A few weeks ago we decided to check out Greenwich. I didn't realize it's actually an area in London. I'm not sure what I actually thought it was but having heard Greenwich Mean Time quoted all our lives, it was worth a weekend trip on the tube to see what was there. Greenwich is a district/borough in the South East part of London and is known for it's maritime history having been a seaside town originally, the home of the Prime Meridian Line and Greenwich Mean Time. Also, one of the first royal palaces was built here and was the home and the birthplace of both Henry the VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary I (Queen of the Scots).
The Old Royal Naval College is one of Christopher Wren's great architectural achievements. He is the same architect responsible for the re-design of the layout of the city streets in London after the great fire, as well as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Monument, and many of the other great architectural landmarks in London. Now a days the site is often the setting for many blockbuster period films.
inside the Painted Hall in the Royal Naval College
a closer look at the amazing ceiling mural painted by James Hornhill; it took 19 years for him to complete it!
memorabilia from the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film which was filmed here at the Old Royal Navy College!
one of the little side streets leading to Greenwich Market
Monmouth coffee - the absolute best coffee in London! Only located in markets, including our favourite Borough Market, and here in Greenwich market in the back of a cute truck!
Greenwich Market where we stopped for lunch
Greenwich Park (once a hunting ground for King Henry VIII) - on our way up to the top of the hill to see the Royal Observatory
at the top of the hill, looking back at the palace and the Old Royal Naval College at the bottom of the hill, and the tall buildings of Canary Wharf in the background across the Thames.
the Royal Observatory - the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the Prime Meridian and London's only planetarium
The Shepherd 24hr Gate Clock, Ordnance Survey Bench Mark and Public Standards of Length (exciting stuff ;) )
the Time Ball (we happened to be there when it dropped at 1300hrs and at the time, we didn't know what it was for, but now looking back at the pics of the signs it all makes sense ;) , see above)
William Herschel's telescope - a remaining section of his 40 foot telescope, with which he became famous for discovering the planet Uranus
the Prime Meridian - making it the official starting point for each new day and year
