Worth a visit?

Should you happen to be in the Macdonald's at Marble Arch, you will be sitting in the equivalent of the back row of the executions a Tyburn.  If that doesn't put you off your burger, nothing will!

Back to biking

You’ve probably seen David Cameron or Boris Johnson doing it – but don’t let that put you off! Cycling is increasingly becoming the most fashionable way of getting around London.  It’s not quite reached Amsterdam or Copenhagen levels, where every other person seems to be riding a bike, but cyclists are becoming more and more ubiquitous on the streets of London.  Whilst the Underground is arguably the most efficient and practical way of navigating the city, there is definitely something to say for enjoying the scenic delights of London while in transit.  Buses serve this purpose reasonably well – particularly if you seat yourself on the top deck. But for a more visceral, at-one-with-nature experience, you simply cannot beat a bicycle.

Of course, the growth in popularity of the humble bike is unlikely to be down to the sight of our esteemed new Primer Minister regularly cycling to work, or indeed the surreal and ungainly image of Boris’ haystack of blonde hair swirling in the wind as he makes his way across the Big Smoke.  More likely factors are a heighted awareness of environmental issues, a tightening of purse strings amid the recession, and a greater interest in health and fitness.  The authorities have certainly taken notice of this spike in cycling. Two cycle superhighways are due to open this summer – corridors of cycle lanes that will lead from south Wimbledon to Bank and Barking to Tower Hill – adding to what is already one of the largest urban cycle networks in Europe.  On top of that, there is the recent introduction of a cycle hire scheme in the Capital, which should make cycling an ever more visible activity over the coming months.  

The sheer size of London may scare off many would-be cyclists, but any proficient biker should experience few problems. The city’s motorists may not be the most considerate in the world, but they are used to sharing their roads with cyclists, and will generally be tolerant of them.  If you’re not confident enough to confront the city on your own, or with a partner, there are a number of expert tour companies that provide group trips, as well as route suggestions and other useful tips.  These tours are also good for ensuring you experience some of the city’s major historical and contemporary attractions.

BrakeAway Bike Tours operate daily London bike tours.  The chief tour guide, Chris Abbott, is London born and raised; yet spent five years living and working in San Francisco, spending some of that time employed as a walking tour guide. Now back on home territory, Chris’ knowledge and experience makes him possibly one of the best bicycle tours guide in London, largely because he is actually from here – a surprisingly rare commodity in the bicycle tour business!

JFK says

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride, according to Big John, so let's all get on our bikes and take the freedom road to progress.

Our friendly bobbies

Organized policing dates back less than 200 years. Until the Industrial Revolution of the early 1800s brought thousands flocking into cities, most crime was combated by the local constabulary with the help of the occasional citizen patrol. As the cities became more crowded, individual companies organized police forces to protect their interests. In England, one of the most prominent was the Thames River Police, created by the powerful West India Trading Company in 1798 to deter thefts along the London wharves.


The Thames River Police, numbering about 80 full-time men, policed by establishing a patrol presence in the London port. The private police force was so effective that Parliament authorized money to add the men to the public payroll. But for the most part the public was suspicious of waves of permanent police roaming the streets. But the plagues of urban ills brought on by surging immigration and mounting poverty began to weigh on Londoners.


If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, here's the film report of the Climate Camp protest:

blue skies ahead

The next couple of days promise some great cycling weather, including some seriously hot days, so get your shorts and sandals out and have some two wheeled fun.  Just make sure you watch out for taxi drivers: http://lydall.standard.co.uk/2010/06/cyclist-strangled-unconscious-in-oxford-street-by-taxi-driver-appeals-for-help.html

A Hanging Sunday Lunch

First double-tour day on Monday, just about recovering now.

Here's a link to my favourite pub of the week: http://www.whatsinwapping.co.uk/2010/05/31/prospect-of-whitby/

Unfortunately, you can't watch the hangings at Execution Dock whilst having your Sunday Lunch anymore; however, it still does good ale, food and has marvellous views over the Thames from both of their decks.