Old historic archive shot recalling Karl Moritz - # 08/153

Wanting to stay with a boat theme I dug out this old archive shot from the series "Searching for Karl Moritz, 1782". Here is the (at least) 400 year old ferry crossing point from the old village of Chiswick to Barnes. I discovered that Karl Moritz did not use it, but whizzed past in the stage coach direct to cross over the "modern 1759" Kew Bridge into Richmond. Indeed exactly as I would, in my car, today. (Except that I prefer the train....much more convenient).

Looking back at this archive I'm horrified to see - yet again - that my tendency to tilt the camera to the right has made the Thames flow up-hill. You also get a good view of the plastic rubbish washed up on high tides.............

Super security for brave and bold revellers - # 221

Here's more on the flood defences at Strand on the Green; that elegant yet eccentric Thames-side community.

Questions about yesterday's steps and doorway have been answered on that post # 220.

Here, in # 221, you can see the massive door that protects the downstairs bar of the "City Barge" pub. Naturally there is also an upstairs bar well above the water line. The food is excellent, the beer is first rate, and the atmosphere superb; ideal for crafty photographers.

The City Barge claims to have been on this site, under various names since at least 1484.

Enjoying the company of others - # 216

Around Richmond there are many excellent and very old inns that still retain many of their original oak beams and walls that are hundreds of years old.

I am trying capture the atmosphere and quality of these places, but this involves research and hard work - as you can imagine! Several repeat visits may be necessary.

Strand on the Green is an interesting riverside settlement that is also "under my microscope".

Here is my rendering of "The Bull's Head", a very old riverside pub at Strand on the Green, near Kew Bridge.