London Sherpa

0.11b a map of the square

2011-09-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

I found this map on the website http://mappery.com/ , and also http://mappery.com/city-maps-London, and http://mappery.com/Trafalgar-Square-Map.

What I like about this map is that it shows, in a general way, the roads into the neighbourhoods that surround the great square. It also offers some very practical information. There are many things missing, such as public washrooms, and the coffee shop that are located on the north side of the main plaza, in the heart of the Square. An important 'Legend' omission is that the little red dots represent bus stops. to get details, check TFL area map pdf; http://www.journeyplanner.org/Download/EnvMaps/tfl/TK_CharingCross.pdf

I believe this map was created for a firm with the URL... http://www.ionthesquare.co.uk/map/index.asp

but that did not work this morning.

3.8 Albertville

2011-04-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

With the Royal wedding fast approaching, and with some interest generated by the film, 'The King’s Speech', it would be prudent to talk of this community of grand Institutions, located south of the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall, which I like to call “Albertville”.

I hope you do not think it too cheesy that I have stepped on the tows of, (actually attempting to behead), Albertopolis. I have done this only because I like to save a couple of syllables whenever I can. So yes, I am cheating the clever person who first coined that phrase. Therefore, anything that is Albertville, is actually "Albertopolis".

No matter, it is all in the name of Prince Albert, who was an essential element in the transition from the Industrial Revolution, into the era of Technical innovation. A visionary in the battle against the forces of ignorance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albertopolis

http://www.architecture.com/LibraryDrawingsAndPhotographs/Albertopolis/Albertopolis.aspx

http://www.architecture.com/WhatsOn/Exhibitions/OnlineExhibitions/Albertopolis/Albertopolis.aspx

http://www.chr.org.uk/Museums/albertopolis2.htm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/albertopolis/

http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-alb1.htm

http://www.mindposts.com/uncategorized/albertopolis-cathedrals-of-enlightenment

Cheers, and enjoy the wealth of Human achievement that has been assembled here, for your enrichment.

PS: another decent 'Royal' movie of late is "The Young Victoria",

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Young_Victoria

The Google Art Project

2011-04-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

A great new way to get into the gallery from you home computer.

National Art Gallery

http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/nationalgallery

Websites

2010-09-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

National Health System, London, NHS - http://www.london.nhs.uk/

Weather - http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/8

exchange converter - http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi

London Transport - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_for_London

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/modesoftransport/1548.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Buses

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_routes_in_London

Interactive Map - http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/im/SI-T.html

Journey Planner - http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en

Buses - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/

www.tfl.gov.uk/busmaps

NationalRail - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/fa0#ttt

General Information

Visit London - http://www.visitlondon.com/

Support site - http://www.visitlondon.com/tubeguru/

http://wikimapia.org/country/United_Kingdom/England/London/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London

BBC h2g2 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/alabaster/A2408690

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186338-London_England-Vacations.html

Google Map of London – http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=London,+U.K.,+W1J+7BN&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title

recommended Hotels, nice, more expensive than I like, but excellent location

The Rubens: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS

The Fleming W1J 7BN, http://www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk/foodanddrink/entertaining.php

Good sites offering significant points of interest

London Gardens Trust - http://www.londongardenstrust.org/

Open house - http://www.opensquares.org/

London Black Cabs - http://www.londonblackcabs.co.uk/

http://www.20thcenturylondon.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.14

UTILITY

weather - http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/03772.html

climate - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003790|title=Average

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/UKXX0085?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

Timeout – the best guide to what is going on - http://www.timeout.com/london/

http://www.timeout.com/shop/browse/

Government

http://www.london.gov.uk/

http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/

http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/about_us/

http://www.london.gov.uk/london/links.jsp to the Boroughs and Cities

http://www.london.gov.uk/london-life/

http://www.london.gov.uk/london-life/city-government/boroughs.jsp

http://www.london.gov.uk/london-life/business-and-jobs/financial-centre.jsp

Parliament - http://www.parliament.uk/

http://www.parliament.uk/about/history/building.cfm

http://www.parliament.uk/parliament/guide/palace.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/96021.stm

http://londonarchitecture.co.uk/Building/304/Parliament.php

Royal - http://www.royal.gov.uk/ Palaces - http://www.hrp.org.uk/

Parks - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/

http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/

The PMO - http://www.number10.gov.uk/

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/history-and-buildings/

The Commonwealth - http://www.thecommonwealth.org/

MOD - http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/home

the Office of Public Sector Information - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/about/index.htm

the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) is at the heart of information policy, setting standards, delivering access and encouraging the re-use of public sector information.

