Some 36 members joined the first of our new events – a walk round Old Westminster in early September. Luckily, the trains, Tubes and weather were behaving themselves and everyone gathered outside St James’s Park station to meet our guides Oliver and Simon.

The two groups set off in different directions for what was essentially a two-hour loop featuring the history and landmarks of an area central to politics and religion in the UK.
Oliver took group one over Birdcage Walk past steps leading to a former royal cockpit, into St James’ Park (a former plague pit and zoo) and Horse Guards Road to Whitehall and into Parliament Square to take in the view across the Thames and
along to Lambeth Palace. From there it was back through Smith Square, Cowley Street and the Dean’s Yard behind Westminster Abbey to the starting point.

Simon started the other way straight to Westminster Abbey and across to Dean’s Yard, Cowley Street, explaining the history and architecture of the Abbey and showed us the ancient candle-snuffers and oil lantern holders outside houses and gas street lights – the latter are still in use. He also showed us the otherwise-anonymous houses in Cowley Street that had been the scene of much behind-the-scenes plotting by political parties and, later, Harold Wilson’s hideaway home. Then it was on to Parliament over College Green stopping outside the Abbey – this group couldn’t cross the square because it was sealed off for a demonstration.
Both groups found their guides fascinating, humorous and very knowledgeable and the gentle two-hour flat stroll was easily accessible. Many members ended the walk with a pub lunch and are looking forward to a similar walk, possibly round the City,
next year.

Thanks to our guides, Christine for organising and everyone for helping to make it a splendid morning out.