Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and the Thames walk

On 28th January 2023 a group of us (Peter B, Paul K, Fred, Trevor, Eileen, Marian, Richard, Cathy and Parviz) met at Stratford Station and, led by Peter Bianchi, got the Jubilee Line to Surrey Quays Station. First stop was the shopping mall, for coffees.

The Old Justice Pub, BermondseyWe then headed to Southwark Park where we walked round the lake and then headed into the art gallery, which had some interesting works. We also looked at the Old Justice pub, which has a commemorative blue plaque to Sir Paul McCartney. The inscription reads: The Old Justice. Sir Paul McCartney, MBE, musician & songwriter, used the interiors and exteriors of this public house as locations in his film "Give My Returns to Broad Street" and for the music video to his hit single "No More Lonely Nights". Looking at the commemorative plaque

Walking on, up to the Thames we saw the Ada Salter statue (she was a council member and campaigned for parks for the working classes which included Southwark Park) and her husband Dr Salter.

Part way we lost Paul Knight to the rugby – the advantage of having easy access to the stations.

We ate lunch sat on benches by the moated grounds that were once part of Edward III’s manor house, then we strolled to the Mayflower Pub. The pub dates back to 1550 and was renamed to commemorate the Pilgrims’ ship which sailed from nearby. After a lengthy coffee stop, the pub was rather busy, we moved on to the Brunel Museum which records the work and problems of the first Thames tunnel.

We walked through Stave Hill Ecological Park, and learnt that timber imported from around the world was stored submerged in the local docks to stop it drying and rotting. The docks were named after the country the timber originated from – Canada Water, Russia Dock etc.

We then strolled past Surrey Quays, and on to Canada Water Station for a train home. Quite a long, but enjoyable and educational day.

Richard, 8th May 2023

Photos by Peter Bianchi