Our day friday was spent mainly wandering around the Museum of London, a truly amazing place. We took the No. 11 bus all the way St. Paul's Cathedral and got off there. Mum and I had already decided that we weren't going to go in, it is quite expensive and we just don't have time to do anything. We did stop and take a few pictures and it turned out that you can go in and see some of the inside before you have to pay admittance.
View of the front of St Paul's Cathedral
Looking toward the back of St. Paul's Cathedral
Looking across to the other side of St Paul's Cathedral
(at this point the lady came along and said we couldn't take pictures so this was the last one I took of the inside.)
From St. Paul's we headed off to find the museum. We wandered some back streets in the general direction of the museum and came across this little gem of history (they seem to be tucked around every corner and down every alley of this city). This gateway, called Temple Bar, marked the boundary between London and Westminster. Erected in 1672, it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and it survived the Great Fire of London. If you are interested, you can go here to see a picture of Temple Bar taken in 1880.
Plaque with information about Temple Bar
Temple Bar
Wooden gate from Temple Bar
These doors were covered with carvings and inscriptions
We finally arrived at the museum, and spent about 3 1/2 hours there. It was GREAT! The exhibits were really well done, interesting and family friendly. This museum doesn't seem to be as tourist which was nice. There were still lots of people here, but it didn't seem quite so crowded. The museum covers the history of London from prehistoric times up to present day. Both Mum and I enjoyed it and felt that we could happily go back again. There were so many interesting displays that I ended up taking about 150 pictures in the museum. I wont inflict all of them on you. Instead, I have I have picked out some of my favourites to share.
Bronze Age Tools and Shield
Early (pre-Roman) Coin Hoard
Medieval Saint Idol
Medieval Corbel - Woman in a Wimple
Medieval Figurine of Mary and Jesus
Plate to Commemorate Queen Elizabeth
(Inscription reads; "The Rose is Red, The Leaves are Green, God Save Elizabeth Our Queen")
Death Mask of Oliver Cromwell
They had a an Oak Cell from Wellclose Prison (c. 1750) and you could walk right into the room and look at the walls which were covered with carvings. I don't know how well you will be able to see these but they were really quite impressive!!
Carving of a Castle
(you can make out the battlements and towers at the top)
Inscription
(Reads "Our Cupboards Empty/ To Our Sorrow/ But Hope It Will/ Be Full Tomorrow")
Ceremonial Carriage of Lord Mayor
(Still used for ceremonies)
Side View of Lord Mayor Carriage
I don't know who painted this, or what it is called, but I really liked it.
I think that is all for now. I am off to bed.
Love From London
Michelle
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