Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge was build in 1886 thru 1894. It is a bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames in London. It is one of the iconic symbols of London. The colors are the bridge are quite unique, it was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee. The bridge was originaly designed because of increased commercial development in the East End of London in the 19th century. The construction of the bridge post a particular problem because it would cut off taller ships to the more inland ports. It is from here that a council of designers was developed to solve the problem. It took several year before a design was settles on and then eight more years to build the bridge. This is also the bridge featured under construction in the motion picture Sherlock Holmes and The Mummy Returns.
Today, there are exhibition tours that one can take to see the inner working of the bridge including its original hydraulic system, walk the elevated walkway and much more. Tickets for this event can be purchased
here and they are open from 10:00-17:30 April-September with the price of an adult being £8.00.
MAP
Shakespeare's Globe
A piece of Shakespeare still lives today, ok sort of. The globe theater is the original theater that William Shakespeare wrote most of his plays for. It was build by his playing company. The original globe burnt down during one of the plays, a second was reconstructed, and now today there is a modern restoration that exists. This is one of my most anticipated sites. It is here that some of the greatest plays ever written were performed and are still performed today. All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players. This amazing place will be hosting a variety of plays during the year: Henry V, Richard III, Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet and As You Like It. Some of these plays are produced by the local players and other are traveling groups that stop in. Over all there are tons of plays that are being performed the whole time that i will be in London. In essence if there is a play i want to see chances are i can find a night that it is being performed. For the Middle Gallery tickets run about 18-32.
Ticket and Info Here MAP
Palace of WestMinster
This is a beautiful Gothic looking palace in London, part of the majestic palace is the famous icon of Ben. Big Ben is the nickname for the worlds largest four faced chiming clock. The bell in this clock weighs more than 13 tons. Also of note is palace now hold the houses of Parliament. One interesting note is that there is a light that is just above the clock face that is illuminated to let the public know when parliament is in session.
The history of Ben includes a fire that destroyed the Palace of Westminster, the decision to rebuild to palace as the Houses of Parliament. When building the Houses of Parliament the decision was made to include a tower and a clock.
Tours of parliament are available on Saturdays and Sundays all year and every day during the summer.
Somerset House
This landmark is the beautiful Somerset House mansion. The London mansion was perserved by a trust that was established in July 1997 called the Somerset House Trust. Their goal has been to perserve and share this beatiful mansion and it bordering grounds. As part of this trust they have turned this beatiful house into showcase for the Gilbert collection of gold, silver, mosaics. They host art exhibitions and films in the court. There is a historical roming cast of figures such as Protector Somerset himself and Princess Elizabeth. In addition the host now host a restaurant, deli, and a shop. May 1 - 31 the Somerset House will be hosting the World Stages London. This is a "once-in-a-lifetime celebration through theater of the exhilarating diversity of London's people and culture."
There are a few plays that i'm really wanting to look more into.
INFO
BABEL
£22.50 Tuesday-Thursday
8 May - 20 May
This is a very unorthodox play that seeks to show some of the traits and nature of man. What is culture, what is society, what is man?
THREE KINGDOMS
£12.50 - 35
3 May - 19 May
This is a "dark new thriller" that focuses on the story of women, gangs, and the police forces across Europe that attempt to control trade.
Museum Of Freemasonry
The Freemasons' hall has been the center for freemasonry for over 230 years and is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. This Lodge is the oldest Lodge in the world. The hall was completed in 1933 as is very ornately decorated. Originally the hall was a memorial to the masons that were killed in WW1 but was converted to a hall later. The halls predecessors were used for all kinds of meetings and movement that shaped British history: religious events, play readings, balls, concerts, literary evenings, Anti-Slavery Society, and the British and Foreign Bible Society. One of the main features of this grand building is a Memorial Shrine that commemorates 3225 men who died in WW1. This Shrine include a intricate stained glass window, the theme of which is Peace through Sacrifice, with the angle of peace carrying a model of the tower of the building. At the bottom is a memorial casket that contains a scroll with the names of those who died. One of the interesting things about the masons is their tie to our church. Tours are available at 11, 12, 2, 3,4 at no charge.
INFO Map
It was a great day with another crazy morning! We got up early and took off to Borough Market one of the worlds greatest food markets. We had all kinds of great food and just enjoyed making new friends.
After Borough market we went in and visited another great cathedral in London and walked all along the Thames river. While walking along the Thames we saw reminents of Bishop's mantion, a pirate ship, the London millenium bridge, the London Bridge, Big Ben, the eye of London, and much more.
