By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand

The feature about All Hallows by the Tower that really surprised me was its museum in the undercroft. Small, but with some astonishing artefacts and historical documents that give you a fantastic sense of some of London's history. They also have the best preserved Roman mosaic floor.

I've passed this church by many times, mostly because of the proximity to the tourist hordes at the Tower of London, but I really enjoyed my visit - I recommend it to all.


I'm away for a few weeks, daily photos will continue to appear courtesy of Blogger's automated feature - as long as it is working.

The Horniman Museum

The aquarium yesterday is part of the Horniman Museum, correctly identified yesterday by one alert visitor.

This place is an absolute gem. Finding places like this, or more precisely the ability to find places like this after all these years, that almost defines London to me. I only happened on it by accident, on my way to Dulwich - I could have found it earlier by paying more attention. I urge you to visit if you haven't done so. If you have, you know what I'm talking about.

Building on the past

If you are wondering why the Guildhall is featuring so strongly these last few days, it's because I got to explore it for free on the London Maze.

The London centred Art Gallery and museum is small, but perfectly formed. Not only are there odd bits of London History - like this trowel with magnificent ivory (!!) handle, but also fascinating information. I particularly enjoyed finding out how bit of old buildings get reused in other places. I would say it is worth the modest entrance fee, or it appears you can see a lot more for free on Fridays.

The Geffrye Museum

Those of you who said The Geffrye Museum, give yourselves a cheer. This little gem of a museum is astonishingly overlooked (ok, I confess, I hadn't been in for probably 40 years before this), although they do sterling work with local schools.

It shows the changing style of the English domestic interior in a series of period rooms from 1600 to the present day. And with the magic of the Internet, you can visit without leaving your seat. It's set in an old Alms House, so these luxurious interiors couldn't be more different that its original use. I would urge you to pay a visit if you've not yet done so.

Two more interiors here and here. Oh and a new addition to my "London Links", too.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map

The Hunterian Museum

I couldn't take photos inside, but I have to tell you about the Hunterian Museum. Based in the Royal College of Surgeons, it has the most fantastic collection of gory stuff you will ever see.

A worthy candidate for one of the most overlooked museums in London it is primarily the collection of the work of John Hunter who died in 1783. This collection charts the growth of human medical knowledge and the search for understanding that leads to this day, where medical science provides a safety net for our lives. Although you can't photograph inside the museum, the website has excellent pictures and history. A picture of the impressive staircase leading up to it is here.

And very pertinent today, as I am entrusting my wellbeing to a member of this august society for a minor op.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map

Hatching Out

The London Daily Nature Photo had a picture yesterday of a plant that hasn't changed since dinosaur times. Which apparently is only a couple of days ago according to this photographic proof. OK, no need to worry - I confess - this a model of a dinosaur in the Natural History Museum, captured by Miss Ham on a recent visit. If you can't get there for whatever reason, they have some excellent on line dinosaur stuff.

A Darker Docklands

As I said yesterday, there was a lot to see and do in the Museum of Docklands. I thought of showing you a picture from the Old Time Music Hall performance, as I took a short video, too. Then I thought, a shot of part of the re-creation of old Docklands scenes, but I realised that you wouldn't be able to experience the smells that they had added (!!!) that transform the experience.

Instead, here is a reminder of the casual racism that was part of the warp and weft of life until not that long ago. One of the things this museum does particularly well is its handling of slavery and its consequences. No over-sentimentality, no beating of chests, just the story straight down the middle, well illustrated by artefacts. It is all the more powerful for that.

The Museum of Docklands

This last weekend, the Museum of Docklands was celebrating its fifth birthday, and there were quite a lot of things going on, including free admission. I've long been interested to see it, but as a cheapskate that thinks museums should be free, I had to avail myself of this opportunity. (Normal admission is £5, valid for a year)

The story of the Thames and Docklands IS the story of London, and I'm pleased to report that this museum does it justice. These people are examining a model of the old London Bridge, crafted in amazing detail, including skulls on spikes. There is a lot to see in the museum, for all ages, and they cover a range of subjects interestingly and engagingly. So much so, I may well feature another aspect in coming days.

See where on the London Daily Photo Map

Redbridge Museum

It was the Diamond Geezer's latest "Random Borough", to my own area of Redbridge that shamed me into visiting our local museum. I knew it was there, but I'd never visited. I can now confirm that although it isn't something to inspire a special journey, it is worth popping in if you are in the area. Lots of stuff, aranged from the perspective of people living through past times and events, plenty for children to push, turn and smell and emough for adults, too. Even an exhibit on cycling, can't be bad.

Read Diamond Geezer's Random Borough Ramble here, here and here.