Originally a mansion overlooking the salmon-rich waters of the Thames (no, really), it passed through various Royal hands over the years, and also a number of renovations. In 1771, massive work was undertaken to turn the site into public offices for (variously) the Navy, the Salt Office, the Stamp Office, the Publick Lottery Office, the Hawkers and Pedlar Office, the Hackney Coach Office, etc etc, and the IRD.
Thames entrace...
Impressively structured on a number of levels, the final building incorporates reclaimed land and a vast courtyard. The main government department in the early days was the Admiralty, leading to the legend that Nelson worked in the building for a time.
Old Catholic graves left over from the original mansion church...
There is an array of fountains the central courtyard, which fire vertical jets of water to random heights. Great fun on a blistering hot summer's day!
Walked to St James park (via the Strand and Trafalgar Square) afterward to chill out with Connor and Jimmy Gunson.
In the evening we had a house warming party at my boss' house. We had to catch an overland train, the Underground, and the DLR to get there.
It was great big Australian-style apartment complex in Pontoon Dock, overlooking the Thmaes Barrier. This is a flood control structure (the second largest movable flood barrier in the wolrd), spanning 523 metres.
Cath's rabbits were about, but not feeling too approachable. (That's Anna's hand with a basil leaf, and even this tasty treat couldn't tempt Pootle to come closer...)
Dave and Cath's ice tray. Where can I get one?
The boss at the BBQ. Just like home!
A wonderfully orange moon over the city, as seen from the apartment deck. Must be the smog that gives it that colour, because I've never seend anything like it - yet, to the English, it was a perfectly common sight!
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