Sweetbriar Dreams

So where shall we go on our journey today?

Saturday 3 August 2013

So, Where Shall We Go On Our Journey Today? - Greenwich, London

Oh where do I start with this post?  My emotions are running high so I am sorry if I ramble on.  The air was so charged when I said the question in my title to my two teenagers that I had to fight back the sort of sob that gets stuck at the back of your throat.  You see, this is what my Grandad Tom used to say as we came out of the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and I am ashamed to say that Greenwich is the one place I have never taken them.  They have come close by coming to the Docklands Museum with me and I have pointed over the river to Greenwich, but this place has been personal to me - it's 'my place', the place that is embedded in my heart.  This place holds the dearest of sweet memories to me as this was where I spent a huge amount of my childhood, teenage years and into my twenties exploring places with my Grandparents, especially my wonderful Grandad Tom.  We would travel from Seven Kings in Ilford to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, walk under the Thames and come out at Greenwich looking straight up at the Cutty Sark.
The year that he died the Cutty Sark had a fire which was of huge upset to those with such a love of the place - I am so glad he never lived to see this happen as it would have been such a hefty blow.  Thankfully, this has now been restored and visitors can now walk beneath it.  So Grandad wherever you are, do you remember this question you would ask me as soon as we came out of the tunnel? "So, where shall we go on a journey today?", well let's start with the Cutty Sark like we used to and I can lead you by the hand to see something you never saw...the underneath, and I can show your Great Grandchildren the places you taught me about, the history this place encapsulates, and the detail that you wrote about in your papers.

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel?  I hear you ask, yes, it runs under the Thames from Canary Wharf to Greenwich.  A small tunnel with a lift (or stairs) that is visible either side.  Now, when I used to go under this it never appeared to be that wet - bearing in mind that you have the Thames above you.  This time I didn't feel as safe, and I have to say that the news from people was that you can never tell if it is open or not - the good news is that for the first time since it's finished construction at the beginning of the last century, it is now being looked at.  Even so, the smell of the damp cellar type mustiness and coldness of the air sent my memories dancing.  The last time I walked under here was with Grandad Tom.
As you come out of the Victorian building that holds the lift and stairs you are greeted with a slightly different scene of the Cutty Sark.  She has been fully restored and risen from her dock and looks as though she is riding the seas once more.
Then for a family ticket of £29.00...and worth every single penny in my book!  You get to see the restoration works that have been painstakingly completed.  The raised ship with its new sheathing of metal alloy made from 70% copper and 30% zinc.  The original metal of Muntz would have originally covered the hull below the waterline to stop barnacles from attaching themselves and helped the Cutty Sark sail smoothly through the water.

Isn't she impressive!!  How his heart would have burst to see this.  The happiness that would have cloaked him.  I felt he was with me every step of the way and when I asked one of the guides if I could touch the hull, she was more than happy for me to do this - and I did...for him!

Once on board I realised this was not the old dark, tar smelling ship that I knew of old.  This had now been cloaked in technology, imagination and linking itself to a knowledge thirsty audience.  After all, I used to have an expert guide in my Grandad taking me around but now the audience wants interaction.  He would have loved this and he would have fully embraced it.   This was a brilliant interaction piece!  You type in a name to see if they were ever on board.  Well, we knew he wasn't but had to take a photo of his presence on board this ship today!

There were tea chests as flooring (The Cutty Sark was a tea clipper).
And tea chests on the ceiling.
 The new rope that was tying the rigging looked wonderfully fresh against the old structure.
How on earth did they know which one to climb up and deal with?  Along with how to unleash the lifeboats if needed?
While we were looking over to the Isle of Dogs we saw a wonderful sight, another ship going down the Thames - without sails.  Oh and see the whitish dome on the right?  That's the other end of the foot tunnel!
I took LOADS of photos, and if you want to see more, there is a link at the bottom of this post that will take you to my Flickr album of the day.

