London Treasures

I often think the people who reside in London are spoilt. The problem is they do not know it. The other day I was in England's capital city and within 100 metres of my hotel on Tower Hill were two extraordinary landmarks with unique histories.

The first was a grand Georgian looking building. In fact it was really old at all but was built in the early years of the 20th century as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority. In those days ships from around the world berthed on the adjacent Thames. Now as ships grow larger and the Thames in London becomes unsuitable for ocean going traffic, the PLA has moved up to Gravesend. The building has been acquired by a developer who is turning it into another hotel. The building though retains two claims to fame. First it was where the first United Nations congress was held. Second, look closely, and you will notice where several early scenes from the James Bond movie Skyfall  was filmed.

Port of London Authority Building - 1922

Overlooked by the PLA building is another remarkable monument which was built in 1928. It is not as a grand as the PLA building but is more poignant. This is the Merchant Navy Memorial. It was designed by the prominent architect of his day, Sir Edwin Lutyens. 

Merchant Navy Memorial - 1928

The memorial records the ships losses of the British merchant fleet during World War One and the 12,000  souls who perished. It was officially opened by Queen Mary. An extension was added to remember those of perished in the Second World War.

Two very different but significant buildings in close proximity and yet largely ignored by the passers-by. Not their fault especially. Neither building appears as prominent landmarks on the tourist literature of England's capital. A pity. Both are far prettier than say Buckingham Palace.