When One is Tired of London...

We started bright and early in London for the annual Open House weekend when buildings not normally open to the public ,throw open their doors. It's an excellent opportunity to have look at some of the hidden treasures. The scheme extends across all the London boroughs but we decided to concentrate on the city. Started at St Botoplph's Church Aldgate (the oldest working organ in London) then went over to Trinity House just opposite the Tower of London. This is the home of the Lighthouse Authority and so full of all things naval. A beautiful Georgian building with an immaculate interior. From there down to Upper Thames street and the home of the Worshipful Company of Vintners. A very opulent interior, richly panelled and many fine treasure of silver and glass as well as many images of swans as the company own some of the rights to swan upping. In contrast our next find was a gem - the remains of a 2C Roman bath house hidden under what was the Coal exchange near Billingsgate Fish market. Amazing to think it lay hidden until 1848. Then onto Dr Johnson's House in Gough Square whose quote sums up my feelings - I will never stop finding London fascinating. And finally my favourite I think. The church of St Stephen Wallbrook which was rebuilt very soon after the Great Fire of London by Wren and has the first domed ceiling,(above) his prototype for St Paul's. It was also the parish church of Dr Chad Varah who founded The Samaritans and the cherry on the cake- has a cylindrical Henry Moore altar in the middle of the church under the dome. Beautiful. A really interesting day out.