I leave the cafe and head in the general direction of Victoria in what will be the final leg of the journey to Marylebone Station. The roads are all pretty wide with large white houses, many of which are budget hotels, Victoria it seems is the land of the budget hotel and backpacker hostel. I pass a lot of the sights that I took in on my journey from Pall Mall. I pass Little Ben and Westminster Cathedral again and it crosses my mind to go in and up the tower, but like the last time I was here its poor weather so the views will not be so good. I continue along Victoria Street but I must have taken a wrong turn as I come across an interesting looking building, Blewcoat School. The school was founded in 1688 as a school for the poor and at the time only admitted boys. However the building in the photo was built in 1709 and the school relocated here, Caxton Street. The boys wore a distinctive uniform of long blue coats (hence the name) and long socks that were soaked in saffron, which was said to deter rats and gave them their colour. The school admitted girls from 1714 until 1876. The school operated until 1926. During World War II it was used by the American Services and after the war the girl guides used it as a youth club. In 1954 it was bought by the National Trust and used as a gift shop and information centre. In 2014 it was bought by British designer Ian Stuart and opened as a high end boutique specializing in bridal wear. It featured in the Channel 4's 'The Posh Frock Shop' along with owner Ian Stuart. There is speculation that it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is a Grade I listed building. The closest tube station is St James Park. I continue walking until I see one of the city's most famous buildings, Buckingham Palace. Due to a combination of the weather and the time of year its not so busy with tourists. I take a couple of photos and carry on walking. I begin to lose my bearings around now but just continue heading north, through Green Park, into Mayfair, with Park Lane and Hyde Park to my left, hoping to arrive at Marylebone Station as soon as possible, its been a long walk. Maybe half an hour later I find myself turning onto Marylebone Road and the final destination in sight.
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AuthorLouis Mogg. Archives
March 2020
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