Also for info - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/

Statistics - http://www.statistics.gov.uk/default.asp

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=8271&More=Y

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/H-A.asp

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/H-A.asp#ethnic

http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do;jsessionid=ac1f930c30d7806d48f776d14b1a8433a338f360ca85?a=3&b=276743&c=London&d=13&e=13&g=325264&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1240061772185&enc=1&dsFamilyId=1812&nsjs=true&nsck=true&nssvg=false&nswid=1131

http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do;jsessionid=ac1f930c30d702e41433012c40c58ea7fff6fec35542?a=3&b=6059498&c=london&d=81&e=13&g=336453&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1240138161536&enc=1&dsFamilyId=1812&nsjs=true&nsck=true&nssvg=false&nswid=1131

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=384

population density map - http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_population/regional_snapshot/RS_Lon.pdf

http://www.ippr.org.uk/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=308

The UK Honours System - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Honoursawardsandmedals/index.htm

wales - http://wales.gov.uk/?lang=en

Southest England Population by Area from 1891 - http://www.demographia.com/dm-lonarea.htm

Government Office, London - http://www.gos.gov.uk/gol/factgol/London/?a=42496

Restaurant Guides

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g186338-London_England.html

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/britain/england/london/restaurants.html

http://www.sugarvine.com/london/

http://www.restaurant-guide.com/uk+london.htm

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaurants.aspx

http://www.london-restaurants.com/london.htm

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/restaurants/

http://london.diningguide.com/

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaurants/cheap-restaurants-in-central-london-recommended-london-2330.html

http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant-710.php

http://www.londoneats.com/news/pastareas.asp?whichArea=Fleet%20Street

http://www.qype.co.uk/uki12-london-blackfriars/search/coffee

http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/pledge/classic/lon_eat.htm

http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/

PUBS

http://www.pubs.com/

Beer in the Evening - http://www.beerintheevening.com/

Fancy a pint - http://www.fancyapint.com/ - http://www.fancyapint.com/area/mz_D_00000.php

http://www.londondrinker.org.uk/

http://www.pubnetwork.com/london/W1%20Soho%20Mary.htm

http://www.pubnetwork.com/london/London%20Links.htm

http://www.fluidfoundation.com/

http://trustedplaces.com/

http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/22860/

http://www.londonpubclub.co.uk/lpcweb/mth16/pc16-summary.htm

Real Ale - http://www.camra.org.uk/

http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/ldbf/

BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/ - http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/index.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/heritage/england/london/

Museums

Museum of London - http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/

Support site - http://www.molas.org.uk/

http://www.britishmuseum.org/

Imperial War Museum - http://www.iwm.org.uk/

art

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/

http://www.npg.org.uk/

http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/

http://www.londonnet.co.uk/museums/

Tourist Attractions

London Eye - http://www.londoneye.com/

http://www.madametussauds.com/London/About.aspx

Tourists

The Original London Sightseeing Bus - http://www.theoriginaltour.com/ , Map - http://www.theoriginaltour.com/files/cukdyaghyu.pdf

History

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.00100200800k00800f

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/EventsExhibitions/Permanent/RomanLondon.htm

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/EventsExhibitions/Past/MissingLink/Themes/TML_themes_Lundenwic.htm

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/Collections/Onlineresources/RWWC/themes/1295/1288

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/edward_confessor.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/1066_06.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/richard_ii_king.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1111339

http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/plague/story.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/after_fire_02.shtml

http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/i-m/london4.html

http://www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare/history/index.jsp

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/local_history/city/street_03.shtml?publichouses

http://www.timeref.com/google.htm

http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/Maps/london_county.htm

more history

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Houghton_(martyr)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Charterhouse

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1307bruce.html

Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place, London W2 2LJ . England

http://www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/home/index.html

equestrian statue of Edward VII, London

http://www.rupertharris.com/final/public_sculpture/list_public2.php

very interesting – check it out

some places of Interest

St James, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_House_(St._James's,_London,_England)

St James Church, Piccadilly, http://www.st-james-piccadilly.org/

http://www.st-james-piccadilly.org/History.html

photo sites

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=London&m=text

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sizemore/sets/72157594528543250/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/in_pictures/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/in_pictures/viewsoflondon/aerial_photos/

http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=51.478496&ln=-0.139046&z=9&k=2

http://www.londonphotos.org/

http://www.photolondon.org.uk/

http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Images of England - http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/

Libraries

http://www.bl.uk/

http://www.londonlibrary.co.uk/

Westminster Libraries and Archives

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/archives/

Research

http://www.findagrave.com/

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=2411

Media

Newspapers

The Guardian - http://www.guardian.co.uk/, Money - http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/

Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/

Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Television

BBC entertainment - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/default.stm

Religion

http://www.cofe.anglican.org/

St Paul’s Cathedral website - http://www.stpauls.co.uk/

Lambeth Palace Library - http://www.lambethpalacelibrary.org/

Dean and Chapter of Westminster (Abbey) - http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

Westminster Cathedral - http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/home.html

Sports

The 2012 Olympics

http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/media_centre/press_release_uk.asp?id=1410

http://www.alarm-uk.org/pdf/Janet%20Goodland.pdf

The 1908 Olympics

http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1908

The 1948 Olympics

http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1948

Commonwealth Games Federation

http://www.thecgf.com/countries/intro.asp?loc=ENG

The FA - http://www.thefa.com/

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/

Eleven Professional football teams:*

Arsenal, Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United *excludes Watford which is strictly outside the London borders and Barnet who have recently gained promotion to the football league. Source:Visit London

The Rugby Football Union

http://www.rfu.com/index.htm

Guinness Premiership. Premier Rugby

http://www.guinnesspremiership.com/10818_437.php

http://www.rfu.com/microsites/twickenham/index.cfm?StoryID=14822

Wembley National Stadium Limited.

http://www.wembleystadium.com/GloriousPast/greatmoments/1steverwembleyFACupFinal.htm

http://www.wembleystadium.com/pressbox/presspack/factsandFigures.htm

Marylebone Cricket Club

http://www.lords.org/lords-ground/about-lords/

http://www.lords.org/latest-news/top-stories/

Surrey County Cricket Club

http://www.surreycricket.com/the-brit-oval

The All England Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.html

the Flora London Marathon, http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/site/

the Boat Race, http://www.theboatrace.org/, http://www.theboatrace.org/article/image/700/full.jpg

Horse Racing Tracks

Epsom (home to The Derby),

Kempton Park and

Sandown Park Source:Visit London

Auto Race Tracks

Higher Education

Twenty Four Universities and Colleges:* List - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article4910798.ece

Some 350,000 students study in London *University of London consists of 18 individual collegesSource:London Higher

City University London - http://www.city.ac.uk/

The University of London

http://www.london.ac.uk/colleges_institutes.html

http://www.london.ac.uk/aboutus

University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT UK

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/holloway/history/academic.shtml

School of Oriental and African Studies

Part of the University of London, SOAS is the world's leading centre for the study of a highly diverse range of subjects concerned with Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

http://www.soas.ac.uk/

London School of Economics, http://www.lse.ac.uk/

London Metropolitan University, http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/

Royal Academy of Music

http://www.ram.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/reports/subjectlevel/q94_95_textonly.htm

Royal Academy of Music Museum

http://www.ram.ac.uk/facilitiesandcollections/Pages/default.aspx

Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H OAL, http://www.ioe.ac.uk/

Maps/History - http://www.victorianlondon.org/frame-maps.htm

some random stuff

Runnymede

http://www.cwgc.org/admin/files/cwgc_runnymede.pdf

http://www.ww1cemeteries.com/british_cemeteries_memorials/runnymede_air_memorial.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Forces_Memorial

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2655.asp

AIR FORCES MEMORIAL TO THE MISSING

http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/server/show/conMemorial.23270/fromUkniwmSearch/1

http://www.cwgc.org/admin/files/United%20Kingdom.pdf

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garyshield/sets/72157603861005556/

Utility

Street Sensation, http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/stjames/picc_intro.htm

Buses - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_routes_in_London

http://www.londonbusroutes.net/routes.htm

for Theatre

http://www.thisistheatre.com/londontheatre/

Good Blogs

Londonist

http://www.londonist.com/

http://www.londonist.com/archives/londonist_loves/

http://lndn.blogspot.com/

http://www.londonlandscape.gre.ac.uk/

http://www.londonlandscape.gre.ac.uk/lguide/listof1.htm

directly related

http://www.gardenvisit.com/

http://www.gardenvisit.com/landscape/

http://www.gardenvisit.com/landscape/london/

http://www.gardenvisit.com/landscape/london/lguide/

A Maze set up in Trafalgar Square

2010-08-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

If its August, there must be a new attraction at Trafalgar Square. This Maze is totally unexpected. I would have thought the next installation would be a Ferris Wheel. But I guess the London Eye needs not some competition.

Here are three links to check out.

BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-10839913

Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1299888/Trafalgar-Square-maze-New-tourist-attraction-springs-central-London.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-pigeons-have-gone-but-visitors-are-flocking-to-trafalgar-square-2041675.html

London Transport Bicycle Docks near Trafalgar Square

2010-07-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

A new bicycle rental system went into effect in July 2010. Operated by London Transport, information is available at this website; http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/11598.aspx

Here is the link to the map showing a good many ‘stations’ where you hope a good bike is available.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110377225760210522619.00048b46133a0cea9ec10&source=embed&ll=51.514725,-0.139046&spn=0.074779,0.157928&t=h

and here are the locations near Trafalgar Square where…

Charles II Street, @ Haymarket, SW1

Craven Street, WC2 @ Charing Cross

Embankment (Horse Guards), SW1

Little Newport Street, WC2, @ Charing Cross Road

Northumberland Avenue, close to Embankment, I think

Pall Mall East, @ Cockspur SW1

Panton Street, SW1, southwest of Leicester Square

St. Martin's Lane, WC2, @ Long Acre

St. Martin's Street, WC2, behind the National Gallery, (this might be your best bet).

Waterloo Place, SW1

Whitehall Place, @ Embankment

William IV Street, near the Strand

0.6 The Northeast Corner above Trafalgar Square

2010-05-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

St. Martin’s Place is one of my favorite little gateways in London. It is here, around the corner from the National Gallery, that you find the National; Portrait Gallery, a true treasure trove of fascinating stories, and true historic tales. But there is much much more. Here the noise and exhaust from the incredibly busy Charing Cross Road seems muted in the shade of tall Plane trees, and the dynamic atmosphere as one walks past the open spaces of Trafalgar Square, into the warren of alleys and Streets stretching between Soho and Covent Garden. It is in these passages, courts and places that so many book stalls give this the air of an intellectual haven, despite the density of Theatres, pubs, crass souvenir shops and fast food joints. But what gives me a magical feeling, are the to monuments, first, in the centre of St Martins Place, the grand edifice memorializing Edith Cavell is one of so many tributes that stand throughout Westminster. Take a moment to educate yourself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Cavell . This is an open space, and the benches here do well on a sunny day.

A second monument, to Sir Henry Irving, can be found around the corner, (counterclockwise around the National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery Complex), off Charing Cross Road at Irving Street, near Orange Street, http://www.theirvingsociety.org.uk/memorial.htm . This is a Shady place, and worth the walk, on rare hot summer days in London.

It is from this location that one can look north, through so many book shops, towards Seven Tottenham Court Road, and further, to Mornington Crescent, and Camden Town, beyond, or look west, towards Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

But for the purpose of this exercise, look southeast from the Cavell memorial, for St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Church, and the glass cylinder entry of the new plaza.

The Cylinder is the new entrance to the church’s crypt, but the Church is most worthy of a visit. Check the website… http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/home/home.html… and find tabs for ‘church’, ‘café’, ‘music’, ‘visiting’, ‘hiring spaces’, ‘building’, ‘Christmas appeal’, ‘Chinese’, and ‘about us’. There is also a column on the right showing each day’s schedule. This is a very ‘happening’ place.

The music of this place can not be described in words. Check the music tab on the website, then plan a visit. It is a great way to spend part of a day.

cheers

0.5 the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square

2010-05-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square

Tel; 44-20-7747-2885

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

This gallery serves me very well. It is a place of beauty and serenity, and as I tend to end up at Trafalgar Square, the central transport hub, (I like to ride the buses), it is also a refuge on any rainy day.

free admission, with a request for donations.

Rated as the Number 20 attraction in London, (significant when you realize there are hundreds of fascinating places in this great great metropolis).

Standing on the high ground, above the North Terrace, the National Gallery contains some of the finest works of art in the universe.

This building was intended to be the principal feature of the landscape around Trafalgar Square. The structure proved to be less spectacular than expected, while the collection grew in quantity and quality.

The building

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/history/about-the-building/

There are four entrances, check this website for details; http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/sights/national_gallery.htm

1 - the Main entrance. Look for the tile work on the top landing of the portico; check this website for details; http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/london/natgallery.shtml

2 - The Getty entrance is fairly new, and is wheelchair friendly. It is a useful short-cut to the gallery shop and cafe.

3 - The Sainsbury Wing, on the west side of the main building has its own entrance.

4 - The back door, off St Martin's Street which runs south from Leicester Square, and bisects Orange Street, (runs east-west from Charing Cross Road to Haymarket).

Considered as the National Collection, the National Gallery’s collection is true to the global spectrum of established and world renown paintings, focused primarily on the evolution of Western European art. The approximately 2,300 paintings belong to the British public. It originated when the British Government purchased 36 paintings from a banker, John Julius Angerstein. The collection of exquisite paintings was shown at his home until the National Gallery was completed in 1838.

