A wide set of goals today. Virginia Ann, still in a conference, sent me on a mission to find antique jewelry.
The hotel recommended Camden as a place with plenty of shops and a district of small dealers.
It was
laid out in 1791. The town became an important location during the early development of the railways and is also
located on the London canal network. Its industrial heritage has made way for retail, tourism, and entertainment,
including a number of internationally renowned markets and music venues that are strongly associated with
alternative culture.
Walking from the subway station toward the markets - only about 3 blocks - you can see the reason Camden Town is
an industrial hub. Here is one set of locks on the Regent's Canal another is just behind me on the other side of
the bridge.
Right along the canal is a rail-road. The market area is between the canal and the railroad. The number of shops
is amazing - easily pushing a hundred. There were old stables on the location, and they have been used by
merchants on three or four levels. Asian food is everywhere.
Camden Town is also known for the alternative clothing and 'stuff' in the markets. There seemed to be a pretty
healthy competition between the tattoo parlors with over-the-top building decoration.
After Camden Town back to the subway and I popped out at the foot of the Christ Church and Upton Chapel. Here is
the Lincoln Tower or the steeple of the church.
The Christ Church and Upton Chapel was completed in
1873. The local clergyman received donations to build the church, and due to his support of the Union during the
American Civil War, the spire was known as 'Lincoln Tower' and had a stars and stripes pattern on it. The church
was hit during the Second World War, and only the spire remained.
The police station on Kennington Road.
I was headed to the Imperial War Museum. I spent over 3 hours wandering all the exhibits. The history of Britain
and the wars since the 19th century were well laid out and had great items in the exhibits.
A picture of a WWI diorama in the Imperial War Museum.
A new skyscraper going up in London - Shard London Bridge building. It will be the tallest building in the
European Union and the 45th tallest in the world. You will be able to view London from the 72nd floor.
The skyscraper Strata SE1, informally known as The Razor. This is a residential building. On top, and not very
visible from here, are wind turbines for generating power.
From the Imperial War Museum to Canary Wharf.
This is the Citigroup Centre skyscraper - the 3rd tallest building in
the United Kingdom at 334 feet.
HSBC Tower - it is the same height as the Citigroup Center skyscraper
The big three - from left to right - the HSBC Tower, One Canada Square, and the Citigroup Center. One Canada
Square is the tallest building in the United Kingdom at 770 feet. Right in front is a restaurant complex leading
to an underground shopping center.
Morgan Stanly building
Back to link up with Virginia Ann for dinner. First a stop on the opposite bank
of the Thames River from the Palace of Westminster for some dusk shots.