PADDINGTON

PADDINGTON

I have been to Paddington for sightseeing in December 2011.

Nothing much, except the famous Paddington Station and its 'Bear' symbol of Paddington.

Paddington is an area within the City of Westminster, in Central London. First a medieval parish then a metropolitan borough, it was integrated with Westminster and Greater London in 1965. Three important landmarks of the district are Paddington Station (1847), St Mary's Hospital and Paddington Green Police Station.

Offshoot districts are Maida Vale, Westbourne, Bayswater and Lancaster Gate.

PADDINGTON

CITY OF LONDON

CITY OF LONDON

I have endless visit to the City of London – as it is a must visit places together with Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly and Leicester – located in Central London area.

The only difference is that the City of London saw a mixture of the seriousness of the presence of financial institutions contrast with the beautiful sight seeing meant for tourists, in this area. 

RIVER THAMES

The City of London is also known as the Square Mile, as this is approximately the area it covers. It is the oldest part of London, as it was here that the Romans founded their City of Londinium nearly 2000 years ago. It is also the most modern area of London, with the latest buildings rubbing shoulders with Medieval churches and stretches of Roman wall.

The city is great financial centre, on a par with New York and Tokyo – is home to many banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

DUKE OF WELLINGTON

The Duke of Wellington is best known as the commander of the forces which defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The Duke of Wellington is also called The Iron Duke (June 18, 1844). This statue, by Sir Frances Chantry, was cast from cannons captured from the French in that battle and was erected in 1844, located at Adneedle Street.

BANK OF ENGLAND

The Bank of England – is the central bank of the United Kingdom, also known as “The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street” was established on this site in 1734. From 1788, the building was erected based on designs bu Sir John Soane, culminating in the encirclement of the site with a windowless wall in 1828. This wall forms the perimeter of the building today.

MANSION HOUSE

The Mansion House – is designed by George Dance, the Elder. Mansion House is one of the grandest surviving Georgian town palaces in London, with magnificent interiors containing elaborate plaster work and carved timber ornament. Mansion House is a purpose-built home for the Mayor of London, since it was first occupied in 1752, it was provided not only living and working space for the Lord Mayor and his household, but also space for large ceremonial entertainment and banquets.

CORDWAIRER

The Cordwairer (2002) – in medieval times, the finest leather from Spain give rise to name of craftsmen and ward, here.

ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

St Paul's Cathedral – the church building is the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, built after the Great Fire of 1666. The majestic dome is one of London's best-known landmarks, housing monuments and tombs of famous figures such as the Duke of Wellington, Nelson and John Donne.

THE MONUMENT

The Monument, located at Gracechurch Street - is a 202 feet column designed by Wren to commemorate the Great Fire, which broke out to the east at a baker's shop in Pudding Lane.

Take the river cruise or walk around River Thames – the seven bridges including the tower of London, Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, Hungerford Bridge and golden Jubilee Bridges, Westminster Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. The cruise runs between Westminster and Greenwich, where one can view the London Eye, Crown Jewels, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and the Gardens.

LONDON EYE

The obvious sight is the London Eye located near the Lambeth Bridge is the fourth tallest structure at 135 cm high. It rotates constantly and has 32 capsules. It is also known as the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel that offers magnificent views of London. It first opened on Jan 1, 2000 and it is located between Westminster Bridge and the Royal Festival Hall.

TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London covers an area of 18 acres and is guarded by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who also offer guided tours, clad in their traditional Tudor uniforms. The Towers is more than 1000 years old, served as citadel, palace, prison and menagerie, and has been closely associated with many important events in England's history. 

TOWER BRIDGE

Crossing the Thames to the west is Tower Bridge, which its twin towers and massive bascules which are still raised occasionally t allow the passage of tall ships. It was built from 1886-1894, to the plans of Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry, and was designed in such a way as to blend with the Tower of London. The bridge is now open to pubic, and there are exhibitions on its history as well as superb views from the walkway.

To the east of Tower Bridge on the north side are the St Katherine Docks, constructed in 1827 by Thomas Telford but now converted into a yacht marina and leisure centre.

LONDON BRIDGE

London Bridge – do you remember the Kindergarten song “London Bridge is Falling Down” - this is how this bridge got its name in the past. It was a rather unfashionable bridge as it was built some 600 years ago.

Several bridges named London Bridge have spanned the River Thames between the City of London and Southwark, in Central London. The current London Bridge, which is opened to traffic in 1973 – is a box girder bridge built form concrete and steal. It replaced a 19^th century stone-arched bridge which in turn superseded a 600-year-old stone-built medieval structure.

MILLENNIUM BRIDGE

Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge across the Thames designed by Sir Norman Foster linking the City of London at St Paul's Cathedral with the new Tate Gallery.

POSING WITH CHARLIE CHAPLIN CARICATURE

Apart from bridges, churches, galleries, dungeon, palaces – if one walk around River Thames, one can find a lot of merry making along the way such as the appearance of Charlie Chaplin, Spider Man and carton characters willing to pose with visitors for photographs.