The collection is arranged chronologically through the four wings.

the Sainsbury Wing, The Renaissance, (1260-1500),

West Wing, 16th Century (1500-1600),

North Wing, 17th Century, (1600-1700) and

East Wing, 18th & 19th Centuries, (1700-1900).

The Collection of the National Gallery

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/history/collection-history/collection-history

The website also has an interesting page… http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/10-reasons-to-visit/

The Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Cezanne, Canaletto, Caravaggio, Constable, Leonardo da Vinci, de Hooch, della Francesca, El Greco, Gainsborough, Hans Holbein the Younger, Hogarth, Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Seurat, Titian, Turner, Uccello, van Gogh, van Dyck, Velazquez and Vermeer, to name a few.

And then the unknowns, such as the religious painting known as Wilton Diptych, by a 14th century artist.

The collection is arranged chronologically through the four wings.

the Sainsbury Wing offers items of the Renaissance, (1260-1500),

West Wing has 16th Century paintings, (mostly), (1500-1600),

North Wing, 17th Century, (1600-1700),

East Wing, 18th & 19th Centuries, (1700-1900).

Website for the Collection of the National Gallery... http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/history/collection-history/collection-history

The quality of a painting is in the eye of the beholder, so I'll spare you any opinion. Here are some of the items often recommended.

Jan van Eyck- The Arnolfini Portrait" (1434), http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/jan-van-eyck-the-arnolfini-portrait

Paulo Uccello (1397-1475), The Battle of San Romano. 1438-40, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/paolo-uccello-the-battle-of-san-romano

Piero della Francesca, 'The Baptism of Christ', c. 1450s, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-della-francesca-the-baptism-of-christ

There is a large collection of 15th Century works by Sandro Botticelli, particularly, Venus and Mars, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/sandro-botticelli-venus-and-mars, 1485, and ‘Mystic Nativity’ http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/sandro-botticelli-mystic-nativity

Carlo Crivelli – the Annunciation, with St Emidius, 1486, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli-the-annunciation-with-saint-emidius

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Cartoon, c. 1500, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/leonardo-da-vinci-the-leonardo-cartoon, and http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/leonardo-da-vinci-the-virgin-of-the-rocks

Giovanni Bellini (circa 1430-1516), The Doge Leonardo Loredan. c. 1500, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/giovanni-bellini-doge-leonardo-loredan

Raphael, Madonna of the Pinks, circa 1506, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/raphael-the-madonna-of-the-pinks-la-madonna-dei-garofani

Gerard David, Virgin and Child with saints and a donor, c. 1510, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/gerard-david-the-virgin-and-child-with-saints-and-donor

Sebastiano del Piombo's The Raising of Lazarus, 1517 - 19, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/sebastiano-del-piombo-the-raising-of-lazarus

Titian

- Bacchus and Ariadne, 1520-3, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-bacchus-and-ariadne

- Diana and Actaeon, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-diana-and-actaeon

- Death of Actaeon, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/titian-the-death-of-actaeon

Hans Holbein the Younger, The Ambassadors, 1533, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hans-holbein-the-younger-the-ambassadors

da Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi - The Supper at Emmaus, 1601, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/michelangelo-merisi-da-caravaggio-the-supper-at-emmaus

Peter Paul Rubens' - Samson and Delilah, about 1610, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/peter-paul-rubens-samson-and-delilah, and... The Judgement of Paris, 1632-5, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/peter-paul-rubens-the-judgement-of-paris/350015

Velazquez's "The Immaculate Conception", 1618-19, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/diego-velazquez-the-immaculate-conception

There is a nice collection of work by Nicolas Poussin, highlighted by “A Bacchananlian Revel before a Term”, 1632-3, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/nicolas-poussin-a-bacchanalian-revel-before-a-term

Anthony van Dyck, Equestrian Portrait of Charles I, 1637-8, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/anthony-van-dyck-equestrian-portrait-of-charles-i

Claude Gellée offers a couple of beauties…

Seaport with the Embarkation of Saint Ursula, 1641, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-seaport-with-the-embarkation-of-saint-ursula

and... Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba, 1648, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-seaport-with-the-embarkation-of-the-queen-of-sheba

There is a nice collection by Rembrandt, particularly, Self Portrait, at age 63, (1669), http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/rembrandt-self-portrait-at-the-age-of-63, and Belshazzar’s Feast, 1636-8, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/rembrandt-belshazzars-feast

