Wren's Lantern

Yes, it is a clock, no it isn't a lantern, but I couldn't get in the church and I wanted to show you the richness of this small spot of London.

Still in the same place by Lower Thames Street, you can find one of Wren's Churches - and this one is special. Rebuilt after the Great Fire, Wren transformed the building and made it so bright and airy it became known as "Wren's Lantern". Read about its history here. I'll have to go back and take the inside photo one day - hopefully on a sunny one. A wider view of the deceptively plain exterior is here.

Swanning About

As promised, here's some of what you see from those seats under the trees. And a more idiosyncratic London theme you won't find. Because this is a statue of a Bargemaster and Swan Marker of the Vintner's Company, the person responsible for Swan Upping. Which, for people who can't be bothered clicking is the annual census of the swan population (which belong to the Queen) on a stretch of the River Thames. The ceremony of Swan Upping dates from the twelfth century and takes place during the third week of July every year. It has always been the duty of the Sovereign's Swan Marker to count the number of young cygnets each year and ensure that the swan population is maintained.

We're not done with this tiny corner of London yet - still some more secrets.

Green Oasis

After yesterday's sombre message, I take pleasure in bringing you the diversity of London. Hardly ten feet from the thunder of Lower Thames Street is a small oasis that typifies the contrast you find in London. Cheek by jowl with a murderous road, you'll find benches to sit under some of my favourite trees, sit a while, have your lunch, think, whatever.

I'll show you some more of this area over the next couple of days.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map.