Britain has a long maritime tradition and London, as its major port, is a focus of that. It’s still a surprise, however, to see in what unexpected places a ship might turn up. Keep your eyes open and you never know what you’ll spot in London, shipmates.
Swaziland High Commission
Strange that this tiny land-locked African nation should have a ship outside its representative’s office near Buckingham Palace. The building is called Ship House and the name - and the emblem - obviously predate the occupants.
20 Buckingham Gate SW1
Tube: Victoria/St James’s Park
Two Temple Place
A beaten copper wind-vane of Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria tops this ornate office building. William Waldorf Astor gave architect John Loughborough Pearson a blank cheque to create this beautiful structure in 1895. Look for the two cherubs on the phone at the front door.
Temple Place W2
Tube: Temple
www.twotempleplace.co.uk
Trinity House
Trinity House started life as a Guild of Pilots in Deptford in the 14th century, and began operating lighthouses in 1566. This fine headquarters building was designed by Samuel Wyatt and dates from 1796. It was rebuilt in 1953, repairing damage from World War II.
Trinity Square EC3
Tube: Tower Bridge
125 Pall Mall
Now housing Turkish Airlines, among others, this building is one of many whose decor predates its present occupiers. In 1767, this was the home of the auction firm Christies, established by ex-navy man James Christie - so that might be the connection.
125 Pall Mall SW1
Tube: Charing Cross
The Mall
Nelson, on his column in Trafalgar Square, is actually surveying his fleet. He’s looking towards the Mall, where each lamppost is said to bear an effigy of each ship from HMS Victory to the smallest: the 64-gun Agamemnon, Polyphemus and Africa - though to me they all look identical.
The Mall SW1
Tube: Charing Cross
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Ship Ahoy! 1 2
St Nicholas Flats
This block is part of Sidney Estate which was built by St Pancras Housing Association in the early 1930s as cheap housing in Somerstown after slum clearances. St Nicholas - besides being Santa Claus - is also the the patron saint of sailors, which explains this small fleet of ships adrift in a hidden corner of Camden.
Aldenham Street NW1
Tube: Euston