Diego Velazquez, The Toilet of Venus, now known as "The Rokeby Venus" (1647-51) – loaned to the gallery from the collection at Rokeby Hall, Teesdale, County Durham, Yorkshire since 1906. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/diego-velazquez-the-toilet-of-venus-the-rokeby-venus

Pieter de Hooch's "The Courtyard of a House in Delft", 1658, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/pieter-de-hooch-the-courtyard-of-a-house-in-delft

Johannes Vermeer, A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal, (c. 1671), http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/johannes-vermeer-a-young-woman-standing-at-a-virginal, and A Young Woman Seated at a Virginal, (c. 1671), http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/johannes-vermeer-a-young-woman-seated-at-a-virginal

William Hogarth, Marriage a-la-Mode, (1743), Marriage a-la-Mode is a group, or series, and all can be found here. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-1-the-marriage-settlement

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-2-the-tete-a-tete

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-3-the-inspection

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-4-the-toilette

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-5-the-bagnio

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/william-hogarth-marriage-a-la-mode-6-the-ladys-death

There is a nice collection by Canaletto - The Stonemason's Yard, 1725, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/canaletto-the-stonemasons-yard, and 'A Regatta on the Grand Canal', c. 1740, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/canaletto-a-regatta-on-the-grand-canal

Gainsborough, Thomas - Mr & Mrs Andrews, 1750, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/thomas-gainsborough-mr-and-mrs-andrews

George Stubbs, Whistlejacket, circa 1762, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/george-stubbs-whistlejacket

John Constable, The Hay Wain, 1821, a scene by the River Stour, near Flatford, Suffolk, U.K., http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/john-constable-the-hay-wain

Pierre-Auguste Renoir - The Umbrellas (1881-86), This painting was done over the span of five years, offering a unique perspective of the artist's evolving style, and the evolution of fashion in Paris, at that time. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/pierre-auguste-renoir-the-umbrellas

Georges Seurat, Bathers at Asnières. 1884, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/georges-seurat-bathers-at-asnieres

van Gogh, Vincent

- Sunflowers, 1888, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-sunflowers

- A Wheatfield, with Cypresses, 1889, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-a-wheatfield-with-cypresses

- Farms near Auvers, 1890, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-farms-near-auvers

- Long Grass with Butterflies, 1890, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-long-grass-with-butterflies

Paul Cézanne - The Bathers, circa 1900, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/paul-cezanne-bathers-les-grandes-baigneuses

There is a nice collection by Claude-Oscar Monet, - The Water-Lily Pond" (1899), http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-the-water-lily-pond

The Japanese Bridge, c. 1919-24, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-the-japanese-bridge

and other Lily related paintings by the artist, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-water-lilies, and http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-water-lilies-setting-sun

One of his London paintings... http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-the-thames-below-westminster

and one of his “Irises”, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-irises

and 'Bathers at La Grenouillere', 1869, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/claude-oscar-monet-bathers-at-la-grenouillere

There is a nice collection by Camille Pissarro, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/camille-pissarro

There are a few paintings with regard to St. George and the Dragon, an important topic for the English.

One by Paolo Uccello, c.1470, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/paolo-uccello-saint-george-and-the-dragon, seems to be the most poular

One by Jacopo Tintoretto, c.1555, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/jacopo-tintoretto-saint-george-and-the-dragon

One by Domenichino, 1610, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/domenichino-saint-george-killing-the-dragon, is my favorite.

One by Gustave Moreau, 1889-90, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/gustave-moreau-saint-george-and-the-dragon, is also worthy.

And when I mention my personal favorites, there is a painting that succeeds in offering the tragic end of an innocent girl, at the hands of politicians and power brokers.

Paul Delaroche's 'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey', 1833, http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/paul-delaroche-the-execution-of-lady-jane-grey really should be examined up close and personal. a short knowledge of her story is essential to really understand the power of the piece.

another piece, by Turner, is related to Trafalgar Square in that the subject is a ship that fought in the battle, but rather than depict a great moment, its the sad end, is the ship is towed to the wreckers.

"The Fighting Temeraire" (1839), by Joseph Mallord William Turner. , http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/joseph-mallord-william-turner-the-fighting-temeraire

and if you are still looking for more art, here is a list of Other Galleries of Note:

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern, (the Chantrry Bequest), has a great assortment of British art at both facilities.

The Royal Academy at Burlington House.

The Gilbert Collection at Somerset House.

The Hermitage at Somerset House.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, ‘Albertville’, Brompton Road.

The Wallace Collection, Marylebone.

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Apsley House, at Hyde park Corner.

Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, ( the Iveagh Bequest).

Dulwich Picture Gallery, http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/, South London.

to mention a few.

