London Photo Gallery - Greenwich

Greenwich is an easy day trip from Central London, easily accessible by DLR or the rail network. Southeastern's trains from the City or London Bridge take less than 15 minutes to reach Greenwich. The major attractions are all within walking distance from the train station. My first stop is Greenwich Market, whose history dates back to 1737 when it opened with about 60 stalls, most of whom were butchers. As the market expanded in the 19th century, there was a need to move to a better facility and it came to the present location. The market's fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish sections went into decline after World War II but fortunes changed in the 1980s with an arts and crafts market opening in 1985. The market is next to the old Royal Naval College, which was once Greenwich Palace from the late 15th century for almost 200 years, witnessing the birth of Henry VIII. Demolished after the English Civil War, Queen Mary II commissioned the construction of a facility to care for retirees from the Royal Navy. Sir Christopher Wren was appointed to the project, and the Royal Hospital for Seamen's grandeur reflects Britain's maritime power. The Royal Naval College moved in after the hospital moved in 1869, which was subsequently replaced by the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. The site opens up to the Thames for a panoramic view of the Canary Wharf skyline. The Chapel sits underneath one of Wren's grand domes and is free to visit with plenty of pastel and plaster decorations.