WELCOME TO THE GLOUCESTER PUB

KNIGHTSBRIDGE , London

(main picture above)

 

OK let’s start with a bit about technical London:  I.E. transportation, bedding down and that Kind of Stuff

 

First London has two main international Airports—Heathrow and Gatwick—–Heathrow has a train that goes every 30 min (or there about) and Gatwick every 1/2 hr.  Which one you land at depends on what airline you come in on.

 

 

I was in London since the pandemic (the above and most everything I have found is before I was there) and I found many changes including a lot more airlines fly in and out of Heathrow —especially Virgin—instead of Gatwick.  You can call your airline and get more info and then decide on your hotel etc.  It’s something that you and your fellow travelers will have to decide on.

 

UK Aviation: What Can We Expect From Airlines & Airports In 2024?

 

The train into London is very reliable, goes regularly all day—are non-stop—they cost about 28 pounds.  This is what I use but there are other options.

Transport and directions

 

The site above is from Heathrow but Gatwick has the same options just check out their site.

Find hotels near London Paddington Station, London from $90

I usually stay in areas near the station I come in to—Like Paddington for Heathrow  and Victoria from Gatwick

 

Hotels Near Victoria Station, London

 

Where to Stay in London | 12 Best Areas & Accommodation for All Budgets

 

Ok I’ll do the hotel in another episodes Let’s just send the rest of all this with a plan of a day of exploring London.

 

South  London’s most ancient town, situated directly across the Thames from the City of London

 

So what are we seeing Here?

 

 First let me point out something that might be of interest to you but that I didn’t include on our wanderings.  Note the ride on the left In picture below—you might want to include that in your day as well:

The London Eye

THE LONDON DUNGEON

Location & Directions

An animated models of plague victims to name just one highlight of this spooky and a bit gaggy too Attraction.

Tourists queue up outside the London Dungeons at London Bridge. The London Dungeon is a popular London tourist attraction,which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a grimly comedic ‘gallows humour’ style, attempting to make them appealing to younger audiences. It uses a mixture of live actors, special effects and rides.Opening in 1974, it was initially designed as more a museum of “horrible history”, but the Dungeon has evolved to become an actor-led, interactive experience.

 

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Welcome to the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret

 

 

Transport links

click above for details on reaching here from the London Dungeon .

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VISIT: Requires climbing a steep, precipitous spiral staircase and isn’t recommended for the older, physically impaired and other like persons.

 

Visit the oldest surviving surgical operating theatre in Europe

 

It is said that that no other museum visit quite stacks up to this site’s experience of (almost) getting your leg amputated in front of a live audience-without any Anesthetic or preoperative sterilization.  Added to all this is the fact that it is in the attic of a Norman Church and the operating theater is a sky lit circular room and rumor is that Florence Nightingale worked here.  -Luckily it is only make believe now and is said to cheerfully mix strange art projects and performances with authentic artifacts.  It includes the medical history of leeches, surgery with out any protection from the pain and even gives you some glimpses of grave robbers.

In the church garret where the operations once took place you can now witness live talks and demonstrations of the techniques that were then used. There are also medicine displays and lots of herbals. as well.

Top facts

 

From here we’ll finish off the morning at

 

Temple of Mithra

Directions

 

St Stephen Walbrook (above)

Walbrook is a London Ward:  The Ward of Walbrook is one of the 25 Wards that make up the City of London, otherwise known as the  The City or Square Mile

 

Mithra

Mithra was a Persian God of Light.   His site in London is within the ancient

City of London

and like much of London it sets on ancient sites but is populated with hundreds of people that live in the modern age, who while they  pass the steps to this area regularly they rarely if ever note it’s existence.

 

But in fact the temple might not have been found without an ancient practice:  War—set in a modern time–World War Two when building to repair bomb damage in the area revealed the temple’s location.

It is said that the god was born from a rock (on December 25 a date that it is said Constantine borrowed, when he made Christianity the national religion of Rome) and spent his early years with extreme hardships and ordeals

The site was originally below ground and there are many historians who feels it clearly shows how the Mithra worship had an influence on the development of Christianity,  which would eventually go on to ascend eclipsing and obliterate the Mithra Cult found by Roman Legionaires in Persia (now Iran)during the reign of Nero.  It is said to have has an emphases truth, honor and courage.

                  Mithraism  Persian religion

 

Next stop  is some place for lunch in the city

Pubs near ‘Mithras Temple (London)’

Directions from Mitra’s temple to Tower Hill

 

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This ancient and sacred site across the road from the tower of London is a park, but there is more.  It’s sacredness goes by the

the ancient Celts

who believed that it was the burial site of

Bran’s head.

 

 

Executions at Tower Hill & Tower Green

 

Now walk across the street from the execution site—stay along the street that goes to the main gate where you can  enter

 

 

YEOMAN WARDERS AT THE TOWER OF LONDON

Also called Beefeaters, they wear uniforms that very clearly date back to reign of the Tudors.

The Tudors: The Intrigue & Scandal Of Britain’s Sauciest Dynasty | Kings & Queens | Real Royalty 

 

But back to the guards they were called Beefeaters, a name which came from their daily ration of beef and beer which they received in the 17th c when beef was a luxury item and the Londoners are said to have been very resentful of the fact.  Today every Beefeater is a veteran of the Army, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force.

 

EXPERIENCE THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

 

 

 

William the Conqueror – First Norman King of England Documentary

 

The Tower was a fort built (the first section was the White Tower completed in 1079) by William the Conqueror shortly after London fell to his army following the death of the Saintly Edward the Confessor who had no heir.

Claimants to the throne in 1066

 

Over the years more buildings were added  as well as walls—and ghosts, including the  princes who may or may not have been killed by their Uncle Richard.

 

The 13 Ghosts Of The Tower Of London

 

You can call it a day—or leave the tower and cross to the church across the road.

All Hallows by the Tower

 

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation

 

And a little bit more information on surviving in London.

 

London’s Chains

Pizza Express–60 locations.  First opened 1950’s

 

Spaghetti House—-10 locations since 1955

 

Wagamama —– 24 locations in London—more in Ireland, Europe, even Turkey.  Ramen, Chilli, teppars, Japanese beer, juices and green tea

 

Angus Steak House— 8 locations Roast chicken and fish and chips as well.

 

Garfunkles —– fresh salad bar traditional favorite foods from Britain and the USA.  Looks like a small town US diner 12 locations

 

Strada —Modern Italian with large wood ovens–33 

 

 

OK bits and pieces are back next week so get yourself ready with lots of subject, quotes and all kind of crazy things.

 

Pursuits Weekly: Reasons to Love London, From an American Expat