Greenwich, September 6, 2014

The Monument
September 2, 1666 a fire began in a baker’s house, it was finally put out September 5, after destroying much of the city. A monument was built 61 meters from where the fire started to remember The Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the city. It was built between 1671-1677. We didn’t climb up, but apparently you get great views of London. Entry is £4. Morbid fact- 6 people have committed suicide by jumping off the viewing deck. Now the viewing deck is enclosed with an iron cage.

The Tower of London...again

We stopped by the Tower of London again because we wanted to see the art instillation Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red.  This commemorates 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in WWI. Paul Cummins, the ceramic artist has created 888,246 ceramic poppies to represent a British military fatality during the war. This instillation runs August 5 until November 11, 2014. You can also purchase the poppies for £25 each, benefiting 6 charities. 

It has been all over the news here and even the Royals went to see the instillation. This was on our way to Greenwich so we had to make a pit stop! It is really cool! If you will be in London before November 11, I suggest you add this to your to-do list

Boat to Greenwich
We decided to make a day trip to Greenwich. We have heard it's a cute little place, and where the Prime Meridian is located. We had no plans and just planned to get there and see what we wanted to do! We took a water taxi from the Tower of London. It was a little misty but was filled with great views and information about landmarks we were passing.

On the river taxi

Tower Bridge

Waving to those on the bridge brings you 5 years good luck

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This was the last place for sailors to wave goodbye to loved ones as the headed to sea.

Butlers WHARF was an old tea factory turned luxury loft apartments. Penthouse recently sold for  £1.5 million.

Judi Dench lives here

Helen Mirren lives here

Well turns out we picked a great day to go. The Tall Ship Festival was going on, and there was even a cruise shipped docked. It was packed!

Greenwich from the taxi

Cutty Sark

A British clipper ship built in 1869. She was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest at 17.5 knots.

Shepherd Gate Clock

Located outside the Royal Greenwich Observatory is an early electric clock. It displays the Greenwich Mean Time in the 24 hour analogue dial format, and does not show daylight saving time.

Prime Meridian

East and West

Time Ball

The time ball sits at the top of the Greenwich Observatory and has dropped at 1pm since 1833. About 5 min till it rises up. Sailors would watch for it and set their clock to it. This is where the phrase “keep your eye on the ball” come form. We were lucky enough to watch it drop at 1pm on our water taxi. I even caught it on video!

Greenwich from the Observatory