Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Denver to London

DEN to London

Well Friends, this was a very last minute, very very good airfare deal, so here we are heading to London. Always something to explore and experience. Not sure of specific details for this trip but we may just explore markets, a bit o history (WW I and II, Egypt, and more), London Walks are always informative and it is National Pie Week in London. 

Our flight from Denver took us to Heathrow via Chicago. We were rather lucky as the flight was not crowded at all and were able to stretch out and sleep rather well, considering. Arrival went easy as we are traveling with just carry on luggage.  After clearing customs and passport control we made our way to the Underground and alighted towards London. Piccadilly line to the Jubilee line ending in Canning Town. Travel time I am guessing was about an hour. Our hotel is an Ibis Accor property - Ibis London Canning Town, and is located right across the street from the Underground and DLR station. One could not ask for a more convenient situation.  

We knew we would be arriving early and a room would not be available so,  we repacked and stored our bags and were soon headed to Greenwich, via the DLR,  to find the Greenwich Market. 




Food and crafts abound 




Well it is National Pie week, March 5-11


An Excellent Pie made a wonderful lunch


Do visit these folks for a great pie. 

Soggy Moose Travel receives no compensation for their recommendations. Just thought I would add the disclaimer, we pay our way. 



Steeped in Royal history, Greenwich has long been home to a Royal Charter Market which was originally assigned to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital on the 19th December 1700 for 1,000 years.

Originally housed on the site of the West Gate of the Old Royal Naval College, it began to spread into the neighboring area in the 1800’s and its dark streets and alleys were difficult and dangerous to control.

Three roofs were built to protect the market from the elements. In 1831 the market contained traders selling live and dead meat, fish, eggs, butter, poultry, fruit and vegetables. On its periphery lay peddlers selling goods such as china, glass and earthenware. Today you can still see some of the original slaughterhouses for cattle and stables for horses.

By the 1900's the timber roof was in a dangerous state of disrepair and was replaced by the current steel trussed and glazed roof in 1908, when the slaughterhouses were also closed. In 1905 the market bye-laws were changed to enable trading six days a week with the exemption of Sundays, Christmas day and bank holidays.

At the end of World War I horse traffic declined and the stables were used for storage. After World War II the wholesale fruit, veg, meat and fish stalls of Greenwich Market went through a gradual period of decline until the 1980s.

The 1980s saw a revival in the fortunes of Greenwich Market; the first arts and crafts market opened on 14th May 1985. Crafts and food can currently be found in the market, and some days antiques are featured in the booths.

The Food Booths offer a wide variety of ethnic foods from around the globe.  We saw food from Asia, South America, Europe and the Mid East to just name a few. Yet what caught my eye was Peatchey Pies, serving traditional English Pies.  The young man serving the pies was surprised I knew it was National Pie Week here in London from March 5-11. We chatted about pies and travel and ordered up a Steak and Ale Pie with mash for our lunch.  Yes we were a bit peckish, but I must say we both found the Pie to be excellent with very, very tender beef in a savory gravy. 


The pies are made with high quality ingredients and yes they are each hand made.  So if you should be visiting London, and are desiring a great pie, Find Peathchey Pies and you will not be disappointed.  




This courtyard pays tribute to Lord Nelson. Often overlooked it is worth a minute of ones time. 


Royal Observatory


Entry to the Painted Hall, 


Much is symbolized in this painting at the front of the Painted Hal. A tribute to the Royalty, the success and bounty of England, death in trade, peace, strength and more can be found in this work. 



Scaffolding for the Conservation 


Having visited this great hall in the past I never imagined I would have the opportunity to see this work so close.


A tribute to a British astronomer is dated April 22, 1727. This date coincides with a solar eclipse predicted before the completion of the ceiling.  


Portraits one of the last retired seamen to live on the grounds.



We then made our way to The Painted Hall  at The Old  Royal Naval College. The ceiling and walls were conceived and created by Sir James Thornhill,  and the building was designed by none other than Christopher Wren.    It took from 1707 to 1726 to complete. This was at a time when England was coming to power in the World.  The hall was initially used as a dining hall for the retired British seamen.                                                

Currently  this amazing Baroque art, which covers 10,000 square feet, is being refurbished. To assist in the restoration project, guided tours are offered  at a cost of 10 pounds, to assist  in this endeavor. The tour lasts just a bit over an hour. The amazing element of the tours is one gets to climb the scaffolding to observe the art work up very close and personal.   The working platform has been built 7 feet below the ceiling, so you are very, very up close and personal.  There are many hidden tidbits as past restoration workers left notes as they signed the ceiling. 

The Painted hall is also very special as it was here Lord Nelson laid  before being taken to St Paul’s for his final resting spot in St Paul’s Cathedral. 

These tours are being offered through the summer of 2018 and should not be missed. One will never have the opportunity during our lifetime to observed the ceiling in such  fashion.  So much history I can simply not relate it all and I assuredly have more to learn about this hall.  A plus to learn more are the notes of Sir John Thornhill explaining his masterpiece. 

We were feeling rather tired and headed back to our hotel to settle in and make plans for the week if we can stay awake. 




Cutty Sark’s  figurehead  Nannie Dee who chases Tam o’ Shanter, snatching his horse's tail before he escapes by crossing water.





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