un jour ... Merci pour cette visite
    Douce journée, A bientôt
    Laurence Au Coeur d'autrefois

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    1. Merci Laurence ... si vous arrivez à Londres, je suis sûr que vous aurez un temps merveilleux. XXXX

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  15. Funnily enough, although I lived in London for 63 years, I never went to Dennis Severs House, Wilton's Music Hall or St Dunstan in the East! But I was a regular at Neal's Yard and also Food for Thought in Neal Street (now sadly closed). I never went to Les Trois Garcons either - it looks amazing.

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    1. There is so much that I haven't seen Nick and I've lived here for 65 years !!! XXXX

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  16. Oops, that should be 53 years!

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    1. Your making us think that your older than you really are Nick !!!! XXXX

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  17. What beautiful photos Jackie, so different to the usual touristic ones!
    Your hair is marvellous. I don't think there is an age for long hair; when it is as healthy as yours and it suits the face, then it is perfect.
    Long hair suits you and I have only seen very few people wear it as well as you!
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Oh Maria,
      You say the nicest things but I think I might be a bit too old for long straight hair now !!!!!! BUT, it is so easy to look after I don't think that I could change it now !!!!
      Do you have a blog Maria ? XXXX

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    2. Jackie, I do not have a blog.
      X

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    3. You really should start one Maria. XXXX

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  18. Oh my . . . I loved this preview of "seeing London" . . .
    with you looking out and over the city and land . . .
    I would love to see the house, "dressed for Christmas" . . .
    Would love having you taking me on a tour . . .
    Many years since I have visited London . . .
    And I am still smiling at this . . . Temple Bar . . .
    "I also remember it well as my husband and I used to park up there for a bit of ' how's your Father !! '

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    1. Haha ..... we did Lynne .....many years ago now !!!!
      Dennis Severs house is one of my favourite places to visit .... you would love it. The 17th century house was preserved by Canadian Dennis Severs who sadly died a few years ago. When my sister and brother-in-law went, they were taken round by Dennis Severs who really made it even more special. We are going again in a few weeks ..... I'll do a post on it . XXXX

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  19. Great post, I never tire of reading about the bits of London that are not so well known. We've been frequent visitors over the years, family in Notting Hill and now our son lives in Muswell Hill. His girlfriend travels to Hatfield to work and he into the city. I can't wait to visit again, such an amazing city, love it. Thanks Jane x

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    1. Our daughter lives in Crouch End near Muswell Hill so we are often there and Hatfield is only about 20 minutes from us .... and Notting Hill is a lovely part of London isn't it Jane ? XXXX

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    1. It is the most stunning view and one that I never tire of. XXXX

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  21. How have I never heard of Dennis Severs House? (And I'm descended from Huguenots.) Like you I've lived in or around London all my life apart from three years at university. I grew up in Twickenham and would catch the 33 bus into Kensington to visit Biba. In my twenties and early 30s I lived in Clapham, Hammersmith and Blackheath. I've spent the last 25 years living in the Surrey Hills from where on a clear day I can see the ever-changing London skyline. I'm not sure if I've commented before Jackie, but I do like your blog and your sense of style very much. Have you visited 18 Stafford Terrace, the home of the Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne? I think you would like it.

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    1. Hi Sarah .... lovely to meet you and, I think that we have a lot of likes in common ...... I spend hours and hours in Biba .... all of them !! I still have a few jackets that I bought in Biba and a whole bag of make up which I still use even though I know your not supposed to !!! ... and, although I've never been to Edward Linley Sambournes house, in the last six months I have become aware of him and know of his house and it's on my list. I did a post a while ago about his photographs of girls and women in Kensington { I loved the way they dressed !! }
      You must go and visit Dennis Severs House especially as you are descended from the Huguenots !!! ... we are going again in a couple of weeks as it's all dressed for Christmas. It's also so easy to get to ... it's only a 5 minute walk from Liverpool Street station. Thanks so much for visiting and hope to see you here again soon . Much love. XXXX

