The Modern Towers of Bishopsgate

Yesterday our U3a London walk took us around and through Bishopsgate, an area just a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street station. Bishopsgate was one of the original gates in London's Roman wall, and the road leading from it, Ermine Street, was a key Roman route. Our London guide took us around some of the towers which have been built in and around Bishopsgate and described the challenges which architects and builders have faced in creating them. Some of the buildings are the shape they are because they were not allowed to obscure the view to St Paul's Cathedral.

St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace Venue

with the Gherkin in the background.

70 St Mary Axe, informally known as the Can of Ham because its shape resembles a can of Ye Olde Oak Ham. It's unclear how the street called St Mary Axe got its name. Some historians believe the church's full name of St Mary, St Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins is a legend dedicated to St Ursula who was a third- or fourth-century British princess who travelled to Rome then Cologne with an unlikely retinue of 11,000 virgin handmaidens. While on their journey, they were captured by Huns and when they refused to copulate or marry them they were massacred.

Another (more credible) theory suggests the name came from the Worshipful Company of Skinners, who were patrons of the church and used axes.

Staying with the food theme is 122 Leadenhall Street, also known as the Leadenhall Building, Leadenhall Tower or informally the Cheesegrater,

because of its wedge shape.

There are various temporary art installations around London.

This large crumpled paper bag is coated with genuine gold leaf!

A few lovely old buildings still remain.

Many of today's modern buildings are built off site and erected in blocks, they go up quickly and come down quickly. They have a life expentancy of approx

10 - 15 years, after which they become obsolete.

This one is in the process of coming down.

Made with lots of glass and modern materials

I think most of the buildings are quite nice

Except the Lloyds of London building. Nicknamed "turned inside out"

we all thought it was ugly.

Leadenhall Market was the end of our tour. M and I meandered around a bit before heading back to the station,

or rather to Eaterly for some much needed sustenance.

Back home I stopped off at the pond to check up on mummy and daddy

Canada Geese and their lovely fluffy baby. The ducks look as if they are guarding the baby as well!

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x