St Augustine's Tower

The original church of St Augustine that stood on this site from 1275 was demolished in 1798 to make way for the bigger church of St St John. All that remains is the bell tower.
The plan was to move the bells to the new tower that was built in 1814, however the tower wasn't strong enough and had to be strengthened.
By 1854 when the work was completed the community wanted to keep the historical tower as a reminder of Hackney's medieval past. The bells and tower were saved and are now managed by the Hackney Historic Buildings Trust.

The tower and original church were dedicated to St Augustine the patron saint of the Knights Templar who owned much of Hackney's land until the 17th century. The church changed its dedication to St John in 1660 after the Knights of St John took over from the Templars.

White Noise Warning

Bricklane is famous for its graffiti, markets and Indian restaurants and this piece is near the western entrance to the lane. I can't help feeling that it's a modern day version of the severed heads that were placed on London bridge in the middle ages as a warning to all those that entered that should they get up to no good this could be their fate!!

But maybe I've just been reading too many London history books lately.

End of the Line - Amersham

Here is the first of an occasional series I am bringing you. I will periodically catch a tube to the end of the line to see what is there.
This end-of-the-line trip at the northern end of the metropolitan line (the oldest tube) takes you to the quaint town of Amersham.
The tube stops in the new town. Catch a taxi to the old town (approx £5).

A perfectly preserved 17th-18th century English village with origins going back to pre-Saxon times. Explore the old church and market building. Have a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants or one of the quaint old pubs.

Wander down the main street to take in the old cottages, the many antique stores, the museum and park.