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  22. Hi there Jackie! :) Thanks for dropping by this morning I loved reading this post oooh! I really wish I could visit those places you mentioned. Funnily enough I saw Sir John Soane's house last week on television when Lucy Worsley showed us round, and I've definitely seen Dennis Severs house on tv as well, it looks fabulous I WISH I could go and see it when it's decorated for Christmas.. will you show us photos when you go, that's if they let you take photographs. Although it does look kind of dark on the tele' so might be too little light I'm thinking. It's brilliant to be able to share in your visits when I stroll over here.
    I was having BIG trouble trying to post a new page yesterday, that's why I put that title, Trouble at Mill. However since I last posted in October, I'm still struggling to recover enough to get out more, and had to have a wisdom tooth out in September, that kind of set me back again.
    I always look forward to opening your comments Jackie, and reading and gazing upon your Blog is a total treat!!
    So am off now to try to post that page... hopefully less gremlins around today. ;)

    Hugs Jane,
    p.s. I love the photo of you looking out over the London skyline, and you brought a smile and a laugh when you wrote, ' a bit of how's your father!' are you sure you're not from 'Up North?'. ;)))

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    1. Hi Jane ... so pleased that your bit of trouble wasn't illness related but, I'm sorry to hear about the wisdom tooth .... things like that will obviously set you back.
      If I remember from our last visit to Dennis Severs house, you're not meant to take photographs but I will do a post on it.
      ...... and I think that ' how's your father ' is universal !!!!!
      Keep as well as you can Jane. XXXX

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  23. Thank you, Jackie, beautiful photos! Most of it I have seen, but St. Dustan-in-the-East is new to me (and put down in my little pink book). Always so much to see, always worth it, I'm never tiring of London.

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    1. Hi Britta ..... St Dunstans seems to be a bit of a secret ...... it is just a ruin with gardens but very pretty.... probably something to pop in and see along with other things. XXXX

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  24. You know that London is on my bucket list ~ of course we only see the iconic landmarks so you showing us the lesser known places to see is a bonus. xo

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    1. Hi Lori .... London and a cocktail { or 6 !! } are waiting for you !!! .... there is so much to see. XXXX

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  26. I know London well, but your photos are all delightful and they tempt me to have some new experiences. Dinner at Les Trois Garçons for starters!

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  27. Hi there ..... I love all of the little , not known so well places in London as well as the big ones !!!!
    Dinner at Les Trois Garçons is a bit of an experience .... stuffed animals, vintage handbags dripping from the ceiling ..... not for everyone but I like it !!!! XXXX

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  28. Yes, amazing city. I come from Hertfordshire, and we used to do our school cross country run to Temple Bar and back. Never appreciated it then!

    I love that St Dunstans in the East. Must investigate H

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    1. Hi Heather .... many thanks for your comment ..... I remember Temple Bar so well .... it began to deteriorate in front of our very eyes .... it's lovely that it's back in it's rightful place. XXXX

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  29. Hi Jacky..this is my second brother who died..his funeral s friday....so Sad......so difficult time....love Ria x ❤️

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    1. Oh Ria .... I'm so sorry. Such a difficult time for you. Am thinking of you. XXXX

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  30. Thank you, Jackie, beautiful photos! Most of it I have seen
    thiet ke biet thu dep
    biet thu co dien

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    1. I have been going to London all of my life and there is so much that I haven't seen !!!! XXXX

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  31. Golly! why didn't I know you when I was in London.
    There is so much to see. I never got to Sheffield,
    that's where my GrandMother was from. They were Burkes.
    Well Happy Holidays Darling Lady, Hugs
    yvonne

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    1. Haha !!!! I think that there are secret places in every city don't you Yvonne ?
      Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.... take care in the snow Yvonne. XXXX

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  32. Hello dear Jackie! I am bookmarking this post. What beautiful photos and special places to visit. xoxox

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    1. Hiya Carol ..... hope that you will visit some of them one day. XXXX

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  33. Brilliant post, such interesting off the beaten track places tou have featured Jackie! How's your Father lol! :-) Had me laughing XX

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  34. Who needs to travel when I have you to show me around Jackie!? You take me to the best places that I would never see if I came over myself. You share so many interesting facts too. I would absolutely love the visit London someday, but since I probably never will, I will always have my Jackie tour guide!!!
    much love...

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