CHEERS

04 c The Bus Stops around Trafalgar Square

2010-05-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Bus Stops

There are 20 stops organized around Trafalgar Square, (it takes that many to handle the traffic demands).

Some routes can be accessed at more than one stop.

Check this URL for map and details.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/trafalgarsquare-2262.pdf

http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/im/SI-T.html

each letter represents a stop, with that name.

A, on Cockspur Street, eastbound, by Texas Embassy,

(there is a ‘Stop A’ on Strand, several blocks east of Trafalgar Square across from the Savoy Hotel, part of the Aldwych stop list).

3, to Crystal Palace, from Oxford Circus, (1^st stop).

12, (24 hr.), to Dulwich, from Oxford Circus, (1^st stop).

88, (24hr)., Clapham Common , to from Camden Town, (1^st stop).

159, to Streatham, from Marble Arch,

453, (24 hr.), to Deptford Broadway, via Westminster Bridge, from Marylebone,

B, on Cockspur Street, eastbound, by Canada House

6, (24 hr.), to Aldych, from Willesden, (1^st stop).

9, to Aldwych, from Hammersmith, (1^st stop).

13, to Aldwych, from Golders Green, (1^st stop).

15, to Blackwall, from Paddington Basin, (1^st stop).

23, (24 hr.), to Liverpool Station, from Westbourne Park, (1^st stop).

139, (24 hr.), to Waterloo, from West Hampstead, via OC & Aldwych

C, on Trafalgar Square, northbound, on the east side of the Square, across from South Africa House.

24, (24 hr.), to Hampstead Heath, from Pimlico,

29, to Wood Green (starts from here)

176, (24 hr.), to Tottenham Court rd., from Penge, via Waterloo Bridge,

D, on Trafalgar Square, southbound on the east side, in front of South Africa House

24, (24 hr.), to Pimlico, from Hampstead Heath, (1^st stop).

E, on Strand, Eastbound, just past Trafalgar Square.

6, (24 hr.), to Aldwych, from Willesden, (2^nd stop).

9, to Aldwych, from Hammersmith, (2^nd stop).

13, to Aldwych, from Golders Green, (2^nd stop).

87, to Aldwych, from Wandsworth,

F, , on Strand, Eastbound, second stand past Trafalgar Square.

11, to Liverpool Street, from Fulham Broadway,

15, to Blackwall, from Paddington Basin, (2^nd stop).

23, (24 hr.), to Liverpool Station, from Westbourne Park, (2^nd stop).

91, to Crouch End, northbound, 2^nd stop.

G, on Duncannon Street, westbound, near south east corner of Church.

139, (24 hr.), to Waterloo, from West Hampstead, via OC & Aldwych

176, (24 hr.), to Penge, via Waterloo Bridge, from Tottenham Court rd.

H, on Strand, in front of Charing Cross Station/Hotel.

6, (24 hr.), to Willesden from Adwych, (2^nd stop).

9, to Hammersmith, from Aldwych, (2^nd stop).

13, to Golders Green, from Aldwych, (2^nd stop).

15, to Paddington Basin, from Blackwall, (2^nd stop).

23, (24 hr.), to Westbourne Park, from Liverpool Station, (2^nd stop).

139, (24 hr.), to West Hampstead, from Waterloo, via OC & Aldwych, (2^nd stop).

176, (24 hr.), to Tottenham Court rd., from Penge, via Waterloo Bridge,

J, on Strand, a couple of blocks east of Villiers Street.

6, (24 hr.), to Willesden from Adwych, (1^st stop).

9, to Hammersmith, from Aldwych, (1^st stop).

11, to Fulham Broadway, from Liverpool Street, (1^st stop).

13, to Golders Green, from Aldwych, (1^st stop).

15, to Paddington Basin, from Blackwall, (1^st stop).

23, (24 hr.), to Westbourne Park, from Liverpool Station, (1^st stop).

87, to Wandsworth, from Aldwych, (1^st stop).

139, (24 hr.), to West Hampstead, from Waterloo, via OC & Aldwych, (1^st stop).

176, (24 hr.), to Tottenham Court rd., from Penge, via Waterloo Bridge,

K, on Strand, Westbound, just before Trafalgar Square.

11, to Fulham Broadway, from Liverpool Street, (2^ndstop).

87, to Wandsworth, from Aldwych, (2^nd stop).

M, on Whitehall, southbound, just past Trafalgar Square.

3, to Crystal Palace, from Oxford Circus, (2^nd stop).

159, to Streatham, from Marble Arch,

N, on Whitehall, southbound, second stand past Trafalgar Square.

11, to Fulham Broadway, from Liverpool Street, (3^rd stop).