OK, you still with me?  The view of the Isle of Dogs is one that I have seen grow over the years.  The places we walked taking photos of buildings and roads that were about to be demolished for the regeneration, long before the Olympics was even a glimmer for that area to be renewed.  You see, the Isle of Dogs used to be what my Grandad would call a slum.  He lived there with his family until the 1930's when once again the Thames flooded and a huge exodus was moved to the new houses in Seven Kings.  His neighbours all along the road in Seven Kings had lived there since that time!
So I have watched the gradual rise of this area from slum to millionaires paradise.  My ancestors would never believe me if I could tell them, they'd just shout out "You What? Yer 'aving a larf!"  So Grandma, Grandad and all my ancestors that lived in the Isle of Dogs...look how it's grown!  The views of the Isle of Dogs with the Canary Wharf Tower and major banking businesses filling the once productive dock yards of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
And, look how your Great Grandchildren have grown!  The two of them looked down from The Royal Observatory and were silent...taking in this amazing view - in my opinion, the best one of London.  I was proud, I was happy, I was sad, so many emotions that I fell silent too, using my camera to hide my tears.
This hill holds so many happy stories but the best one has to be my Great Grandma.  She was not your normal, conventional little old lady.  No, she hated old people and the fact she had become one herself! She was a little terror when smaller, knocking off policemen's helmets and getting into all sorts of trouble.  One fine day when I was very small, we all came onto this hill and she said to me to come and roll down it with her.  My Grandad took firm hold of my hand and said no, but that didn't stop this elderly lady dropping to her knees and promptly tumble down the steep hill.  I can still remember her skirt having no baring to her modesty, my Grandad's horrified face of embarrassment and my Grandma promptly running and shouting after her to get up.  The problem was, she couldn't, she was going so fast and laughing so much she couldn't hear!  When she reached the bottom she straightened herself up still laughing at the negative comments from my Grandparents but with a mischievous look at me and wink.  I noticed while we were up there that there has been a railing strategically placed to stop any further temptation!
The day took on so many sights and experiences and one that the teenagers enjoyed was standing either side of the Meridian Line - East meets West.  OK, warning shot coming...my hobbit feet on the east and west of the hemisphere!
Are you Ok? Not too shocked?...deep breaths, right I'll carry on.  Now, for a £15.00 family ticket you can wait for 45 minutes to stand for a few seconds on the Meridian Line with a nice big fancy modern structure behind you while your nearest and dearest jostles for space to take the photo.  OR, for FREE, you can get to the top of the hill and bear right through a little black turn style gate.  On the wall you will see this...
A direct continuation of the Meridian Line which runs down the wall and where my feet were (don't worry I won't show this again).  Also what was so sweet was these little love locks that had been placed on this line on the railings...
And so, back down the hill we headed towards The Royal Naval College and The National Maritime Museum.
The Museum would wait until another day but I wanted to show Mr and Miss Teenager The Painted Hall.  Miss Teenager loves her art but was saying that she was sure it wasn't going to be her thing.  Then...
'WOW' was her reaction when she walked in the front entrance to see just what those domes in The Royal Naval College hold.  They both stood not knowing what to look at next.

We went into the main hall where the paintings were even larger.
And then through to the back.
Here there were lots of tables but not elaborately decorated and adorned as they were when I last came.  Instead, very Harry Potteresque...

 And so, I decided that this had better be it for the day as Greenwich is too big to cram this all in.  I had seen the reflections of my life that was now past but I had two wonderful kids who had supported me with this trip and had loved it as much as I did with my Grandad.
 And thank you again Cutty Sark for starting the journey once again as you did with me and my Grandad.  Your  Great Grandchildren didn't want to go home...just like me!  And the next trip here is already planned.

If you want to see more of our trip, please visit my Flickr Set here

I hope you have enjoyed this little trip to Greenwich.  If you ever get to come to London please make the trip as you will not be disappointed.  It is not your usual tourist trap where you are jostled around, it is more sedate, open spaced and SO much to see and do.

Have a lovely weekend and week with you and yours.

Take care.

♥Chel

(Remember that if you want to see a larger version of my photos just click on one and a slide will appear)

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54 comments:

  1. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane with you Chel. Coincidentally my Grandad was a Tom too, or Tommy as he was known. Your superb photos just brought your story to life! I'm not sure I would fancy that walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel though, not alone at least. It really is a great part of London, somewhere I hope to revisit one day soon x

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  2. Oh Chel....what an amazing time I had with you on this trip! I feel as though I was there...:) Such beautiful sights and the memories you shared made me tear up a little myself. What precious grandparents you had....your love for them is evident in your writing. I so enjoyed every little part of this post and will be going to take a look at your other photos as well...:) Have a blessed weekend!