CRUISE ALONG RIVER THAMES

There are also show time set up by individuals and their friends to amuse the public, here. Another worth trying is taking a cruise over the River Thames, here.

It is after all a rather 'merry' tourist destination for one who visit Central London.

2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2018

KENSINGTON

KENSINGTON

I have been to Kensington - at least thrice over the past six years of visiting Central London, on 2003, 2011 and 2007.

Kensington is a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, West London, England. The district's commercial heart is Kensington High Street, running on an east-west axis. The north east is Kensington Gardens, including Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery and Speke's monument. South Kensington is home to Imperial College London, the Royal college of Music and the Royal Albert Hall. The area is also home to many European embassies.

HYDE PARK

I have been twice to Hyde Park on December 2011 and 2007.

Hyde Park once belonged to the manor of Hyde, the property of Westminster Abbey, but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry VIII turned it into a deer park. In 1635, it was opened to the public and it became a fashionable place to be seen in, though later it became the haunt of robbers and many duels were fought here.

HYDE PART - - XMAS MOOD

Running along the south of the park is a mile-long horse-riding track called Rotten Row. It is possible to hire boats on the Serpentine, an artificial lake created in the 18^th century by damning Westbourne stream.

KENSINGTON PALACE

On the west of the park becomes Kensington Gardens, which was once a private park of Kensington Palace. The gardens with their avenues of trees, were originally laid out by Charles Bridgeman in 1728. Just west, is Kensington Palace – originally built for the first Earl of Nottingham – it was bough in 1689 by William III, who needed to live away from Whitehall for his health. However, for the Kensington Gardens & Palace – I was able to view from afar in 2003 when I signed up for the Hip Hop Bus – and could not get a good photograph of these place.

HARROD'S DEPARTMENTAL STORE

The Harrod's Department Store was the most stylish boutique and stores founded in 1849 as a small grocery shop by Henry Harrod. The store has now become synonymous with luxury and is famous for tis range of goods and services, including a pet shop, restaurants and the famous Food Stalls. It is located at the elegant shopping area of Knightsbridge, in Kensington. I have been there twice in 2007 and 2010.

ROYAL LONDON

THE ROYAL LONDON

Everyone who comes to Central London must not missed the “Royal London” - which is the “in” tourism destination everyone is talking about.

Despite, the numerous times I have visited London, I never say “No” to the Royal London area.

BIG BEN

Attractions here include – Big Ben, Westminister Cathedral, Royal Mews, Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Changing of Guard, Queen Victoria Memorial, St James Park, Queen Ann's Gate, Guards' Museum, Pall Mall Athenaem Club, Waterloo Place and Spencer House.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Just outside the busy Victoria Station, stands “Big Ben”, a clock modeled on the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament. It stood here from 1892 – 1964 and was re-erected in 1981. This charming and charmer clock tower houses the famous 3.5 ton bell, which chimes the hours. It is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was Commissioner of Works when it was hung up.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace is the most visit palace in London, with the Mall and St James's Park stretching before it. The palace was built in 1702-1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, it was sold to George III in 1761, and George IV commissioned John Nash to remodel it. With the accession of Queen Victoria, it became the sovereign's permanent London residence. In front of the palace is the impressive Queen Victoria Memorial designed by Sir Aston Webb and sculptured by Sir Thomas Brock in 1911. The colorful spectacle of Changing the Guard takes place in the forecourt at 11.30am daily from April to July.

POSING WITH THE CHANGING OF GUARD MAN AT THE GATE ENTRANCE

 
One must see the colorful ceremony of the 'Changing of the Guard' accompanied by a military band, a detachment of the Queen's Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their bearskins and red tunics, and change with the Old guard. One can also allow to take photograph with the Guard seated on a horse at the gate entrance.

MARBLE ARCH

Marble Arch is a 19th century white marble-faced triumphal arch in London. The structure was designed by John Nash in 1827 to be the state entrance to the Buckingham Palace. It stood near the site of what is today the three-bayed, central projection of the palace containing the well known balcony.

Historically, only members of the Royal Family and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery are -permitted to pass through the arch; this happens only in ceremonial  processions.

ST JAMES'S PARK

St James's Park, one of the most beautiful in London, was enclosed as a deer park by Henry VIII, laid out by Le Notre for Charles II and later redesigned by Nash for George IV. A lake extends for almost the whole length of the park, and there are fine views towards Westminster from its bridge. The park is renowned for the variety of its birds, in particular the pelicans. Bordering the park to the south is Birdcage Walk, where Charles II had his aviaries, with Wellington Barracks, the Guards' Chapel and the Guards' Museum, which illustrates the life and campaigns of the Foot Guards.

BRITISH TELEPHONE BOOTH

2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2018

WESTMINSTER

WESTMINSTER – GOVERNMENTAL PLACE

A walk along the Westminster is a “must” if one is visiting Central London.

I love the awesome picturesque of the Parliament Houses – looks so majestic – and I always never miss taking a photography with her.