24, (24 hr.), to Pimlico, from Hampstead Heath, (2^ndstop).

87, to Wandsworth, from Aldwych, (3^rd stop).

88, (24hr)., Clapham Common , to from Camden Town,

P, on Whitehall, southbound, third stand past Trafalgar Square.

12, (24 hr.), to Dulwich, from Oxford Circus, (2^nd stop).

53, (24 hr.), (starts from here)

453, (24 hr.), to Deptford Broadway, via Westminster Bridge, from Marylebone,

S, on Cockspur, westbound, across from Canada House, just past Trafalgar Square.

9, to Hammersmith, from Aldwych, (3^rd stop).

T, on Cockspur Street, westbound, across from Texas Embassy, second stand past Trafalgar Square.

3, Oxford Circus

6, (24 hr.), to Willesden from Adwych, (3^rd stop).

12, (24 hr.), to Oxford Circus, from Dulwich,

13, to Golders Green, from Aldwych, (3^rd stop).

15, to Paddington Basin, from Blackwall, (3^rd stop).

23, (24 hr.), to Westbourne Park, from Liverpool Station, (3^rd stop).

88, (24 hr.), to Camden Town, from Clapham Common, (2^nd stop).

139, (24 hr.), to West Hampstead, from Waterloo, via OC & Aldwych, (3^rd stop).

159, to Marble Arch, from Streatham

453, (24 hr.), to Marylebone, from Deptford Broadway, via Westminster Bridge,

U, on Embankment, eastbound,

388, (starts from here). To Hackney Wick, via Bank

W, on Northumberland, southeast bound, just past Trafalgar Square.

X, on Northumberland, northwest bound, just before Trafalgar Square.

91, to Crouch End, northbound, (starts from here).

Y, on Embankment, westbound,

Z, on Pall Mall eastbound

These Bus Routes take you to nearly every corner of London, and for the distant places not directly available, one connection should do the trick.

3, 2 stops southbound, one stop northbound.

6, 3 stops northbound, 2 stops eastbound.

9, 3 stops westbound, 2 stops eastbound.

11, 3 stops westbound, one stop eastbound

12, 2 stops southbound, one stop northbound.

13, 3 stops westbound, 2 stops eastbound.

15, 2 stops eastbound, 3 stops going Northwest

23, (24 hr.), 2 stops eastbound, 3 stops going Northwest

24, (24 hr.), one stop going Northeast, 2 stops southbound

29, starts at C

53, (24 hr.), starts at P

87, one stop eastbound, three stops going Southwest,

88, (24 hr.), one stop northbound, two stops southbound.

91, starts at X, 2^nd stop at F

139, (24 hr.), 2 stops going SE, 3 stops going NW

159, one stop westbound, two stops southbound.

176, (24 hr.), one stop southbound, three stops northbound.

388, starts at U

453, (24 hr.), one northbound, two stops going SE

Check your local bus map and see if any of these routes are located near you. If not, check the Journey planner, (http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en ), for the easiest connection.

8888888888888888888888888

extra notes

6, 9, 13, 87, all going to Aldwych

15 and 23 have similar stops thru the core.

11 also has similar stops with 23, east of Traflagar, and all the way to LSS with 15

24 and 29 have similar stops between here and Camden Town.

24, from Pink Floyd to Camden Town, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Buses_route_24

The Bus Centres around Trafalgar Square are…

Aldwych, from where… Holborn, Mansion House, Bank, from where…

& Waterloo Rd.. from where…

Parliament Square, from where… Victoria Stn,

PC, from where… HPC, and OC, from where… MA

TCR

Why are there 10 route stops at ‘T’ and only one at ‘S’

Are there any actual stops at Y and Z ?

0.4 Taking the Tube to Trafalgar Square

2010-05-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

There are 5 tube stations within walking distance of Trafalgar Square.

Charing Cross, being the main one, approximately 4 minutes walking at an average speed.

Leicester Square, a an eight minute walk.

Piccadilly Circus, also an eight minute walk.

Covent Garden, is an eleven minute walk.

Embankment, is also an eleven minute walk.

The Tube Lines that serve these stations are…

Charing Cross; Bakerloo and Northern.

Leicester Square; Piccadilly and Northern.

Piccadilly Circus; Bakerloo and Piccadilly.

Covent Garden; Piccadilly Line.

Embankment; Circle and District lines, as well as Bakerloo and Northern Lines.

NOTE:

Jubilee Line can be found at Westminster Stn.

Victoria Line can be found at Victoria Stn.,

Waterloo & City Line can be found at Waterllo Stn.,