Remembering the souls at Cross Bones

 Near Southwark Cathedral is a little garden, a memorial to many lives, approximately 15,000 They are paupers graves, for this area was once a place of  extreme poverty and in Victorian times was a slum known as the Mint. But going back further than that to the 12th century the area was the feudal land of the Bishop of Winchester and the ruins of Winchester Palace still stand near to what was the Clink prison.

An area of darkness, bear pits, taverns and ladies of the night, so called the Winchester Geese as they were licensed by the Bishop. It is believed that this patch of land not too far away from Borough Market was where they were buried and is unconsecrated land.

The land was closed to burials in 1853, 'completely overcharged with the dead' and so today the people are remembered by the living in a colourful and joyful way.

The site is a memorial garden looked after by a friends group and the metal railings surrounding are tied with colourful  ribbons and trinkets with messages written on them, It's a wonderful sight and each month on the 23rd there is an evening vigil.
 In the 1990's the Jubilee Line was extended and many of the graves were excavated by archaeologists who found much evidence of diseases like tuberculosis and small pox. There was a documentary on this which was so interesting, see this short clip.

You can find out more about Cross Bones here and if you are in London it's one of those unusual places that I recommend you visit. 

Where would my perfect home be?

Have you ever seen your perfect home but it's just not the right time to make that move? Happens to me all the time and I insist on putting myself through this torture by having a good look at all the new properties in my chosen area that go up for sale each month.

I found the ideal home this week, the right road, the right size house, so perfect. It's something about the curb appeal of a house that does the trick and the one I've seen looks a little like this: 1930's with a porch, a pretty painted front door and bay windows.

Image source: House to Home

Interiors-wise I am usually seduced by a spacious kitchen with room for a dining table and bi-fold doors that open into the garden so I can see what mischief my son is up to (and the dogs too). The open plan space is just what I want for family life with a range cooker and Shaker-style units, homely and lots of workspace for cooking. 

Image source: Ikea

However, I'm not moving yet but when I do, hopefully it will be on the wamer days and I can use these Summer Moving Tips. It may be raining but on a hot day, these tips are useful and recommend the removal as early in the day as possible before it gets too hot and lots of water to stay hydrated. Plus activities for the kids - most important!


For the moment I'm happy in the lush greeness of Cheshire but every time I visit London, I gaze longingly at the town houses with their window boxes of geraniums and picture perfect fronts. To live in the city for a while would be wonderful, experience the culture and the constant stream of life. I'd be at Borough Market and Columbia Road Flower Market for my blooms on a Sunday morning. 

I fell in love with this house in London with its gorgeous green door, iron work and leafy frontage, whoever lives there, well I am so envious. I would trade in and use a London Removals company to get me there as soon as possible. Nearby here are garden squares which we visited recently and the community feel in London was so much more than I expected.On a summer's day I adore the streets of London and if I had the money I would definitely give living there a try.

*Collaborative post

Field of Remembrance Westminster Abbey

The annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey was beautiful and I'm ashamed to say that I did not know about it beforehand despite it being an event that has happened for many, many years. I was absolutely humbled by the sheer number of little wooden remembrance crosses and poppies.

We walked around in the fading afternoon autumn light, a restful glow around Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church with the thousands of poignant memories of the fallen amongst the fallen copper leaves.

Certainly made me think a lot. All those lives remembered. A deeply moving and reflective walk. 

Victorian toilet at Wesley's Chapel, London

We were staying on City Road in London recently and just near the hotel was the John Wesley Chapel, the Father of Methodism - a great place to visit but what was a surprise was when the guide led us down some steps into the men's toilets......  Eyes adjusted, we were met with the most wonderful, yes I guess toilets can be glorious things, Victorian toilets in absolutely perfect condition and I'm told working order. 

Apparently this is the only remaining late Victorian toilets (1899) in the city and is a popular place for film and television productions to use should they need some authentic Victorian 'spend a penny' charm.  It has all the original fittings - marble wash basins, tiles, cedar wood cubicles, Thomas Crapper Valveless Waste Preventers  and the George Jennings 'Monkey Closets' (the urinals) . *chuckle*Now George Jennings I had not heard of before but he is the man who had significant input into introducing the public toilet. Famous for the retiring rooms at The Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace in 1851.  People using the toilets had to pay a penny for a clean seat, towel and shoe shine.  

I show you all the best places ;) 

The history girls

Back on a sunny October weekend in London with the history girls and for Richard III. Laugh -  never stopped all weekend with my best friends who inspire me so much. We had a quick look around Southwark Cathedral before having a couple of drinks by the Thames, waving at the boats going past. Yeah spot the country bumpkins, whooping and marvelling at everything.   The evening was to be spent meeting our London friends for a birthday party for Richard III, 563 years old and still winning the hearts of ladies. Well he is the best king in British history after all. Into the George Inn near Borough Market we went where we took over the top level, had a great meal, a Medieval quiz and a few glasses of wine raised  - To Richard, without whom we never would have met. We sound crackers don't we. As my friend Marion says - we are amiable lunatics. Nobody would eat Richard's face so it's probably tucked up somewhere by a bedside. 

I should add that this 17th century inn is spectacular and you must go if you are in London - the only galleried pub left in the city. Food is really nice and absolutely the whole experience is very atmospheric.
 The next day was the Societies' AGM where I purchased my own weight in books and we laughed some more. The talk was all about the arming of a knight complete with demonstration so just my thing. When you've found your tribe it just all fits together and the weirdness that makes your little heart soar is in good company. 

Colour me London photo walk

Walking. Colour. Snapping. A place I love, London's South Bank and a great place for some street photography with many arty pieces dotted around and colourful walkways.