The awesome bits of London you've probably missed

I love to walk around London and it's something I actively try to encourage others to do, why because in a city full of alleyways you never know what you're going to find at the end of one.

So i've put together a list of some places you might just not have come across yet...

Lets begin with some historical places of interest.

Watt's Memorial - Acts of Bravery

The days of doing heroic deeds for others seem to be less and less these day and even if you do something exceptional for someone else that even cost you your life, you're not likely to be commemorated in any way....Well in 1880's things were different, thanks to one George Frederic Watt who wrote to The Times proposing a project to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The idea behind the memorial was that stories of heroism would uplift and stimulate people, which London in those days, they probably needed a little uplifting! And in fact we probably still do now, so pop along to see for your self.

So here we have in Postman's park Watt's Memorial - Acts of Bravery, with 47 tablets honoring those who gave their life for others, with stories such as ‘daughter of a bricklayer's labourer, who by intrepid conduct saved three children from a burning house in Union Street, Borough, at the cost of her own young life. April 24 1885.’

Located close to the Museum of London, just through some gates, but blink and you'll miss it! the address is Edward St, London, EC1A 7BX

You can find out more about the memorial and Watt's at  wattsgallery.org.uk

Bunhill fields Cemetery 

Daniel Defoe's Memorial

So without being too doom and gloom staying with the theme of death! We come to Bunhill fields Cemetery, full of a variety of some of the countries great losses of yester year. This cemetery is on the north edge of the city (between Moorgate and Old Street) and is well worth a stroll through.

According to the City of London Corporation website Bunhill has been the final resting place for an estimated 120,000 bodies; the biggest names in here include - William Blake, John Bunyan and Daniel Defoe.

While Defoe's Memorial, erected in 1870 (Defoe died in 1731) after fundraising in 'Christian World' Newspaper saw contributions from over 1700 people, takes centre stage - it's pretty large! William Blake's is most interesting, in the middle of the pathway, always seems to have flowers and people place pennies on the top, which I believe is as he was also a printmaker and used a coin press. It's also said to bring good luck....

There's some seriously old graves in there so well worth a wonder round, and if you're not interesting in graves it's actually a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, peaceful and calm.

You will find Bunhill just off City Road EC1Y opposite Westley Chapel - Hard to Miss the huggge gates!

More to follow....

The end of the year and a start of a new beginning

So here we are at the end of 2011 already, a lot has happened; in the world, in the UK, in London and in your (and mine) personal lives. SO thinking of my new years resolutions, which some one asked me about in the pub last night, made me think of all the things I wanted to do in 2011 and didn't and how 2012 is going to be the year - hey and why the hell not?!

Only Meee! Hello

One of the things I wanted to do in 2011 was start this blog - I got as far as getting the name, well you have to start somewhere! If you're wondering why this name, well this is going to be Lodon at it's rawness (and it just so happens to be my last name haha, good work!) To set the tone, it isn't just going to be about me me me, I mean who cares?? It's more about London's life and my part in it, the little part of this city's history I can call my own. Experiences, day to day things that crop up we all have strange and funny things happen to us, I just want to write them down :-) Places I've found and recommend, places I don't recommend! all sorts really...just London

So I fell into this relationship about 6 years ago not with a guy but with a City...yup no prizes for guessing. And yes it's a really tough one, I have to work hard at it and it always come to bite you on the ass from time to time, but the truth is when it's good it's really good!  

2011 has been a life changing year for me - some ups, some down...New job, became single, moved house, lost 2 stone haha...so it's all change which is going to set me up nicely for new experiences and discoveries in 2012.

Here's what's on my New Years resolutions:
1. Start Burlesque lessons
2. Take more photo's
3. Don't date men who are students, unemployed or still living with their parents!
4. Discover at least one new site or place in London a month
5. Help others discover more about London
6. Make sure I continue to write this blog!

Ok so now we have that out the way let get on with it.

Thanks for reading and I hope you will either find something funny or learning something from this blog...

Emma