Friday, January 24 – Harrow on the Hill

I’m taking a kind of off-the-beaten path walking tour today. I’ll be on the less-popular north bank of the Thames, heading downriver from The Tower of London. A walk less traveled!

The area covered includes the old docklands of Wapping, Shadwell and Limehouse, the original Tower Hamlets immediately east of the City. These districts have been redeveloped following the closure of London’s 19th century docks.

St. Katherine Docks, with Ivory House in the background. A hospital, medieval church and over 1,000 homes were demolished to make room for the dock, which opened in 1828.

The entrance locks to St. Katherine Docks. This narrow passage from the river is one reason the Docks were never a commercial success.

Wapping Pier Head. Georgian house built for officials of the London Docks Company. The garden covers the original entrance to the docks. (The Shard is everywhere!)

The boatyard of The River Police. Originating in 1798, the force was set up to deal with the endemic pilfering from the thousands of merchant ships moored on the river. They were the first properly organized police force in the country.

Limehouse Basin. This is the entrance to Regent’s Canal and thus to the whole of the national canal network.

This was an interesting area for wandering!

Saturday, January 25 – Harrow on the Hill

I was planning on sticking around the Hill today, working on the journal and travel planning. But it was just too nice outside; I had to get out and roam around. Let’s go!

I’ve chosen as my starting point Fulham Palace, located on the north bank of the Thames in southwest London.

Well, technically I’m starting my walkabout on the grounds of All Saints’ Church…

Fulham Palace was formerly the principal residence of the Bishop of London from the 11th century until 1973. The palace houses a number of restored historic rooms and a museum documenting its long history. The property abuts Bishops Park, once part of the estate, and contains a large botanical garden.

I’m now going to take the Thames Path upriver towards Hammersmith…

Sidenote: I’ve taken this picturesque walk in the past, and documented it in this journal, so I won’t be going into a lot of detail this time.

Sidenote: It turns out this event is the Quintin Head, where “Head” indicates it is a time-trial competition rather than head-to-head. The course is 4.6km long, running from Chiswick Bridge (University Post) to Fulham Reach (between Hammersmith Bridge and Harrods Depository).

This crew is fortunate in that their team facilities are not too far from the finish area (note the Hammersmith Bridge in the background); thereby reducing the distance they needed to row back upstream.

Here are a couple non-regatta photos from my walk along the Thames…

Sunday, January 26 – Harrow on the Hill

Sidenote: I received an email informing me that The Who will be performing again this year for The Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall. Two shows in March. I’m debating whether or not to attend the concert again this year. I’m leaning towards no. But, then again, it is The Who after all, and how many more opportunities will I have to see them in concert? (like zero!) Tickets don’t go on sale until Friday morning, so I have a few days to have a think on it. Your feedback is welcome!