    Hugs, Vicky
    Life On Willie Mae Lane

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    1. Thanks Vicky, I tried to reply via email but you are a no reply blogger, I didn't think you used to be? Anyway, thanks so much for your sweet comment - I am emotionally drained after this post! Take care. Chel x

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  3. For certain - when I ever get back to London I will want to see this, and so will the Great Dane. All things about the sea fascinate him and history does it for me, so it will be on our list!
    It must have been quite a day for you - to visit a place that is such a part of your memories of childhood. A sweet day.

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  4. Wow, what a wonderful time you had. I feel like I was there, this was a terrific post. My grandfather had a career in the US Navy and loved ships. I remember a model of the Cutty Sark in his house when I was a child. I didn't know anything about it until your post, though. Thanks for the great tour. :)

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  5. Awesome! Thanks for the tour. Always great to go back to beloved places.

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  6. Fantastic post! I enjoyed the mixture of the past and the present; what beautiful memories of your Grandad Tom. I am so glad you all had such a wonderful time. The Cutty Sark is looking amazing. You are right, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is looking scary. I have never seen that much water down there.

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  7. What a wonderful post! I also have many happy memories of Greenwich - my sister used to work nearby and some of my earliest dates with my (now) husband were there when we were students, around the Cutters Sark (though not on board!) and climbing that very hill. Thank you for reminding me!

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  8. What a great day you had. Greenwich is such a beautiful place. Have you taken your children on a river trip? I've been on the Clipper a few times from Waterloo to the O2 and it's wonderful seeing the sights from a different angle. Passing the Royal Naval College is awesome! Going on to Woolwich and back through the Barrier is fun too. It still feels like going home to me, even though my family left 40 years ago. I know my mum missed the friendly people, finding the new housing estate rather quiet and dull! xx

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  9. A lovely day full of memories to pass on and share. Must admit though I'd find that tunnels a bit intiidating especially if I was on my own

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    1. Thanks Sue, yes I did feel a little bit more vulnerable down the tunnel than I have done before. We didn't go all the way through mainly because of the water that was seeping through the tiles!! Have a great weekend. xx

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  10. I enjoyed that tour in Greenwich very much. I've never been to the museum or the college or Cutty Sark, so I was thrilled to "visit" with you as a guide.

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  11. Thank-you for sharing your memories of you grandfather. He sounds like the perfect person to spend the day with. Isn't it amazing how a location can bring back such strong memories? I was in London the day of the Cutty Sark fire. I remember the sadness in so many Londoners that day. I've never visited the ship - but with it newly restored, I'll add it to my list of things to do on my return in 2015.

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  12. What an amazing place for an adventure. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

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  13. What a fascinating insight into an area that I am not at all familiar with. The Cutty Sark is amazing, especially the new structure - the things they come up with eh! This post has done your Grandad proud and has obviously brought back many memories and emotions.

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  14. Wow what an amazing day out. I can remember The Cutty Sark fire, I am so glad it's been so well restored. Wonderful photos. Thanks also for sharing you family stories, they were lovely to read and your Great Grandma what a great woman. I think we could do with a few more people like her.
    Ali x

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  15. A grand post, I can't wait to show it to ex-RAF hubby (on his walkabouts for the moment). Hello Coco, nice to meet you Sweetie! (Tell Mummy you don't look so ancient!)
    Glad I stumbled on your blog and willhave to check older posts!
    Blessings,

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  16. What a journey you have been on Chel, in every respect. I've not been to that part of London for years, but very impressed with the Cutty Sark restoration. It's a place that I'd like to visit for sure!

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  17. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing journey. I have to tell you within the first few paragraphs I was slightly choked up and by the end tears had appeared. Not only did you show us an amazing place but your reminiscence had me choking up, smiling and laughing.

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  18. Chel,
    What a beautiful trip and beautiful memories for you. Your story was very touching and brought back memories for me too! Your granddad would be very proud. I love making memories with my grandchildren and it sounds like you did. Great photo's also.
    Thank you for joining us at Let's Get Social Sunday. Your newest follower in all ways.
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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  19. You must have had a wonderful time, I loved the information, and the details that you included.

    You also took some amazing photos...wow.

    Jen

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  20. Such a lovely post. I'd really love to visit the Cutty Sark and Greenwich - I look forward to taking my kids there when they're a little older. x

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  21. What an incredible pics! I can see why that statement would have carried so much emotion and I am glad that you chose to share your special place with them and with us. T think the Cutty Sark looks amazing! I hope one day to make it across to see it up close.
    Have a great week!
    :-)
    Traci

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  22. I imagine your own children (and future grandchildren?) will have wonderful stories to tell of adventures they enjoyed with you.

