Greenwich, one of London's 32 boroughs, is situated on the south bank of the River Thames on the east side of London. It actually has no underground stations, but it is easy to reach from Central London by train or by riverboat from Westminster Bridge, passing some famous landmarks along the way. Believe it or not, you can also walk beneath the River Thames to Greenwich from the Isle of Dogs on the north side of the river, through an old foot tunnel.
It is very easy to imagine Greenwich as the bustling naval port which it once was. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with old inns and tall houses, once the homes of famous sea captains and naval officers. The riggings of the restored tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, sitting on the historic waterfront adds to the ambience of former times. However the piéce de résistance of any visit to Greenwich is the National Maritime Museum within the collection of historic buildings which once served as the Royal Naval Hospital.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also the home of Greenwich Mean Time as it marks zero degrees longitude, making it the very center of the world, for mariners at least. The Greenwich Meridian line is marked by a metal strip which runs through the courtyard in front of the Royal Observatory. You may also see the green laser light shining into the sky which marks this important spot.
Visitors can still see the time ball which signals 1pm exactly each day. Look up at the roof of the beautiful octagonal Royal Observatory building on the hill and you will see a ball on a pole. At five minutes to one the ball rises halfway up the pole. At two minutes to one, it rises to the top of the pole, and at 1pm precisely you will see it drop. You can still set your watch by it today! This lovely building was built in 1833 by the British Admiralty and how houses a marine chronometer, the famous Fedchenko clock, which was the most accurate pendulum clock ever built, and the Grubb telescope, the largest of its kind in England.
Greenwich is centered on the buildings of the former Royal Naval College which was originally the Greenwich Hospital for wounded seamen, built in 1694. Once the site of the Palace of Placentia, where both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were born, Greenwich still has some very famous residents and royal connections.
Some of the old naval college buildings at Greenwich are currently used by the University of Greenwich, but many are open to the public. As with many London museums, entry to the Maritime Museum is free and it is open daily.
The Queen's House is one of several buildings within the naval college grounds which are now historic treasures. The impressive Maritime Museum building has many fascinating historic treasures and the baroque Painted Hall is a wonderful sight. Painted by James Thornhill in the early 1700s, it depicts the succession of English monarchs from William and Mary to George I. Looking at the wonderfully detailed painted ceiling and frescoed walls, it seems incredible that the artwork survived, as it was the dining room for the Royal Naval College for many years!
The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul can also be toured and has a beautiful interior, designed by James Stuart. Book lovers will appreciate the maritime historical library, the largest in the world, which has 100,000 books, some dating back to the 15th century. Exploring this wonderful site, you can almost touch history.
Once your tour of this fabulous museum estate is finished, you may want to head for Greenwich Park for a stroll around with views of the passing boat traffic along the Thames, or visit the small shops, pubs and restaurants which Greenwich is known for.
In 2012, Greenwich will be designated a Royal borough, a rare honor bestowed by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, in recognition of its long association with the monarchy. Anyone planning a trip to London should consider visiting during early June as the official royal celebrations will be particularly splendid, celebrating Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne.
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