Following an even-more-northern route, we start the day in Brick Lane (formerly called Whitechapel Lane), which derives its name from the brick and tile manufacturers located there in the 15th century, manufacturing with the the local earth deposits. Two hundred years later, in the 17th century, brewers established themselves in the area, making beer with water drawn from deep wells. There appear to no longer be any brick/tile makers, still a few breweries, but most of the neighborhood is now a vibrant art and fashion area.
Brick Lane
Just past Brick Lane, Old Spitalfields Market houses shops and restaurants, claiming to have ten of East London's best chefs on a site where there has been a market for over 350 years. We're there too early for lunch, but need to come back later when the food is ready.
Old Spitalfields Market
Continuing on toward St. Pancras International Train Station, we see a lot of great old buildings in what use to be the northeastern outskirts of London. Also, lots of small parks and tree-lined boulevards.
Great buildings and boulevards
We wander into one small park, Duncan Terrace Garden, that was opened as a public garden in 1893 along the New River, an open water conduit built in 1613 to bring drinking water to London.
Duncan Terrace Garden
Soon, we reach St. Pancras International Station, London terminal station for the Eurostar train to Paris. We've departed and arrived on the Eurostar several times and it is a great way to travel between London and Paris (in 2.25 hours).
St. Pancras Station
Behind St. Pancras, we discover the St. Pancras Old Church, one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in England, dating from AD 314. We wander into the churchyard and relax in a beautiful, serene park, a very different atmosphere from the busy international train station next door.
St. Pancras Old Church
Beyond the church, we find canals and follow them toward our next destination, Camden Market.
Canals above St. Pancras
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