    -Karen

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  23. You are just a wonderful writer. I was really touched by your sweet words and recollections. Not to mention, the photos are of beautiful sights I have never seen before.

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  24. Hi Chel, it looks like you had a wonderful day with your children sightseeing Greenwich and to be able to share with them the fond memories that you have of your grand parents. I love all the photos too. Take care and have a wonderful week.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

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  25. Great memories and views of your old stomping grounds with your dear Grandfather, Chel! Your Great Grandmother sounds like my kind of gal, rolling down that wonderful hill- I think it would be hard to resist! Love all the photos you shared with us and your dear, sweet memories. I love that I get to explore London through your wonderful blog, with your sweet narration of all your lovely memories. The Cutty Sark is wonderful and the college art is amazing. Thanks for taking me along! Hugs xoxo

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  26. What a lovely post with such super photos! I remember walking through that tunnel the first time we visited Grenwich on the docklands railway. I'm impressed with the refurbished Cutty Sark. What wonderful childhood memories you have of the area I've enjoyed reading them:)

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  27. Fascinating podt!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  28. Great set of photos, I like london :)

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  29. A great favourite of mine. A place to take the visitors that's for sure.

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  30. Wonderful photographs and memories of times with your Granddad! And nice to show your kids what masterpieces our ancestors could create.

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  31. Your photos are superb! from Cochrane, Alberta, Canada

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  32. What a grand tour! Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Wow, amazing tour and photos. So much to see and so many beautiful memories of your Granddad.. I really love the Cutty Sark! Lovely post!

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  34. What a wonderful walk down memory lane with you and your grandfather, Chel....and what a wonderful historical visit.

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  35. Wonderful tour and photos. I'm amazed how some neighbourhoods move up the social register just as some people do. ;)

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  36. Amazing photos! What a great place to visit.

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  37. Great photo's! We lived near Greenwich for four years and our son and his wife live in Blackheath now so we know these spots and the whole family took a stroll through the tunnel one New Year's Eve :)

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  38. Your photography is beautiful! What a fascinating trip. I hope to visit there one day!

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  39. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement on my blog at something to think about, you are so kind and real. I love your blog and I so enjoy meeting new people via the world wide web place.
    I get to see 'your world' through your cameras eye and that is very exciting. Keep sharing the beautiful sites for us all.
    AND let us encourage each other in this process.

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  40. You took such amazing photos! I looked at them last night and I think I dreamed about that ship and the tea chests on the ceiling! AMAZING!!! Hugs!

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  41. and what a fabulous journey. Wonderful story, history and images. Thank you for taking the rest of us along as well.

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  42. Thank you for the wonderful tour and sharing your memories of your grandfather and great grandmother it sounds like you have some wonderful memories with them. If I ever make it to England this sounds like somewhere I would like fingers crossed that I get there one day.
    Denise

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  43. Oh my - I've always wanted to visit...you've captured it most beautifully I may have to try harder at persuading the hubby for an imminent trip.

    Nina x

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  44. Wow what a lovely post - your photos are quite amazing - I am constantly passing on stories from my grandparents to my teens, what a lovely day trip for you all to remember :-) x

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  45. What a wonderful tour you have taken us on! I love the way the Cutty Sark has been set in a glass wave ... it's amazing to see it in this perspective. You've put your heart and soul into this post Chel. Memories of our loved ones are always close to the heart and difficult to relate to blogland, but I think you've shown us all that some people are just extra special in our lives. Your granddad sounds like he was a wonderful soul mate and obviously thrilled to have you share his interests. What a shame that you weren't allowed to join your great granny down that hill! I remember rolling down some large hills in my childhood with my dad joining us ;) Thanks so much for sharing this special place on earth and in your heart. Wendy

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  46. That a perfect sharing ! I had no idea that the cutty sark was a real boat : I always thougt its was just a brand of whisky... This museum must be so interesting !

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  47. Merci du partage,tres interressant !

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  48. I was really touched by your stories and the reflections upon a childhood with incredible people. Your great-grandmother sounds like a hoot!

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  49. These photos are just beautiful!! Greenwich is a very special place to me too as I live very close to all of the places you have described so I have lots of memories there, thanks for sharing yours :D

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  50. This is simply such a beautiful post - thank you for sharing your memories with us!

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