I have always lived and worked in London. I am a proud Londoner but over the years, I had got quite London blasé and had stopped appreciating the beauty on my doorstep. However, working with a Kiwi business partner and lots of clients who want Iconic London photo shoots, I have re-discovered my love for what in my opinion is the BEST City in the World. How lucky am I?? This year is set to be an amazing year for London, who of course are hosting the Olympics but I hope that people (Londoners or otherwise!) take the time to STOP and look at the beauty of the architecture and City.
Today, after a client viewing in Chelsea, I was driving back along the river and my breath caught as I glimpsed the bridge through the trees of the embankment. It has always been my favourite bridge and has always captivated me, initially as a small child when my lovely Grandad told me it was called "the trembling lady" and that soldiers had to fall out of step when crossing her. There even used to be sign confirming this but as I was in the car, I didn't get a chance to look. Looking back, I have no idea "why" it was called the "trembling lady" - can anyone enlighten me??
As an adult, I would stumble home in a black cab through the deserted streets its lights always gave me reassurance that I was nearly home and "south of the river".
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It is beautifully lit at night by 4,000 bulbs and is a stunning chalky pink colour. For the last few years it has been shut for refurbishment but I am thrilled that we can now drive over it again. For me, it will always have a special place in my heart.
Do you have a favourite London Landmark? If so, what is it and why?
Peace and Love
S.A.M xx
I always forget about Wikipedia! Have now read the full history on the bridge and can tell you that there are 4,000 bulbs that light it up!! Thank you xx
ReplyDeleteI love this photo as well, it was taken on my iphone so is a bad photo but I love the feelings it evokes...glad I know why she is a trembling lady now!!
ReplyDeletethank you! Glad you like it
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma, I also love Battersea Power Station...my dad used to tell me it was a giant's table turned upside down!!!!
ReplyDeleteoh Lucy, that is just MAGICAL....I may have to borrow your fathers story to tell the Pixie, she would LOVE that (and actually, I think the boys as well). White Cliffs are also lovely, but not as captivating for me now as the trembling lady...more so now I love your fairy story to add to the magic!
ReplyDeletethe camera never lies and your mum is uber glam no?!!!
ReplyDeleteLiberties is also a wonderful building as well...
thanks so much xx
ReplyDeletefrom good all Wikki "Nicknamed "The Trembling Lady" because of its tendency to vibrate when large numbers of people walked over it, signs at the entrances warn troops from the nearby Chelsea Barracks to break step while crossing the bridge".
ReplyDeleteLove the photo and Yes and I guess most ladies would tremble should large numbers of people walk over them! x
ReplyDeleteNice capture and interesting info on the bridge.
ReplyDeleteBattersea Power Station is one of my favourites, I am not sure why. I have always loved it and it was a friendly sight on my commute to and from work! What a great picture by the way, and an exciting year for you! Emma :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little and I couldnt sleep one night my father drove me to Albert Bridge all lit up and told me that it was the bridge to fairyland and all the lights were the fairies guiding the road ahead for other fairies. I believed that (forever) for years and was very disappointed to discover that actually it was the road to Battersea! The Trembling Lady thing is because it used to tremble if too many people waked on it - hence the soldiers being told to break their step. If my history is right, it was built by Peter Bazelgette's (newly knighted and CEO of Endomol - Big Brother etc -) grandfather.As for my favourite landmark (if they are one) mine is the White Cliffs at Dover. I always get a surge of national pride when I fly over them returning from lands afar! XXXX
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous night shot!
ReplyDeleteIf it was a landmark at Christmas I would say liberty...I just love that building!
Thank you for the comment on my blog, my mum will be seriously chuffed!
what a great shot , its great that it holds such memories for you too a lovely addition in your 365 set x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful image, sucha pretty bridge. I wondered why it was called Trembling Lady until I saw the comment below. Look forward to seeing your other shots :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to #Project366
A fabulous shot.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty shot.
ReplyDeleteWow, looks amazing! I don't get down to London very often but love it Cx
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