London Walks 9

Contact: Email the group leader(s) at londonwalks9@tonbridgeu3a.uk  

Group Leaders:  Penny Davies and Sue Treharne

Exploring the Alleyways of the City of London

On a day in late February, intrepid members of London Walking Group 9 set off to explore some of the

back streets and alleyways in the City of London. Starting at London Bridge we walked along the river

and crossed over at Blackfriars. The large figure of the black friar himself stared down at us from his

perch above the doorway of the pub which bears his name . Unfortunately, it was too early in the

day for the pub to be open so we continued on our way.We passed many buildings of note –

Apothecaries’ Hall being one of them, and who knew that Agatha Christie sat her exams here to

become a pharmaceutical assistant. Passing through Playhouse Yard and into Carter Lane and then on to Wardrobe Place – all these names have a history all their own. More historical names: Distaff Lane, Old Fish St Hill and on to Cleary Gardens. 

Another surprise here with a terrace planted with grape vines – a gift from the winemakers of the Loire valley. On we went, past Painters’ Hall and into Great Trinity Lane, Garlick Hill, Bow Lane and Ye

Olde Watling public house on the corner of the Roman road of Watling Street. John Milton Passage (named after the poet) led us into One New Change. This presented us with a shock of the modern shopping centre but with the added value of a free glass-fronted lift to take us up six floors, with a brilliant view of St Paul’s Cathedral, to a rooftop terrace.

From here we made our way to Milk Street, Russia Row, Lawrence Lane and into Guildhall Yard, where we noted gas lamps and a now rare police phone box. We were really meandering now, criss-crossing many alleys in Old Jewry, once the city’s Jewish quarter, and Frederick’s Place, with its beautiful 18th century buildings including the former home of Benjamin Disraeli. Some of the houses still retain their original torch snuffers outside.

We then passed through Post Office Court, from where the mail coaches once departed, before continuing into Change Alley, Bengal Court, St Michael’s Alley, Corbet Court and finally Lombard Street, where we settled down for a very welcome and well-earned lunch.

More meandering followed through Change Alley and Philpot Lane, named after the Lord Mayor in 1378. Looking up, always important on these walks, we noted barley twist columns and dogs’ and pigs’ heads carved into the eaves of the coffee shop at 23 Eastcheap on the corner of Philpot Lane. Also visible were two brown mice fighting over a large chunk of cheese, said to commemorate the death of a construction worker who died fighting a colleague because each believed the other had stolen his

lunch.

We completed our walk with a visit to the London Mithraeum, named after Mithras, a god with roots in ancient Iranian religion. This fascinating underground museum offers an insight into the cult of Mithras during the Roman Empire, where he was revered as an invincible bringer of light and salvation.

We then headed home by bus and train, weary but satisfied after a fascinating day exploring yet another part of London, one that some of us may have worked in for years but never had the time or opportunity to properly discover and appreciate all its hidden secrets.

Sue Terry

An Eventful Day at the Poppy Factory, Richmond, 28 May 2025

Let it never be said that Walking Group 9 does things the easy way. Our visit to the Poppy Factory began with an unplanned mini-tour of

Fulham, thanks to a travel hiccup that rerouted us well off course. But undeterred—and with true u3a determination—we hopped on

the trusty H37 bus and made our way to Richmond. There, a fascinating and surprisingly emotional experience awaited us.

I didn’t expect to get emotional over a poppy—let alone several hundreds of them—but our visit left us moved, inspired, and (in one

case) slightly addicted to the gift shop. The Poppy Factory isn’t just a place where little red flowers are punched out by machines. It’s a living, breathing tribute to remembrance, full of heart and history. The moment we walked through the door, we were met by staff who welcomed us and guided us through nearly 100 years of extraordinary work supporting wounded and disabled veterans and their families.

Our guide had the perfect mix of humour and humanity (he may well have missed his calling in comedy!), leading us through the story of

the factory’s founding in 1922 and the evolution of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Of course, we had a go at making our own poppy—one hand behind our back, to show how difficult it can be for some injured veterans. Some of us showed genuine skill. O t h e r s  no names) mentioned!) were less “poppy maker” and more “finger fumbler in Flanders Field.” Still, we were allowed to keep our handmade poppy and left with a sense of pride—and perhaps mild embarrassment.

The museum section was truly moving. We explored exhibitions showcasing the factory’s history and the stories of veterans past and present. Among the letters, one handwritten note from a soldier stopped some of us in our tracks. It’s rare to be so connected to the

past in such a small, quiet space. Then, of course, there was the shop. Let’s just say several of us emerged looking like we’d raided a poppy-themed emporium — mugs, poppies in abundance, cards, tea towels, and more.

Regrets? None!

Our day definitely didn't end at the Poppy Factory! From there, we strolled along the river for a well-deserved lunch at The White Cross in Richmond. We all chose our meals and decided to eat indoors, thinking we were very clever, avoiding the sun on a surprisingly warm, dry day. Little did we know, the real "elements" were still to come!

As we finished up and prepared to leave, our waitress casually slipped on a pair of bright pink Wellington boots. "How odd," I thought, until we stepped outside and realized we weren't going anywhere fast – the river had literally joined us for lunch! The Thames had completely engulfed the path, and we were, for all intents and purposes, flooded in. Who knew a riverside pub came with its own high-tide warning?

So, naturally, another round of drinks was called for as we settled in to wait out the 30-minute tide. We even got some free entertainment, watching cyclists gamely (or perhaps foolishly) attempt to pedal through the rather deep water. Once the path re-emerged, we enjoyed a blessedly uneventful journey back home.

In short, our visit to the Poppy Factory was everything we hoped for and more. It was humbling, uplifting, and even funny in parts —

thanks in no small part to our guide and our own antics. And that lunch? Well, it certainly added an unforgettable, watery splash to an

already memorable day! Despite the delays and detours, this was a visit we’ll remember for all the right reasons. Five poppies out of five.

Penny Davies