As I stepped out of Tower Hill station, a sense of anticipation washed over me. I had read about the ancient remnants of the London Wall, but nothing could prepare me for the awe I felt when I finally stood before this historical marvel. Mardi isn’t as captivated as I am, so we find somewhere in the shade for her to sit as I immerse myself in something thousands of years old.
The London Wall, a fortification built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, rises incongruously amidst the modernity of the city. As I approached the segment at Tower Hill, I was struck by its sheer size and the weight of history it carried. The stones, weathered and aged, whispered stories of a time long past, of a city that was a fledgling settlement in a vast empire.
Standing there, I couldn’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Roman builders. The wall, constructed to defend Londinium against invaders, has withstood the ravages of time and urban development, serving as a tangible link to London’s ancient past. The contrast between the ancient stones and the bustling contemporary cityscape around me was stark and poignant, reminding me of the layers of history that define this incredible city.
I find Mardi after taking some photos and a video, check them out below, and we look for somewhere to have lunch. Mardi has already done her research and we head off to Cote, a little French restaurant nestled in Tower Hill. We enjoy some Parfait, salad and a burger. We sit for a while before heading off to the Tower of London.
Walking past the Tower of London, my sense of wonder only deepened. This iconic fortress, with its imposing walls and storied past, loomed majestically by the River Thames. The Tower, once a symbol of royal power and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, has witnessed some of the most significant events in British history. From the imprisonment of Anne Boleyn to the legendary ravens that reside within its grounds
As we walk, every stone seemed to echo with tales of intrigue, power, and mystery.
As we continued our walk, we find ourselves lost in contemplation with the crowd swirling around us.
On this bustling Saturday, the area around the Tower of London and along the Thames comes alive with a symphony of sounds and a medley of scents. As we navigate the crowded walkway, the lively chatter of tourists mixes with the rhythmic clatter of footsteps on the cobblestones. Children’s laughter punctuates the air, mingling with the distant hum of boat engines on the river. The tantalising aroma of street food—sizzling sausages, sweet waffles, and freshly brewed coffee—wafts through the air, adding to the atmosphere around us. Nearby, the calls of street vendors and the occasional strumming of a busker’s guitar add to the vibrant landscape. Despite my vision impairment, the rich sensory experience vividly paints a picture of a lively, dynamic scene, bustling with life and energy. Mardi assists me as we weave this way and that, finding a pathway through the crowd.
As we leave the area, the crowd thins and the noisy hustle and bustle fades behind us. Mardi is keen to visit Postman’s Park now, a short 27 minute walk, or so Google tells us. We head off in that direction.
We walk along Great Tower Street, into Fenchurch Street and onto Lombard Street. We het to the banking district and pass the Bank of London and the Bank of Scotland as well as the Mayor of London’s residence. We stop on this corner, where five streets meet and marvel at the ornate building facades surrounding us. We continue along prince street, onto Gresham Street and finally onto St Martin’s Le Grande, where we find the park.
Postman’s Park is nestled amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, this small yet enchanting park offers a serene escape and a poignant tribute to everyday heroism.
Walking through its gates, we felt an immediate sense of calm, the sounds of the city fading into a tranquil background hum. As we strolled along the winding paths, shaded by towering trees and bordered by vibrant flower beds, we came across the park’s most captivating feature: the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. This unique wall of plaques is what Mardi was keen to see. Its heartfelt dedications to ordinary individuals who performed extraordinary acts of bravery.
The plaques, each bearing a name, date, and brief description, tell the stories of people who gave their lives to save others. From young children to adults, each hero commemorated here is a testament to the profound courage that can be found in everyday life. We found ourselves moved by the tales inscribed on these simple ceramic tiles. Stories like that of Alice Ayres, a nursemaid who saved three children from a burning building, and Mary Rogers, a stewardess who perished while trying to rescue others from drowning, resonated deeply with us.
The wall of plaques, with its mix of Victorian and Edwardian designs, adds a quirky charm to the park. It stands as a unique historical record, preserving the memory of these brave souls who might otherwise have been forgotten. We found ourselves pausing frequently, reading each plaque and reflecting on the acts of heroism they described.
Sitting on one of the park’s benches, we listened to the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the city. The peaceful atmosphere of Postman’s Park provided a perfect backdrop for contemplation. The combination of natural beauty and the inspiring memorial made our visit truly memorable.
Exploring Postman’s Park was a poignant reminder of the extraordinary courage that can be found in ordinary people. It’s a place where history and heroism intertwine, offering visitors a quiet space to reflect on the profound impact of selfless acts. For anyone seeking a moment of tranquillity and inspiration in the heart of London, Postman’s Park is a must-visit.
After our visit we head home. It’s our last night in London and we’ve some packing to do. It’s a quick ride, two stops, and before we know we are back at the AKA. We pack for a while and head out for dinner a little later. We re-visit Tommi’s, that cool burger joint, around the corner from the AKA. The burgers are delicious as they were on our first visit. We sit and chat about our time in London and decide that we want more, but not this time round, maybe in a year or two we will return and continue to explore this amazing city.
