Very early start after little sleep and too much to drink. Felt unspeakably bad! Pretty much uncommunicative all the way to London, and only really started to feel better after coffee, breakfast and a long walk.
Consequently, not attentive or as enthusiastic about the parade as I should have been, which I'm really very sorry about. Felt that the parade lacked pageantry in some way this year. Still intriguing and moving to see some of the more traditional elements.
After this, my companions wisely left me to my own devices until later and went westward. After some meandering, I headed east to Limehouse in an effort to visit some Hawksmoor churches. Lunched in the churchyard of St. Anne's, a freezing windy circle of land just off Commercial Road. A little sun appeared, so back on the DLR to Shadwell and St. George's in the East. Walked to Spitalfields but found Christ Church under maintainence, so back through the City to meet friends at the Temple. The photographs of my wanderings are here.
Firework display was impressive - probably the best I've ever seen in fact. We were mystified at the exploding and burning of a snowman, but the spectacular fireworks more than made up for this perplexing beginning of the display.
After parting with one of our Company at Westminster, off to eat and drink copiously. Very pleasant meal, and then an amusing journey home. A strange old day, but ultimately and enjoyable one.
I've decided to head to the City for Lord Mayor's Day if at all possible. Attempted to drum up interest from a friend who would also enjoy the day, but not it around it seems. Time to investigate trains...
Whilst randomly checking AbeBooks I found a copy of William Kent's elusive 'Testament of a Victorian Youth'. Maybe I'll finally get to write my long promised piece on Kent and Gissing? In any case it's a welcome find at last. Lets hope I got there in time...
Copy of William Kent's certificate of election to the Society of Antiquaries arrives. Its almost certain that everyone who signed it is long since dead. Indeed, Kent himself was approaching old age when he was elected in 1948. It gives an address which I can follow up, but precious little else.
The search continues...
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
