Greenwich and Beyond!

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We travelled down to Greenwich today for our annual cultural day out, courtesy of The Old Croydonians’ Association – the ex-pupil association of my old School. Last year, in October, the OCA organised a behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House, and it was great day out. This time, we’re looking ‘beyond the obvious’ in Greenwich.! 👍👍

As usual, Bob, from the Committee had put the event together where for once, the weather worked to our advantage – a gorgeous day – perfect for just ‘wandering about’.

We arrived in good time. In fact. we even had time for a slice of cake at a nearby café – The Green Café – in Greenwich High Road. It certainly lived up to its green credentials, where there was even a ‘Betroot Latte’ on the menu. Err, no thanks! We went ‘old school’ and ordered two good ol’ fashioned full-fat cappuccinos before we headed for the official meeting point – The Mitre Pub.

Into the Pub

By the time we arrived at the Pub, further along Greenwich High Road, there were already plenty of Old Croydonians filling the Orangery. In fact, it was a great turnout of just under 30 ‘old boys’ (and girls). It was also pleasing to see the familiar faces of Cortland (Chair), Valerie (Committee), John (Treasurer) and Caroline (Membership) too. We were soon settled on one of the Pub’s bright and rather plush orange couches chatting with Steve, Alan and Chris(tine) – none of whom we’d met before. Over a relaxing lunch of haddock goujon sandwiches we had an extended opportunity to exchange views of our individual school experiences, and it was all very pleasant and where the time passed rather too quickly.

At just before 2pm. Bob gave a short briefing, introducing us to our Tour Guides – Wendy and Isabel. Like all good school trips, we were split into smaller groups. Whether we could remember which groups we’d been assigned to, was another of today’s challenges, but we coped and headed outside! 😉

Into the Church

The first part of our tour, the Church was right next to the Pub – St Alfrege – According to our Guide, there been a church here for over a thousand years, dedicated to the memory of Alfrege, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred on this site in 1012. St Alfege Church was the first London church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Many key historical figures in Greenwich’s royal, maritime and scientific history have close links with the site, including Henry Vlll, Composer, Thomas Tallis, General James Wolfe and Astronomer, John Flamsteed.

Split into our two groups, Wendy began to give us an overview of the Church plus Greenwich in general. She certainly knew her stuff and was passionate, humorous and very engaging. Perfect! All the qualities of a perfect Guide!

If you like your Churches light, airy and spacious – then this is a must-see. Much of the interior had been rebuilt after the war and consequently, it all felt very contemporary.

Into the Catacombs

Part of our special arrangement with the Church for today was a visit to the catacombs. The most famous burial there as General Wolfe, victor of Quebec and Thomas Tallis Best of all, it was beautifully cool down there, if a little cramped with quite a few opportunities to play ‘head-meets-roof’!

Into the Town

After the coolness of the catacombs, we returned to the living and headed into the back roads of Greenwich.

There was certainly plenty to absorb about the history of the area. We saw Benjamin Waugh‘s house (or thought we did). He set up the NSPCC, but what made it even more interesting, was that the person who put the plaque on the house, got the address wrong! 😕. Elsewhere, we saw where the old railway passed through the town, the Fan Museum, a row of House specially built with an additional annual cost of a few pounds per year to support the local schools and even a ‘darker’ part of the area where press-ganging was rife. All very interesting and Wendy continued to do a great job of keeping us informed entertained.

Into the Park

Next stop was the famous Greenwich Park. We didn’t dwell much on the history here as these were sights most of us were already familiar with.

The statue of King William IV, sculpted by Samuel Nixon, had originally been erected in London (King William Street, where else!!!) but was moved to Greenwich Park in 1936.

and finally…

…two tales and a tail! 🤔

We concluded our tour at the Cutty Sark, but not before Wendy left us with a couple of rarely known facts. What looked like a large feather being held by in the Clipper’s figurehead – Nannie – is in fact part of a horse’s tail and it’s all linked to the poem Tam O’Shanter, by Robert Burns involving witches, Tam and his soon-to-be tail-free nag – spooky stuff! Wendy’s second and final story was somewhat more recent. Near the Cutty Sark is a locked gate that leads down to the River. Apparently, when they were filming Pirates of the Caribbean here with Johnny Depp, he was so concerned about being mobbed by fans after a day of filming. he paid for the old gate to be fully restored – and locked – so HE alone could use it to ‘escape’! Ahh, the price of stardom!! 😉. Ironically, it’s said that he NEVER used it! 😕

Well, the afternoon seemed to pass in a flash. Wendy said her goodbye and whilst a few stayed behind for a natter and a final cuppa, we called it a day. We said goodbye to our school chums around 4.15pm and headed back to Greenwich Station.

All our connections worked well and our recently purchased ‘Two Together’ Card pretty much paid for itself today just from today’s ticket savings. We were indoors just after 6.55pm, so it beat trying to do it all by car! 👍

Bob – thanks for getting today organised, we had a really good time! 👍😊