Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks & Memorial Garden

Hidden away on a small piece of woodland, in the middle of a large industrial park, is a well kept lawn and some interesting memorials. This is the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks Memorial Garden.

It is hard to imagine, now, but this entire area that comprises the memorial park and new industrial park was once marshland. 

In the 1800s, William Congreve built his rocket factory here. His rockets were based on an Indian design that had proved effective against the East India Company. He would go on to develop three types of rocket that travelled various distances and had different warheads. 

London's River Lights

If you walk along the Thames Path, east of Woolwich, you will discover these small red lighthouses. They can be found at Margaretness (or Tripcock Ness), Crossness and Coldharbour.

They are not lighthouses, in the traditional sense, but more like navigational light masts.

The Margaretness Lighthouse was installed in 1902, by Trinity House (the General Lighthouse Authority for England), but has been operated by the Port of London Authority, since 1993. 

In 1566, Queen Elizabeth I empowered Trinity House to set up "so many beacons, marks and signs for the sea whereby the dangers may be avoided and escaped and ships the better come into their ports without peril."

On Tour: York, Day 4

Monday March 9, 2026.

For the first time this weekend, I slept in, so I didn't go for a walk before breakfast.

However, after breakfast we went to Shambles Market and had a quick wander around the city, before heading back to the hotel to pack.

The rest of the morning was spent relaxing, before we headed to a bus stop so that Emma could catch a bus to the station, while I completed a final walk.

So, I headed south along 'Foss Island Road' and onto 'Paragon Street', keeping outside of the city walls, until I reached 'Skeldergate Bridge', which I used to cross the 'River Ouse'.

On Tour: York, Day 3

Sunday March 8, 2026.

Another morning and another early rise... for me.

Again I went into ninja mode, leaving Emma to sleep as I quietly left the room and made my way into the cool morning air. 

I headed south, along 'Foss Islands Road', before turning onto 'Navigation Road', then along 'Hope Street' until I reached 'George Street'. I entered 'St George's Churchyard' and found Dick Turpin's grave, having not been able to see it from the Necrobus the night before. 

On Tour: York, Day 2

Saturday March 7, 2026.

As per usual, when I am away, I awoke early at around 05:40. 

So, I quietly made my way to the bathroom, where I washed and dressed making sure not to wake Emma. I then made my way down to reception and out into the cool dawn morning, heading into the city.

I barely saw a single person as I made my way through the darkened streets, snapping photos of old churches and historic buildings as I made my way towards 'Shambles'. On our visit the previous night 'Shambles' had been full of visitors, but this morning was completely deserted. The early morning light giving it an otherworldly countenance.

From here I headed towards the Minster, with still no one in sight. More photographs were taken, before the light brightened and people began to appear, heading to their workplaces.

I followed my feet, confident that the layout of the city was stored correctly in my mind, as each lane, street or alleyway twisted and brought me to another wonderful building. 'The Golden Fleece' pub would become a landmark for the entire weekend, as it always seemed to be where we would end up.