London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Rather than rushing to the underground tunnels, jump in one of the vintage buses leaving from Trafalgar Square. Yes, real routemasters! With their rounder angles, thir bright ruby red, they bring a smile to the lips, like meeting an old friend. Even better, it will not cost you more than a normal bus fare and you can use your Oyster or Travel card… Two lignes depart from the square, #9 and #15. Prefer the latter which will take you up to the Tower of London.

You will drive through Fleet Street – look at the richly sculpted buildings, the Court of Justice… It was home to the most famous newspapers at one time. The second biggest river of the City (the first being the Thames, of course), Fleet, actually runs underneath. A few minutes later, you will be at St Paul’s – splendid view if you are on the deck level, worth a picture. Just adter the cathedral look out on your right for the Bracken House. The building may not look like much, with its brick walls but what an entrance with this one meter wide astronomical clock!

Bernard Bracken was pretty powerful in its time – chairman of the Times, no less! -  and had it installed in 1955. The paper was printed here until 1980 when new techniques forced a move to the Docklands.

The clock shows the time, date and zodiac signs in touches of blue enamel and gold metal. But focus on the center -  see the serious, almost stern face? This is Winston Churchill’s, personal friend of Bracken’s (who, by the way, worked for the politician as his Minister of Information). What a great proof of friendhsip and support to picture him as a sun God!

Feel like a walk with a difference? Well, you can try this one, following a sundial trail through London…

But if you prefer to continue on the Churchill theme, have a look at the splendid statue in front of the Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Or visit his War rooms, wher he took his strategic decisions.
The best place still is in Kent, if you have access to a car: in Chartwell sits his gorgeous home and you could swear he has just left the room, cigar in hand…

Pssst: did you know he used to buy his cheese from Paxton & Whitfield?

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