In Search of Ancestors and Gardens - London

                                                     
 Londoners on their way to work.


Returning to London after an interval of six years was a little daunting.  Mainly because this time, I was coming back on my own.  After my 80th birthday, I was more conscious of time going by at a fast rate and that I should get moving, if my plans to return to England and look further, for the places my ancestors lived was to be realized.  Maybe one of my friends would come with me.  I made the decision that I would go whether or not a friend accompanied me.

On arriving in the UK with bookings for four nights in London, a week in Cornwall and a 8 day coach tour of Gardens of Ireland, my first priority was to go to bed early in the evening and try to make up for sleep missed during the long flight from Melbourne. 

First on the list for next day was a visit to Hanover Terrace,  Marylebone to find number four where great-great-grandmother Martha Guy was a servant.  What a beautiful address opposite Regent's Park.  Martha married John Eyres, butler, of Montagu Square, Marylebone in St.Marylebone Parish Church.  Four of their children were born at Hanover Terrace.

I had asked the taxi driver to stop for a short time while I took photos, and from there to take me to Selfridges.  While chatting with him, I mentioned that my Grandfather was born in Hackney.  He told me that he also was born in Hackney, the next street to where Grandpa was born!    

Next a visit to Selfridges, Department Store.  Beautiful and expensive, where I met a lovely salesgirl who allowed me to photograph her.  It was a reminder of my first job when I worked in a large department store and the required attire was smart black.   I was attracted to the cakes counter here, as well as the perfumes.

 


Leaving the store and walking several blocks, I found the stop for the 'Hop on, hop off ' buses.  After a short while, my bus arrived to take me on the 'blue' circuit, which would eventually bring me back close to my hotel.  I was able to sit in the front seat upstairs. What a great view from this vantage point of all the activity along the way, as well as many interesting buildings.     

                             

                                                       

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens were lovely in their Spring dress.  I enjoyed taking some leisurely walks among the lawns and garden beds.

The lovely streets close to Hyde Park

Visiting the Alexander Fleming Museum at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington was humbling.   A tiny laboratory, with much of his equipment on display, belied the significance of the discovery which took place there.  What a life saving event the discovery of penicillin has made to millions, including one of my family who received it in the late 1940's soon after it's first release to the public.

The Museum is situated in the tower on the right. 

Next, a train journey from Paddington to Penzance.  I was happy to leave the city and travel to the West country to spend a week in Cornwall - a five hour journey.  

Statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel the engineer who designed the Great Western Railway and this impressive station.   He was also responsible for many of England's other great engineering works.

It has taken a while to post about my holiday.  Since arriving home, jet lag and a persistent cold, plus a second cold took their toll.    I'm feeling very well now and will continue with my travel story over the next few weeks.