Besides, Westminster is an eye opener to me – as I get to see the other side of a country – the governmental departments, official offices, churches and palaces, here.

GRAND HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT

A further walk – one can see the common places among tourists such as Westminster Bridge, Westminster Palace, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square and Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey, Jewel Tower, Lambeth Palace, Tate Gallery and St Margaret's Church.

Westminster was created when Edward the Confessor moved his residence here, and built his abbey church on what was then Thorney Island.

WESTMINSTER BRIDGE

The Palace of Minister remained the sovereign's principal residence until Henry VIII took over Cardinal Wolsey's palace, York Palace, remaining it Whitehall.

Westminster Bridge completed on1862 to designs by Thomas Page, affords an excellent view upriver of the grandiose complex of the Houses of Parliament and the Thames towards the City.

ST MARGARET'S CHURCH

Opposite the Houses of Parliament is St Margaret's Church, which serves as the parish church of the House of Commons. The present building by Robert Stowell, dates from 1485-1523, but was refaced in the 18^th century.

The popular Parliament Square was laid out in 1868 by Sir Charles Barry, architecture of the Houses of Parliament. It is now a busy traffic roundabout , round its border are a number of statues to statesmen, the most striking that of Sir Winston Churchill by Ivor Roberts-Jones (1973).

Towering St Margaret's Church is Westminster Abbey or the Collegiate Church of St Peter. According to tradition, the church on the site was built by King Sebert and consecrated in 616 by the first bishop of London, Melltus.

BAYSWATER

BAYSWATER

My visit to Bayswater is with a purpose – to try out the most talk about Malaysia food served at the Malaysian Hall, here.

So far, I have been twice to Bayswater – in 2010 and 2011.

Bayswater is an area within the City of Westminister and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in Central London. 

BAYSWATER

Bayswater is one of London's most cosmopolitan areas; a diverse local population is augmented by a high concentration of hotels. In addition to the English, there are many other nationalities; in particular there is a large Greek community, a sizeable French community, Americans and London's largest Brazilian community. There is also a significant Arab community present here. The area has attractive streets and garden squares lined with Victorian stucco terraces, mostly now subdivided into flats and boarding houses.

Queensway and Westbourne Grove are its busiest main streets, both having many ethnic-cuisine restaurants.

Obviously, not forgetting our Malaysian Hall – which served Malaysia spicy food – be it lunch or dinner.

Place of interest are – Whiteleys Shopping Centre, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, St Sophia's Cathedral, Pus Dei UK Headquarters and The Mitre, Bayswater.

MALAYSIAN HALL

HISTORY

The land now called Bayswater belonged to the Abbey of Westminster when the Domesday Book was compiled; the most considerable tenant under abbot was Bainiardus, probably the same Norman name to Baynard's Castle. The descent land held by him cannot be clearly traced; but his name long remained attached to part of it; and in 1653, a parliamentary grant of the Abbey describes 'the common field at Paddington' as being near a place called Baynard's Watering.

KING'S CROSS

KING'S CROSS

I used to come to King's Cross Station to take the Eurostar train to Preston.

It is always a 'brief' visit to either purchase advance train tickets or depart for Preston, here.

Normally, if I have time I will walk around the city centre – source for souvenir in King's Cross.

KING'S CROSS CITY CENTRE

King Cross is a district in Central London, England – north west of Charing Cross. It is served by London King's cross Railway Station, the terminius of one of the major rail routes between London and the North.

The area has been regenerated since the mid-1990s with the terminus of the Eurostar rail service at St Pancras International opening in 2007 and the rebuilding of King's Cross station.

HISTORY

The area was a previously a village known as Battle Bridge which was an ancient crossing of the River Fleet. The corruption of the Battle Bridge led to tradition that was the site of a major battle in 60 or 61 AD between the Romans and the Iceni tribe led by Boudica. There is still a small area named Battle Bridge Place between King's Cross and St Pancras stations. The current name has its origin in a monument to King George IV which stood from 1830 – 1845 at the “king's crossroads” where Euston Road, Gray's Inn Road and Pentoville Road met.

Today, King's Cross station now stands by the junction where the monument stood and took its name. The station, designed by architect Lewis Cubitt, is opened in 1852, succeeded a temporary earlier station, erected north of the canal in time for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Nearby attractions include – British Library, London Canal Museum, Camden Town Hall, King's Place, St Pancras Old Church, Guildhall Art Gallery, Gagosian Gallery, Royal Mail Mount Pleasure Sorting Office and Coal Drops Yard Shopping Complex.

3-KINGS PARK

3-KINGS PARK JANUARY 29, 2012

The Three King Park is a popular hill site – for jogging, strolling or just walking – to admire the beauty of the jagged hills around the area. The park is located near Central London, and has a beautiful picturesque – cooling and peaceful place. Recommended a two-hour walk around and taking photographs is sufficent.

JANUARY 29, 2012

BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LANDSCAPE AT 3-KINGS PARK

 

PICTURESQUE 3-KINGS PARK