Another day of learning.

As we’ve had a couple of recent late nights, we’ve also had a couple of lazy days to compensate.  However, today, it was back to enjoying the sights and sounds of our capital 

This afternoon, before catching the tube to Greenwich, we spied a very nice, recently taken “layered photograph” for sale, which just happened to have ‘Chance’ moored in the distance.  So, with photo purchased, it was back to the tube ride ………..

……….. where, nearing Greenwich, the Docklands Light Railway takes an exciting swoop down under the River Thames – a bit like an Alton Towers ride!

We couldn’t resist having some lunch in the fantastic Pie and Mash Shop in Greenwich …………..

……….. then a quick walk around Greenwich Market ………..

……… before walking through Greenwich Park and up the hill to the  Royal Observatory.

There’s so much to see there, including some wonderful reminders of  times past.

This is the remaining section of William Herschel’s 40 foot reflecting telescope – becoming famous, in 1781, for his discovery of Uranus.

There’s a lovely view of the city of London from the Observatory – Canary Wharf, dominant on the other side of the Thames with the city to the left of centre.

A close-up of the Thames and the city from the roof of the Observatory.

Between 1750 and 1850 the (Bradley) Meridian line ran through the centre of the middle building (where the roof is covered in lead).  When the Airy Transit Circle Telescope was erected in 1850 the worlds prime Meridian Line was moved 19 feet to it’s present position.  The difference in position represents just 1/50 of a second in time – not worth worrying about in Victorian times!

The Transit Circle telescope is still in working order and, up to 1954, had been used to make over 600, 000 observations.

The crowds of tourists were queuing outside for their chance to put one foot in each hemisphere but, inside the building, right next to the Transit Circle telescope, we had the Meridian Line to ourselves.

Our last port of call was the magnificent 28 inch refracting telescope – the largest and most powerful in Britain (and seventh largest in the world).  Music is playing in this room which is an art form called “Longplayer” and is a continuous musical composition written to play, without repetition, for a thousand years  - makes you think doesn’t it!

There’s always something to do somewhere in London and, with the weather mild and sunny again, we had another great day.  After getting back to ‘Chance’ for a breather this evening we’re looking forward to our last Friday night “on the town”.