A Teaser

I can't leave you with just a couple of words on this place, it is a real London gem.  So I am going to leave a promise that I will take you inside very soon and tell you all about it.

Pretty Bluebells

It is definitely Spring when the bluebells are in full bloom.

Written at the foot of this memorial in the grounds of St Mary's church in Rotherhithe is:
"To the memory of Christopher Jones 1570 - 1622 Master of the Mayflower. He landed 102 planters and adventurers at Plymouth Massachusetts 21 Dec 1620. They formed the Mayflower Compact the first permanent colony in New England." 
Christopher Jones became master of the Mayflower in 1609 and had a quarter share in the ownership of the vessel.  It was mainly employed transporting wine, spices and furs from the new world back to London from almost this spot.

In 1620 he took the pilgrims to Massachusetts.  The pilgrims honoured his memory by naming the Jones river in nearby Kingston after him.  When he died he was buried in this very churchyard, in a now unmarked grave.

Clogs

Clogs for sale at the Scandinavian Xmas market.  Not very Victoria Beckham but I guess they're comfy.

Brunel's Bridge

A replica of Brunel's bridge as a seat in the courtyard to the museum. I arrived too late to visit the museum itself, however I will return and take you inside on another day.

White Snow Queen

A Xmas character I am not so familiar with, whom I met at the Scandinavian Xmas market at Rotherhithe on the weekend.  The white snow queen.  She was a hit with kids and adults alike.  I'm hoping some of my Scandinavian readers can tell me more about her.

It is always fun to find out about the folklore from around the world that we are seeing more and more of creeping into Xmas festivities.

The market was selling everything from furniture to bear pate, yes you did read that right, I passed very quickly on that last item and settled for a pickled herring sandwich.
One of the highlights of the market for me was more of that delicious crisp gingerbread that I showed you yesterday.  I have packets of the stuff now.